Spices to Cleanse & Detoxify the Body

Spices were originally developed in the Middle East and herbs later on in East Asia. Early uses of spices and herbs included magic, medicine, religion, tradition, and preservation. Spices were originally used by the upper class and nobles, however, it wasn’t long before spices became part of the barter system and used as currency. This is how spices moved around from country to country and eventually made it to Europe and the America’s. rnSpices have been used for thousands of years in Traditional Chinese medicine, Ayurvedic medicine, and herbalism. They are still being used in this capacity today. Herbs help to cleanse the colon, increase bowel movements and detox the liver. By adding spices to your food you can detox your body, lose weight naturally, and keep your hormones in balance. A spice is a dried seed, fruit, root, bark, or vegetative substance, where as herbs are the leafy, green parts of plants. All spices are herbs bur not all herbs are spices. Here you will find a list of spices that can be used to naturally detox the body. Turmeric- Turmeric is a basic cleanser for all the systems in the body. Turmeric has antiseptic, alterative, carminative and antibacterial properties. It purifies the blood, reduces fat, and aids in circulation. Turmeric and its main component curcumin both aid in digestion and help to rid the body of intestinal parasites. It helps with liver detoxification and cleansing. Turmeric can be eaten, drank in tea, or used as oil. Ginger- Ginger is an antioxidant and anti-inflammatory with stimulant, diaphoretic, and expectoration properties. Ginger is a physical cleanser, which aids in digestion and stimulates all body tissues. Ginger also is a powerful anti-cancer agent, which fights and kills cancer cells. Ginger can be added to food or teas, it also can be used in an oil or compress. Garlic- Garlic is a commonly used spice in the kitchen which can be chewed, cooked, powdered, added to tea, decoction, infusion, food or oil. It has great disinfecting properties within the body. It also acts as a stimulant, carminative, expectorant and antispasmodic. Garlic stimulates the secretions within the digestive tract and rejuvenates all the tissues it comes into contact with. Garlic has wonderful health benefits for the heart, digestive system and immune system. Cloves- Cloves have many beneficial properties for the body. They are an analgesic, anesthetic, antifungal, expectorant, stimulant and carminative. Cloves tone the muscles making it harder to damage muscle tissue. It also protects the liver from adverse effects and elevates the antioxidant level within. Saffron- Saffron is a highly valued spice not only for its culinary capabilities but for its medicinal purposes as well. Saffron is an antioxidant, which helps to eliminate free radicals within the body. It also acts as a stimulant to increase the rate of expectoration. Overall it is a great rejuvenating spice, which can be added to food or infusions or used as oil, perfume or in the bath. Horseradish- Horseradish is a stimulating spice for all of the elimination systems. For digestion it acts as a cholgogue, which promotes the flow of bile from the gallbladder into the intestine and influences the liver to detoxify the blood. With its powerful diuretic and stimulant effects, horseradish can clear the nasal passages and stimulate circulation and blood flow. Cayenne Pepper- Cayenne pepper aids in digestion by stimulating the flow of saliva and stomach secretions. It increases circulation, which alleviates gastrointestinal and bowel problems and relieves constipation as expectoration occurs. Cayenne pepper also is a carminative, emetic, and decongestant, which eliminates mucus. Cayenne contains health benefits such as Vitamin C, vitamin E, carotenoids and capsaicin, which are powerful antioxidants. These elements support the liver in the cleansing process. Parsley- Parsley is a diuretic, antiseptic and anti-carcinogenic that is rich in vitamins. The root of parsley is used to treat digestive disorders and the herbs and seeds are used to treat kidney and bladder problems. Parsley has a laxative effect on sluggish digestion and relieves flatulence, stomach cramps and indigestion. Rosemary-Rosemary is a tonic, which improves circulation and digestion. It is a disinfectant and carminative, which encourages and stimulates circulation. Rosemary has antiseptic, antibacterial and antifungal properties. As a diuretic, rosemary has a generally cleansing ability. Rosemary treats flatulence, indigestion, constipation, and prevents and reduces digestive spasms.