Arizona Care Cigna Health

Many ordinary ingredients found on kitchen spice racks have powerful medicinal properties. Herbalist and folk practitioners have used plant remedies for centuries, but only recently have scientists begun to study the powers of common herbs and spices. Not surprisingly, research is confirming much what our ancestors already knew--many herbs and spices do indeed contain powerful preventative and healing properties.

Basil

A common garden plant, and prevalent flavor in Mediterranean cuisine, basil has long been used to aid digestion, and ease stomach cramps and constipation. A member of the mint family, basil is also said to have a slightly sedative effect and has been recommended by some herbalists for anxiety. Others also claim basil is a helpful memory enhancer, though these uses have yet to be scientifically confirmed. However, research has confirmed basil’s antibacterial components. Dr. Tieraona Low Dog of the University of Arizona’s College of Medicine explained this attribute in a talk to health care professionals attending the May 2007 Conference on Nutrition and Health in New York City. In the past, before refrigeration, basil was used to not only to flavor food, but to help preserve it. Dr. Low Dog states that due to this property basil can be used topically on wounds as an antibacterial to aid healing.