Spices and herbs have long been used for medicinal purposes, such as treating indigestion and other digestive problems. While science is unsure of the direct benefits of certain spices and herbs in protecting and fighting cancer, the indirect beneficial effects of consuming spices and herbs are more easily recognized.
One such effect is their unique flavor, which ranges from strong to mild. When diagnosed with cancer, appetite is often lost and taste changes occur that can lead to unwanted weight loss, but adding herbs and spices to your food can help stimulate your taste buds and activate your appetite.
Instructions
Step 1
Ginger has long been used in folk medicine to treat many ailments, from colds to digestive problems. Ginger can be used fresh or as a powder (spice) or even candied fruit. While the taste is vastly different between fresh and ground ginger, they can be substituted for each other in many recipes.
You can substitute 1/8 teaspoon of ground ginger with 1 tablespoon of freshly grated ginger, and vice versa. Consuming ginger in addition to taking any nausea medication can help the stomach during cancer treatment.
Step 2
Rosemary is a Mediterranean herb that has needle-like leaves and is a good source of antioxidants. Rosemary is widely used in Mediterranean cuisine and can often be seen as a main ingredient in Italian condiments. You can use it to flavor soups, tomato sauce, bread, and high protein foods like poultry, beef and lamb.
Rosemary can speed up the detoxification process (rid the body of toxins), help with taste changes, loss of appetite, indigestion, flatulence, and other digestive problems. Try drinking 3 cups of rosemary leaf tea a day to treat the above health problems.
Step 3
Turmeric is an herb of the ginger family; it is one of the ingredients that gives the food its yellow color and its special flavor. Curcumin is an active substance found in turmeric. This component has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties that protect the body from developing cancer.
Turmeric extract is currently being studied to find out what role it plays in the prevention and treatment of certain cancers, including colon, prostate, breast and skin cancers. While the results seem promising, they have mostly been observed in laboratory studies.
Step 4
Chili peppers contain capsaicin, an ingredient that can relieve pain. When capsaicin is applied topically to the skin, it triggers the release of a chemical called Substance P. After further use, the amount of Substance P eventually decreases, reducing pain in the affected area.
But you should not rub the sore spots with pepper, because it can cause burns when it comes into contact with the skin. It is best if you are in pain and want to use chili peppers, ask your oncologist or doctor about prescribing a cream that contains capsaicin. It has shown fairly good results in treating neuropathic pain (acute pain that travels along the path of a nerve) after cancer surgery.
Another benefit of chili peppers is to help the body with indigestion. Several studies have shown that consuming small amounts of peppers can reduce stomach upset.
Step 5
Garlic belongs to the class of monocotyledonous plants, which also include onions, leeks, and shallots. Garlic is high in sulfur and is also a good source of arginine, oligosaccharides, flavonoids, and selenium, which are beneficial to health. The active compound in garlic is allicin, which gives it its characteristic garlic smell.
Some studies show that increased consumption of garlic reduces the risk of stomach, colon, esophagus, pancreas, and breast cancers. It appears that garlic may protect against cancer through numerous mechanisms, including by inhibiting bacterial infections and the formation of carcinogens, promoting DNA repair and causing cell death. Garlic helps in the elimination of toxins from the body, as well as supports the immune system and lowers blood pressure.
Step 6
Peppermint is an amazing herb that has been used for thousands of years to treat digestive ailments to relieve gas, upset stomach, cramps, and diarrhea. Peppermint may also help with symptoms of irritable colon and food poisoning. This herb will soothe the abdominal muscles and improve the flow of bile, allowing food to pass through the stomach faster.
Mint tea is very healthy. It is enough to pour over dried mint leaves or fresh boiling water and let it brew for a few minutes or more, depending on how tart tea you prefer.
Peppermint will help soothe a sore throat. Therefore, it is sometimes used to relieve painful oral ulcers that can arise from chemotherapy and radiation, or when they are a key element in treating the condition.
Step 7
Chamomile has been used to treat various ailments for thousands of years, just like mint. Chamomile can help with sleep problems, drinking chamomile tea just before bed is enough.
Chamomile mouthwash is used to prevent and treat oral ulcers from chemotherapy and radiation therapy. While the results are mixed, there is no harm in trying, unless your oncologist minds. For this, chamomile tea is used, which must be cooled and gargled with warm tea.
Chamomile tea can help relieve digestive problems such as stomach cramps. Chamomile relaxes muscle contractions, especially the smooth muscles of the intestines.
