Dear Pharmacist: Spices Can Do More Than Flavor Your Food

By SUZY COHEN

Question: I was wondering what the medical benefits of some household spices are? I notice that they are often sold in stores in supplement form. — R.W. Gastonia, N.C.

Answer: Supplements are manmade tablet forms of the naturally occurring spice, but they don’t contain all the natural ingredients of the spice they are meant to mimic. Many popular drugs are derived directly from ancient plants, algae and fungi. Many spices contain powerful, medically useful properties and have anti-inflammatory, anti-microbial, anti-cancer and anti-aging effects on the body. Here are some of the most important:

Turmeric: Turmeric has the power to reduce swelling, kill infectious bugs and improve heart health. Because it scavenges cancer-causing cells in the body, it can reduce your risk of cancer. Some people claim it helps with psoriasis and arthritis because it controls inflammation. A clinical study at UCLA suggests that it can slow the progression of Alzheimer’s disease, but there are no studies yet comparing it to drugs such as Namenda, Exelon, Reminyl or Aricept.

Nutmeg: The woodsy, aromatic oil is used externally for assorted ailments, including joint pain, rheumatoid arthritis, constipation and fatigue. Sometimes nutmeg is found in massage oils because it alleviates muscle aches and arthritis pain. Warning: Never take essential oils, which are designed for aromatherapy, internally. Ingestion can be toxic.

Cinnamon: This warm spice is derived from the bark of a certain evergreen tree. Cinnamon has some activity against infectious bugs, so it could, theoretically, reduce your risks for colds; and it may be useful for bloating, gas, nausea and diarrhea. Cinnamon rolls may not be a cure for diabetes, but studies have shown that one teaspoon of cinnamon per day might reduce blood sugar and triglycerides.

Garlic: It’s Mother Nature’s antibiotic. Garlic is thought to help normalize cholesterol ratios, dilate blood vessels (thereby reducing blood pressure), and support heart health. Also, garlic works to maintain normal blood clotting by preventing clumping of blood platelets. It’s better than aspirin, according to some.

Cayenne pepper: Believe it or not, the hot chili pepper is most frequently used to treat digestive problems like stomachaches, cramping and gas. Since it creates “heat” in the body, it may help burn fat and reduce appetite. Others claim that a cup of cayenne tea will normalize blood pressure and deliver oxygenated blood to a dying heart. (Tea recipe: one teaspoon cayenne pepper per cup of water.) The main ingredient is capsaicin, which is sold in ointment form. People apply it to the skin to treat diabetic neuropathy, psoriasis, muscle pain from fibromyalgia, and nerve pain after shingles and arthritis pain.

This information is not intended to treat, cure or diagnose your condition. Suzy Cohen is a registered pharmacist. To contact her, visit www.dearpharmacist.com.