All spice Berries

Pimenta dioica

Anti-bacterial, anti-fungal,

anti-inflammatory, antioxidant.

 

Traditional Uses:

Is mostly used as a seasoning for meats, desserts, and even liqueurs. Can be used as a home remedy for colds, menstrual cramps, indigestion, headache, fatigue, and nasal congestion. Menopause treatment, cancer-fighting properties, eugenol and ericifolin in allspice may also provide antimicrobial and antifungal effects.

 

Directions to use:

Whole berries can be used in cooking the same way you’d use whole cloves, and ground allspice is mostly used in baking or as a seasoning for meats, poultry, veggies, and stews. Should be stored in a cool, dry place, such as a kitchen pantry.

 

Safety precautions:

When used as a spice in small amounts, allspice is considered safe. Can slow blood clotting. There is some concern that it might increase the chance of bleeding during and after surgery. Stop using allspice at least 2 weeks before a scheduled surgery. Consult with a medical practitioner before use.

angelica root

Angelica archangelica

Astringent, tonic, diuretic, vulnerary,

cholagogue, anti-inflammatory.

Volatile oil, furanocoumarin compounds,

angelica acid, sugars, flavonoids, and sterols.

 

Traditional Uses:

Internal: Helps with arthritis and eczema. Coughs, bronchitis, and pleurisy. Warms up and stimulates the digestive system, lungs, and circulation. Reduces problems like flatulence and colic. In cystitis it acts as a urinary antiseptic. Powdered root is said to cause disgust for liquor. Stimulate appetite.

External: Salves and baths containing Angelica root will help for inflammation of the chest, rheumatism, and gout. Also helps with acne if washed with an infusion. Helps for athlete’s foot.

Is used in gin making. Can be used as an insecticide.

 

Directions to use:

Decoction: 1 teaspoon in 1 cup of water, bring to a boil and simmer for 2min. Remove from heat, let stand for 15min. Drink 1 cup three times per day.

 

Safety precautions:

Do not use if pregnant or lactating. Can cause photosensitivity. Can affect anticoagulant medication. Consult with a medical practitioner before use.

Blackthorn/

sloe berries

Prunus spinosa

Bitter glycosides, flavonoids, tannins, and

prunasin, purgative, astringent, diaphoretic,

laxative, disinfectant, and diuretic.

 

Traditional Uses:

May have a mild laxative effect. The by-product hydrocyanic acid (see precautions) may kindle breathing, enhance digestion, and induce a feeling of health and happiness. Can be of assistance in the treatment of minor gallbladder problems, skin complaints, catarrh, stone formations and cramps in the stomach. Is used in gin making.

 

Directions to use:

Infusion: 1 - 2 teaspoons of the berry in 1 cup of boiling water. Infuse for 10 - 15min. Strain and drink two to three times per day.

 

Safety precautions:

Do not use if pregnant or lactating. Consult with a medical practitioner before use.

Cinnamon ground

(zeylanicum)

Cinnamomum verum

Volatile oils. Great source of

manganese, fiber, iron, and calcium, coumarin. Acts as a carminative, astringent, aromatic, stimulant,

anti-inflammatory, anti-spasmodic, and anti-clotting

 

Traditional Uses:

Used to alleviate indigestion, stomach cramps, intestinal spasms, nausea, flatulence, to improve appetite and treat diarrhea. Lowers blood cholesterol levels and blood triglyceride levels. For rheumatism and other inflammations. Used in some countries for treating people with type 2 diabetes and insulin resistance. Beneficial for oxidative stress related illnesses. Very strong antioxidant - 1 teaspoon (mix with water) is equivalent to a cup full of blueberries.

 

Directions to use:

Can be consumed as preferred in food or dissolved in fluid. No more than 4g per day.

 

Safety precautions:

Do not use if pregnant or lactating. Could interfere with blood thinning medication. Consult with a medical practitioner before use.

cloves whole

Syzygium aromaticum

Anti-septic, analgesic, anodyne,

antiparasitic, digestive aid,

antioxidants.

 

Traditional Uses:

Internal: Is well known to alleviate symptoms associated with tooth ache and dental decay. Used to treat nausea and flatulence. Types of viral infections can be treated by the anti-septic ability. Treatment of persistent coughing.

External: Cloves have been used to treat external parasites such as scabies. As well as acne, ulcers, and sores.

 

Directions to use:

Infusion: ¼ teaspoon of powder in 1 cup of boiled water. Drink three times per day. Or can be consumed in food.

 

Safety precautions:

Stay within recommended dosages. Can be used in food during pregnancy. Consult with a medical practitioner before use.

coriander (gin)

Coriandrum Sativum

Stomachic, spasmolytic, carminative,

digestive aid, anti-bacterial,

antifungal, and anti-phlegmatic.

 

Traditional Uses:

Internal: Used as a flavouring agent in medicines, as well as culinary uses. It has stomach soothing properties. Reducing cramps and spasms. For upset stomachs and flatulence. Also known as a bactericide, fungicide and anthelmintic. Good influence on neural system and stimulates the memory.

External: For relief from the pain of rheumatism the seeds can be pounded and combined with hot water to make a paste which is then applied to the affected area.

 

Directions to use:

Decoction: 1 teaspoon of seeds in 1 cup of water. Bring to boil and simmer for 10min. Drink three times per day.

 

Safety precautions:

Do not use if pregnant or lactating. People who are allergic to mugwort, aniseed, caraway, fennel, dill, or similar plants might have allergic reactions to Coriander. Consult with a medical practitioner before use.

grape fruit peel

Citrus x paradisi

Pectin, fibre.

 

Traditional Uses:

Pectin, an ingredient that is known to lower cholesterol. Can be used to flavour soft drinks, candy, jams, and tea. The consumption of pectin will allow you to maintain a healthy cholesterol level while you also lower your caloric intake.

 

Directions to use:

Infusion.

 

Safety precautions:

Do not use if pregnant or lactating. Consult with a medical practitioner before use.

hibiscus flowers

Hisbisci Flores

Diuretic, choleretic, antiseptic,

aphrodisiac, astringent, cholagogue,

demulcent, digestive, emollient,

purgative, refrigerant, revolvent, sedative,

stomachic and tonic.

 

Suggested Traditional Uses:

For liver disorders and high blood pressure. Strong antioxidant. For loss of appetite. Colds, catarrh of the respiratory tracts. Mild laxative and diuretic. For bilious conditions and fever. May assist in the lowering of blood cholesterol levels.

 

Directions:

Infusion: 1 - 2 teaspoons of herb in 1 cup of boiling water. Infuse for 10 - 15min. Strain. Drink 2 - 3 times per day.

 

Safety precautions:

Hibiscus is safe to use. Stay within recommended dosages. If pregnant or breast feeding consult with a medical practitioner before use.

Juniper Berries

Juniperus communis

Diuretic, anti-inflammatory,

decongestant, antimicrobial,

carminative, antirheumatic.

 

Traditional Uses:

May be used as an antiseptic in conditions like cystitis, uteritis, kidney inflammation (not infection) and water retention. The bitter action aids digestion and eases flatulence colic. It is used in rheumatism, gout, and arthritis.  It may help to ease pain in the joints or muscles, rheumatic pain, and neuralgia. Steamed inhalations of the berries are an excellent treatment for coughs and colds.

 

Directions to use:

Infusion: Pour a cup of boiling water onto 1 teaspoon of lightly crushed berries. Infuse for 20min. Strain and drink morning and night. For rheumatism this should be drunk for at least 4-6 weeks.

 

Safety precautions:

Do not use if pregnant or lactating. May interfere with absorption of iron and other minerals when taken internally. Should not be used by persons with kidney disease. Consult with a medical practitioner before use. Stay within recommended dosage.

Lemon Peel

 

Orange peel bitter

Citrus sinensis

Anti-spasmodic, sedative, demulcent,

digestive, tonic, and vascular

stimulant; as an anti-inflammatory,

anti-bacterial, and anti-fungal agent; and for reducing cholesterol

 

Traditional Uses:

When applied to the skin, might be effective for treatment of fungal skin infections (ringworm, jock itch, and athlete's foot). Used to improve appetite, and, in surprising contrast, it is also used for weight loss. Other uses for the peel are upset stomach, nasal congestion, and chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS).

 

Directions to use:

Use to flavour sweet baked goods. Excellent when used to marinate fish or meat (pork in particular) before grilling. Can also flavour alcoholic drinks.

 

Safety precautions:

Do not use if pregnant or lactating. Consult with a medical practitioner before use.

Orange peel sweet

Citrus sinensis

Anti-spasmodic, sedative,

demulcent, digestive, tonic, and

vascular stimulant; as an

anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial, and anti-fungal

agent; and for reducing cholesterol

 

Traditional Uses:

When applied to the skin, might be effective for treatment of fungal skin infections (ringworm, jock itch, and athlete's foot). Used to improve appetite, and, in surprising contrast, it is also used for weight loss. Other uses for the peel are upset stomach, nasal congestion, and chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS).

 

Directions to use:

Use to flavour sweet baked goods. Excellent when used to marinate fish or meat (pork in particular) before grilling. Can also flavour alcoholic drinks.

 

Safety precautions:

Do not use if pregnant or lactating. Consult with a medical practitioner before use.

orris root powder

Iris Germanica

Acts as an expectorant, mild diuretic,

anti-inflammatory.

 

Traditional Uses:

Encourages the liver, bowel, and lymphatic system to remove toxins more effectively. For teething children. May be used for coughs, catarrh, and diarrhea. For treating gall bladder and spleen disorders. For skin problems such as acne and eczema.

 

Directions to use:

Pour 1 cup of boiling water over 1-2 teaspoons of powder. Infuse for 10-15min. Strain and drink three times per day.

 

Safety precautions:

Do not use if pregnant or lactating. Consult with a medical practitioner before use.

rose petals red

Rosa

Astringent, antioxidant.tory.

 

Traditional Uses:

Can be used medicinally to address emotional issues, such as depression and loss. Improving circulation and relieving muscle cramps. Rose buds are a caffeine-free herbal tea. Menstrual pain relief, weight loss.

 

Directions to use:

Infusion: 1 teaspoon of the buds in 1 cup of boiling water. Steep for 10 - 15min. Drink three times per day.

 

Safety precautions:

Do not use if pregnant or lactating. Consult with a medical practitioner before use.