Did you know that certain herbs can give you that extra kick you need to reduce stress, maintain optimal health and make your life just a little bit more exciting?  Well, here’s the short of an article I found in the March issue of Body & Soul magazine, written by Sharon M. Goldman:

Fennel – You can roast the bulb of fennel as well as use the herb for spice, and you can munch on the seeds also!  Fennel is good for gas and indigestion, and is a strong antioxidant!  It could also help prevent cancer.

Ginger – Good in stir-fries, and fish and chicken marinades.  Ginger is a renowned anti-inflammatory and circulation booster.  It’s also soothing in both summer and winter.

Garlic – My favorite, I put it on everything!  Also known as the poor man’s penicillin, it could protect against gastrointestinal and colorectal cancer.

Thyme – Grows like a weed in our garden, and it’s great in stews and soups.  Not to mention the fact that it has a lot of immune-enhancing properties.

Cilantro – Great for salads, in salsa, or in fish and chicken marinades.  Cilantro revitalizes the body and helps counter indigestion.  There is also some research that suggests it could help remove toxic metals (such as mercury) from the body.  AND, the seed of the cilantro plant is coriander, which also has health benefits.

Basil – Another of my favorites for chicken, pasta, pesto and sandwiches (try a Bacon, Avocado Basil sandwich someday – you’ll never have a regular BLT again!)  Basil also has antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties and contains a wealth of nutrients, including beta-carotene and magnesium.  Amazing!

These are just a few of the spices that you can add to improve your health.  Next time, instead of reaching for the salt and pepper, try a little cayenne pepper instead.  According to David Heber, M.D.,  Chili peppers have been found to help people boost metabolism and lose weight.  And a little bit goes a long way!

Here’s to your health!