All The Herbs You Need

Coughing?
ADD ROSEMARY
The eucalyptol in this aromatic herb is study proven to loosen chest congestion, making phlegm easier to expel. Plus, rosemary is rich in anti-inflammatory tannins, which soothe a sore throat.

Pairs well with: white beans, chicken, Brie cheese, roasted meats and poultry, potatoes, polenta, apples.



Crampy tummy?
ADD MINT
Peppermint contains menthol, a natural plant compound that relaxes pain-inducing intestinal spasms. This reduces belly discomfort by 40 percent, according to German researchers.

Pairs well with: eggplant, tomatoes, lamb, green peas, melon, couscous, hot and cold beverages.



Archy joints?
ADD CURRY POWDER
The curcumin in curry inhibits the body's production of prostaglandin E2, an inflammtory compound that over sensitizes nerves. This blunts joint and muscle pain as effectively as prescription medications.

Pairs well with: lentils, mangoes, rice, cauliflower, spinach





Bloated
ADD PARSLEY
Thanks to its stores of apiol and myristicin, parsley is a natural diuretic that relieves bloat-inducing water retention by preventing salt from being reabsorbed into bodily tissue.

Pairs well with: grains, onions, parmean cheese, pasta, salads, seafood, tomatoes





Menstrual cramps
ADD OREGANO
Enjoying 2 tsp. of  fresh oregano daily during menstruation reduces or eliminates cramps, according to a Greek study. That's because this herb's thymol and carvacrol relax uterine muscles to prevent painful contractions.

Pairs well with: mushrooms, tomato sauce, olives, summer squash, fish.




Upset  GI tract
ADD DILL
Indian scientists found that dill's limonene works as well as prescription antibiotics at killing harmful intestinal bacteria such as E.coli.

Pairs well with: salmon, eggs, cucumbers, chicken, cheddar, cheese, mixed, greens, clear soups, cream cheese, beets, carrots.




Congested
ADD CAYENNE
The fiery capsaicin in cayenne deactivates substance P, a neurotransmitter linked to inflammation, The result: less sinus congestion and pressure.

Pairs well with: root vegetables, roasted poultry, rice, chocolate, leafy greens, shrimp, eggs, popcorn, grilled-cheese sandwiches, beans, creamy soups.





Feeling down?
ADD BASIL
The eugenol and rosmarinic acid in basil boost the brain's production of dopamine and serotonin. According to indian researchers, this could lead to sunnier moods in as little as three days.

Pairs well with: tomatoes, olives, strawberries, melon, fresh mozzarella, pizza, pasta, white fish, feta cheese.



Nauseous?
ADD GINGER
Ginger's gingarol and shogaol calm digestive-tract spasms to reduce nausea better than motion-sickness drugs, according to a study at Brigham Young University in Provo, Utah.

Pairs well with: citrus fruit, tea, sweet potatoes, pork, coconut, miso soup, onions, relishes, pears, rice.



Always tired?
ADD CILANTRO
The carboxylic acid in cilantro binds to heavy metals such as mercury in the blood and carries them out of the body. Their removal reverses the toxin buildup that causes chronic fatigue, joint pain and depression.

Pairs well with: avocados, seafood, corn, black beans, steak.