Common Herbs and Spices found in your kitchen cupboard to help asthma.

Sonia Jones from The Haven Spa and Alternative Treatment Clinic, Boquete, Panama

The common herbs and spices in your kitchen cupboard can help your lung function, allergies, immune system, and inflammation so add more to your cooking.

Turmeric – this is a spice is well know for its use in Indian cooking. The substance found in turmeric called curcumin has anti-inflammatory properties as well as an antioxidant affect. It encourages the production of bile, which will enhance the digestion and absorption of ‘essential fatty acids’, involved in producing the correct balance of prostaglandins. The hormone like substance involved in inflammation and anti-inflammation.

Cinnamon is very good for lack of energy, and for a sluggish digestive system. Has a much milder action then cayenne (chilli) increasing circulation, good for every system in the body, encouraging more oxygen, and nutrients to every cell.

Ginger – has been scientifically validated as an anti-inflammatory. Increases and strengthens a poor circulatory system. It is a general immune tonic. Ginger helps to relieve symptoms of colds and flu, take a warm bath with ginger infusion at the first sign of a cold. It encourages sweating allowing toxins to be released via the pores.

Fenugreek seeds - help lung congestion aiding in bringing up mucus, this is why opera singers use to use it to clear phlegm. It soothes irritated nasal and sinus tissue with a drying effect on the mucus in the nose and throat.

Don’t limit yourself to these four mentioned about add a variety of herbs and spices at every opportunity they will enhance your general health, strengthen your immune system, and well-being.

For salads add fresh herbs like basil, when you see that parsley on your plate eat it. Dried herbs can be added to soups, plan to cook a few more Thai dishes, or ginger in your smoothie. Garlic and onions in general are excellent for the lung function, so add extra when you can.