IN the days of old, before medication and medical doctors, there were creative old remedies that have almost faded into obscurity. Nowadays, with all the potential side effects of prescription drugs, many are turning again to more natural remedies, some of which are as potent or more potent than the medicines of today.

Surprisingly, many of these remedies are right under our noses in our kitchens. Lets have a look at a few of these delicious herbs and what they can do to boost our health.

THYME

Something as simple as thyme, which is used to season meats, has been proven to have antiviral properties and can be used as a tea to help kill cold and flu viruses.

Though it is especially good for coughs, it can be used to assist in boosting the immune system and eliminating parasites, thus helping in many other conditions.

It is also such a powerful antiseptic that it has been known to kill the ‘flesh-eating’ bacteria. It is even a major component of Listerine.

Thyme, as a tea, should be used in moderation and not for prolonged periods of time. It is quite safe to cook with plenty of thyme in your chicken soup whenever you have a cold.

OREGANO

Oregano is another extremely powerful herb. It is known to give pizzas their characteristic aroma and flavour. As an oil, it behaves like a nuclear bomb against almost all viruses, bacteria, fungus, parasites, and just about every pathogen the body can have. There is a caution, however, because it kills practically everything, one may have to take Acidophilus or probiotics in order to ensure continuation of the good bacteria in the body.

Please do not mix this with other medications or let it replace a doctor’s visit if you are really sick. In my home, we use two well-stirred drops of oregano in a glass of water for about two days at the first sign of a cold and we often don’t get the cold after all. We follow-up with probiotics afterwards.

CLOVES

Cloves have anti-parasitic functions, and by adding them to every meal you may help keep intestinal worms under control. It may also help to destroy the eggs left behind by worms. They also help digestion and may act as an aphrodisiac.

As a tea, it is excellent at loosening up phlegm, soothing coughs and relieving sinusitis. It helps in detoxing the body.

Cloves also have anti-inflammatory properties and can be ground and used in a compress for arthritis pain.

ONIONS

There is scarcely a Jamaican pot that doesn’t contain onions. But did you know it can help protect the heart and blood vessels from disease?

It is chocked full of antioxidants and can even boost the immune system. They are more potent when fresh. A cut onion can be used as an air purifier reducing paint fumes significantly if placed with cut surfaces facing upwards in the recently painted room.

Similarly, they can help a cough when placed overnight on the soles of the feet held in place by socks. Try it, it works. I suspect the Chinese may know a lot more than we do when it comes to how the body is connected.

GARLIC

Garlic is a well-known health aid. It kills or discourages most organisms and is a known cancer-fighting aid. It fights inflammation in the body and aids in detoxification. It may be taken as a mosquito repellant.

SCALLION

Did you know that scallions help improve bone density and help lower the risk of heart disease? It is again potent against cold and flu viruses, and is a great help in maintaining good eyesight well into old age.

It also helps in maintaining healthy blood sugar levels.

Scallions may also help reduce the risk of Alzheimer’s disease and cancer. It may be had as a tea or in soups.

TURMERIC

Turmeric has potent anticancer effects and has been shown to cause the destruction of prostate cancer cells when used together with cauliflower.

Turmeric is a potent anti-inflammatory root used by people with rheumatoid arthritis and other inflammatory conditions. It boosts immunity as well. This must be used in moderation, but must not be used by people with liver or gallbladder disease. Its absorption is enhanced by a pinch of black pepper.

CAYENNE

Cayenne is well known to assist in cardiovascular health and it is said by emergency health workers that it may be used to stop a heart attack in minutes. It has been proven to limit the damage to the heart done by a heart attack.

It is also said to have stroke- preventative properties when placed under the tongue at the onset. Please do not just take cayenne and sit at home with your heart attack or stroke in progress, but you may try this on the way to the nearest emergency room.

It is beneficial for the pancreas, prostate and lungs. Cayenne also improvs insulin sensitivity in diabetics and in patients with polycystic ovarian syndrome, according to studies.

OTHER HERBS WITH POTENT EFFECTS

Parsley is excellent for urinary tract health. Rosemary and sage are very good mood boosters. Sage is also able to help in boosting memory. Rosemary stimulates hair growth. Saffron and Nutmeg may help minimise the symptoms of Parkinson’s disease and also in alleviating some symptoms of erectile dysfunction.

On the topic of erectile dysfunction, celery and okra are also very helpful for this condition.

Cinnamon is very helpful with normalising blood sugar levels. Ginger is a powerful anti-nausea root, antiviral and digestive aid. Ginger increases blood flow and may aid memory and boost libido.

So there we have it. This is by no means an exhaustive list of herbs from our modern-day kitchens that house a wealth of potential benefits to our bodies. Even armed with this knowledge, it is always best to be mindful of the medications you may be on, as herbs used as teas or oils may be extremely potent and may act like drugs in themselves.

Remember to check with your doctor before using any of these as an oil or tea in substantial amounts. Meanwhile, it can’t hurt to use them generously in seasonings or soups as part of our daily diet, except that now, when you encounter, for example, a sprig of thyme or a peg of garlic, you will know exactly what they are doing to enhance your health.

Dr Arlene Rose is the head physician and proprietor of the Jamaica Centre for Advanced Medicine (JCAM). A graduate of the University of the West Indies’ Medical Faculty, she received a masters (with Distinction) in dermatology at Wales College of Medicine and completed further studies in the US and Europe in cosmetic surgery and laser therapy. Visit JCAM’s website at: www.jcamhealth.com.