Last year, when my husband and I got sick with the COVID virus, I was pleasantly surprised when our physician prescribed a homemade turmeric tea in addition to Paxlovid. I have continued to make and drink this tea a few times a week since then and I share the recipe below. Watching the heaping half teaspoons full of ground ginger and cinnamon being added to the turmeric makes me feel more connected to nature. The wild honey and vanilla bean powder add an extra sweetness and even more health benefits. Let’s look at what the current research has to say about these spices.
Turmeric
Turmeric has been validated through literature reviews to:
- Decrease the pain, stiffness, and swelling of arthritis
- Have anti-viral, anti-bacterial and anti-fungal properties
- Improve inflammation anywhere in the body
- Improve and support the immune system
- Have anti-cancer and anti-lipid potential
Cinnamon
Cinnamon, the most widely used spice, has been validated through literature reviews to:
- Stabilize blood sugar
- Kill bacteria and fungus
- Reduce inflammation
- Have anti-tumor and anti-cancer properties
- Be a source of calcium, magnesium, and potassium as well as vitamins A and C
- Improve hyperlipidemia
- Be neuroprotective in Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s disease
- Serve as a safe and effective herbicide!
Ginger
Ginger has been validated through literature reviews to:
- Have strong anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory properties
- Reduce symptoms of chemotherapy such as nausea and vomiting
- Improve pain and inflammation
- Decrease colorectal cancer markers
- Improve metabolic syndrome
- Support digestive health
Vanilla
Vanilla has been found in the research to:
- Relieve pain
- Calm anxiety
- Improve depression
- Protect against neurodegeneration
- Balance blood glucose
Honey
Ginger has been validated in the literature to:
- Have antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties
- Be effective for healing wounds
Summary
Turmeric, cinnamon, ginger, vanilla and honey all have anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. Given that inflammation is the root cause of most chronic disease, the addition of one or more of these spices to the daily diet could have significant positive impact on health and well-being. In addition, when combined, these spices create a pleasant olfactory and taste experience. Why not try it and see how you feel?
The Self-Care Solutions newsletter allows you to personalize your approach to health and well-being. It offers you choices. Safe choices. Evidence-based choices. The articles allow you to try on different options and see what works for you. Think of each as an invitation.
While not a substitute for care by your medical team, we’re here to support you in your quest for well-being!
Interested in Hero’s Journey Coaching? Contact me at ruthannrusso@gmail.com or visit https://ruthannrusso.com/be-coached/
Research links:
Potential role of cinnamon in human health
Cinnamon as a Useful Preventive Substance for the Care of Human and Plant Health
Medicinal and Nutritional Perspective of Cinnamon: A Mini-review
Effects of Cinnamon in Dentistry: A review
Turmeric: Potential Health Benefits
Effect of Ginger on Inflammatory disease
Ginger on Human Health: A Comprehensive Systematic Review of 109 Randomized Controlled Trials
Ginger from Farmyard to Town: Nutritional and Pharmacological Applications
Vanilla: Potential Health Benefits
Dr. Ruthann Russo, PhD, DAc
My clinical qualifications include a Doctorate in Acupuncture (DAc) from Pacific College of Health Sciences and a PhD in Integrative and Mind-Body Medicine from Saybrook University. I am nationally triple board-certified in Acupuncture, Lifestyle Medicine, and Health Coaching and earned certifications in Interactive Guided Imagery®, Facial Acupuncture and Microneedling, Yoga, Yoga Nidra teacher training, Acupuncture for Cancer Patients, Acupuncture for Detoxification, Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR), and HeartMath Biofeedback.
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