Clove (Caryophyllus aromaticus) An amazing pain reliever that probably lives right in your spice cabinet. Clove is an herb that is paradoxically relaxing and stimulating at the same time –much like Peppermint. It soothes and relaxes the nervous system while stimulating circulation. It is an awesome tea to have before bedtime to gently encourage sleep. If you have an herbal first aid kit, it is a good idea to have a vial of clove bud oil in there for toothaches and other topical pain relief uses. The smell of cloves permeating the air is wonderfully soothing. I always put a couple of tablespoons of cloves in the teapot on top of the woodstove. You can do the same with an electric or gas stovetop, be sure to monitor it! It really takes no time at all to add just a little extra love in the air. It is not only pleasant, it disinfects the air and can subtly heal your guests and loved ones.
Cayenne (capsicum anuum) This hot spice should be used only in it’s raw dried state for it to be an effective healer. We want to first cook our food and add the cayenne last, just before serving. If the temperature gets above 120 degrees, this healing herb can become a noxious toxic substance. This little known fact is essential for proper use of cayenne. It can actually heal ulcers used this way…cooked it makes them worse or causes them! Cayenne stops bleeding, helps dispel shock, is effective for pain relief in liniments and aids circulation. You can even put it in your socks to warm up cold feet …some sensitive people prefer putting thin cotton socks on, then the cayenne and then another pair of socks. Test it in small amounts if you are unsure. Cayenne is also good to relieve heart palpitations and to stabilize someone having a heart attack till medical help arrives. A daily dose, starting small and building up to a teaspoon can actually aid circulation and is a good wintertime internal warming tonic.
It is difficult to end this list because there are so many great herbs out there that warm us up and gently heal us all winter. Cardamom, Turmeric, Rosemary -I don’t want to leave anyone out, alas, it’s impossible not to do so!
Be sure to experiment with some new spices and tastes this season –maybe try a curry or some thai spices. It is nice to give ourselves the treat of exotic tastes and aromas during the cold long nights. Enjoy expanding your repertoire and discover all the healing can be found right in your own kitchen. May you be blessed with abundance, gratitude and health!
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