Food And Alternative Medicine

Its surprising the amount of people that say that they do not believe in the benefits of alternative medicines,they seem to be completely unaware that a lot of ingredients that they use every day in their cooking are also used in alternative medicines, and have in some cases have been so for many thousands of years by the Chinese and to a lesser extent the Japenese.

Listed below are a few of examples of ingredients used in both alternative medicines and for culinary purposes.

GARLIC: This is a popular herb used thoughout the world for culinary purpoes,some people are put off by its strong aroma,(health supplement capsules can be purchased which are adourless)

Benifits: The major use of garlic has shown that taken regulary it can reduce high blood pressure and reduce cholesterol levels, italso helps improve blood circulation.

GINGER: Tropical plant a native of south-east Asia. Has many culinary uses,also used in confectionery products.

Benefits: Frequently used to stop motion sickness, morning sickness also helps to relieve indigestion, dirrhoe and dizziness. like ginger also helps lower blood pressure.

SAGE: Another herb that has been around for thousands of years. Is used in many culinary dishes.

Benefits: Used by the ancient Egyptians, Romans and Greeks to treat wounds, ulcers and sores. Used today for its anti-bactial and anti-fungal properties in medicine to treat such things as inflammation of the nose, throat and gums.

OLIVE OIL: A native of the mediterranean. Extra Virgin oil, is of the highest grade of this oil with a great flavour and olive aroma due to it not being purified. Virgin oil, this is also not purified and is also of high quility. Pure olive oil,this is a blend of refined oils with a mixture of virgin oil. Out of the three olive oils this is the oil most widely used for cooking it is also usually the cheapest to buy.

Benefits: Helps lower cholestrol levels and helps protect against diabetis, arthritis and some forms of cancer. Like ginger also helps lower blood pressure.

About The Author Retired Material Controller and part time writer.