Robson-Garth - The everything guide to spices for health: a complete guide to the natural health-boosting benefits of everyday spices

Dear Reader,

I hope with this book you see your spice rack in a whole new light and develop a deeper appreciation for spices and their therapeutic attributes. I want you to discover the beneficial role spices can have in improving your health, your diet, and your palate. Spices (and culinary herbs) can have a large application in your diet, health, and wellness. Some of the spices you may know, while others might be completely new to you. I hope you enjoy this book.

Best wishes,

Michelle Robson-Garth

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Avon, Massachusetts

Dedication

This book is dedicated to my parents and my family, who have always supported and encouraged me in whatever I choose to do.

Copyright 2016 by F+W Media, Inc.

All rights reserved.

This book, or parts thereof, may not be reproduced in any form without permission from the publisher; exceptions are made for brief excerpts used in published reviews.

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Published by

Adams Media, a division of F+W Media, Inc.

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ISBN 10: 1-4405-9317-5

ISBN 13: 978-1-4405-9317-8

eISBN 10: 1-4405-9318-3

eISBN 13: 978-1-4405-9318-5

This book is intended as general information only, and should not be used to diagnose or treat any health condition. In light of the complex, individual, and specific nature of health problems, this book is not intended to replace professional medical advice. The ideas, procedures, and suggestions in this book are intended to supplement, not replace, the advice of a trained medical professional. Consult your physician before adopting any of the suggestions in this book, as well as about any condition that may require diagnosis or medical attention. The author and publisher disclaim any liability arising directly or indirectly from the use of this book.

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Cover images Ivan Kmit/Anna Kucherova/Eldin Muratovic/Anton Ignatenco/jirkaejc/Ekaterina Fribus/pakhnyushchyy/nito500/George Tsartsianidis/Andrii Gorulko/Marilyn Barbone/Grigory Lukyanov/Andrii Gorulko/melpomen/Valentyn Volkov/Wim Wyloeck/Anton Ignatenco/photographieundmehr/Sommai Larkjit/123RF.

Thank you to the publisher and everyone from Adams Media, including Eileen Mullan, for this opportunity. I would also like to acknowledge the help of Samantha Marks for her inspiration, helpful advice, reviewing, and her quote; Amanda Henham for her quote and assistance; Giselle Demetry and Renee Jones for going over my work tirelessly; and to Clara Bitcon for her quote and inspiration as well.

Sarah Robins for her assistance and help early on; Srijaya Sriharan for teaching me about Malaysian cuisine and for sharing some of her recipes; Geraldine Headley and Lauren Burns for sharing recipes; and Lauren for reviewing, editing, and her quote. Thank you to Helen Padarin for her quote and inspiration over the years.

Thank you to Kelli Benjamin for her quote and all her help. To Susan Marryatt, Rebecca Van Horssen, Jasmine King, and Linda Spirou for reviewing chapters. Thank you to Dr. Becki Milani for helping me with the traditional Chinese medicine information. To Dr. Ram Kishor Deshwal for his assistance with information on Ayurveda. Thank you to Rosemary Gladstar and Dover Publications for allowing me to reference their works. Thank you also to my family, especially my parents and grandparents, for all their help with editing, reading, and reviewing, and for their support.

1. Spices can help make your skin more beautiful and healthier.
2. Spices can aid your digestive system to help break down and absorb your food.
3. Spices may help you get your appetite back if you are experiencing low hunger levels.
4. Spices can help reduce flatulence and bloating.
5. Spices can help improve the general health of your cardiovascular system.
6. Spices are easily found and can be bought at most grocery stores.
7. You can add spices to your diet to expand your palate.
8. Spices can improve metabolic health and weight loss.
9. Spices can help reduce inflammation and pain in the body.
10. Spices can help you prevent and recover from the common cold and flu.

When you think of spices, you might think of the spice rack hanging on your kitchen wall, and all the different jars and bottles youve used in your cooking. Spices can do so much more than just flavor your favorite dish. Spices have been used for medicinal purpose for thousands of years. They play an important role in healing and health in many cultures.

Because your health is generally thought to be improved by your diet, or the food you eat, many believe that what you eat can play a role in preventing many modern health complaints and conditions. What you put into your body can impact your bodys health. Thats why choosing to add different healing spices and herbs to your diet can vastly improve your overall health.

In this book, you will not only discover how to use spices to cook exciting new recipes, but you will also learn the many applications of spices and how they can impact the health of various body systems, and may help relieve symptoms of illness. Interest in natural remedies is increasing and with good reason. According to the National Health Interview Survey released in 2008, 38 percent of U.S. adults over the age of eighteen and about 12 percent of children have used complementary and alternative medicine (CAM). In CAM, herbs and spices are used as a part of the diet for medicinal purposes. Nutritional plants have been a major part of almost every culture in one way or another for years. In fact, herbal medicines were originally a part of medical pharmacopeias. These days, the main forms of complementary medicines used are nutritional and herbal products, as well as massage, acupuncture, naturopathy, and yoga. When used correctly in the right amounts, and when suited to an individuals health, CAM in forms like herbs and spices are very safe and beneficial.