Hippocrates said “Let food be thy medicine” in 431 BC. Although we have much more potent medicines these days, there is still some truth to this. You are what you eat… and what you eat can have an influence on your health.
Volumes have been written about food and health – I’d like to take a quick look at reported medicinal uses of spices and flavourings that are probably already in your cupboard. Although these uses are interesting, keep in mind they may not always be the best choice, especially if your condition is looking serious.
Cinnamon – Cinnamon has been used historically as a digestive aid: for indigestion, gas, nausea and even diarrhea and it is possibly effective, at least for gas and spasms of the digestive system. It has also been shown to lower blood sugar by 18-29% but the dose to achieve this is 1-6 g daily, quite a bit! Perhaps this is a good reason to add cinnamon to sticky buns… although it would make more sense to stir cinnamon instead of sugar into your morning oatmeal if you wanted to lower blood sugar.
Cinnamon is considered safe when consumed in the amounts commonly found in food. In theory, it might interfere with antacids and other acid lowering therapy, since it may increase stomach acid.
Garlic – Garlic is known to have mild antibacterial, antiviral and anti-inflammatory action; hence, it has a historic use for colds, coughs, diarrhea and arthritis pain. It has some evidence of effectiveness for lowering high blood pressure and cholesterol modestly, but the dose to achieve this is quite high: 4 grams daily (up to 7 cloves of fresh garlic, depending on size), or 600-900 milligrams of powder.
Garlic decreases the “stickiness” of platelets, the first step of blood clotting, so it has a “blood thinning” effect that can reduce blood clots and heart disease risk. Although it is considered safe in amounts usually used in food, the 4 gram dose would likely add to the effect of other medications that reduce blood clotting, and could also cause increased bleeding risk after surgery. Definitely ask your doctor before taking these high amounts if you are taking warfarin or other potent prevention for blood clots.
Garlic has been shown to lower blood pressure a modest 2-7% and a dose of 900mg of powder appeared to slow development of atherosclerosis in one 4 year study. An observational study suggested increased amounts of garlic in the diet were associated with decreased risk of colorectal, stomach and prostate cancers but, of course, as we discussed last week, association doesn’t prove cause!
On the skin, garlic oil has been used in small amounts for fungal skin infections. However, in my opinion, it might be preferable to use a standard anti-fungal cream rather than impose the odor of garlic on your family and co-workers! It was not found effective for Helicobacter Pylori, the stomach bacteria infection that causes ulcers.
Taken in high treatment doses, garlic can cause breath and body odor; stomach upset, burning or irritation; as well as reducing clotting of the blood as discussed above. Asthma and allergic reactions have also been reported, as has dermatitis (skin reactions).
There is some concern that high amounts of garlic might interfere with anti-rejection drugs, birth control pills (by increasing hormone clearance), oral anti-fungal drugs, some chemotherapy and the calcium channel blocker class of heart/blood pressure medications (diltiazem, verapamil). Ask your pharmacist to check a herbal reference if you take prescription medications before taking large amounts of garlic.
Ginger – Ginger is known to prevent nausea and is even marketed as “Natural Source Gravol” in pharmacies. It has been shown to be effective and safe, but there is a controversy over its safety in pregnancy – it has never been demonstrated to cause harm to the fetus, in spite of widespread use for many years, but proper safety studies in pregnancy have not been done. Best to consult your doctor if pregnant and follow his/her advice.
Ginger has also been used for its anti-inflammatory properties, and was found to relieve arthritis pain as well as ibuprofen on one study. However, more studies of this use should be conducted.
Oregano – Oregano is active against a number of bacteria and yeast, including E. coli, Staph. aureus, Salmonella and Candida, among others. Oregano oil also inhibits the growth of intestinal parasites and can be effective in eradicating Blastocystis, Entamoeba and Endolimax infections when taken as 200mg of emulsified oil 3 times daily for 6 weeks.
A word of caution – when taken by mouth, oregano oil can cause stomach upset and irritation, or allergic reactions.
Sage – Sage is possibly effective for reducing gas, bloating, stomach upset, excessive perspiration and for inflammation of the mouth and throat. It is safe when used in amount normally added to food, but can be toxic if used long-term in high amounts.
For treatment, sage is often used by making a tea with 1-2 grams of leaves in 150ml boiling water for 5-10 minutes and consuming or gargling 3 times daily. Although up to 4-6 grams have been used to make tea, these amounts are considered unsafe to ingest long-term. Sage essential oil can also be diluted 2-3 drops in 100ml water, and used as a gargle or mouth rinse for inflamed membranes.
Treatment amounts of sage may interfere with blood sugar control if swallowed and should be avoided in seizure disorders, due to the potential for causing seizures.
Turmeric – Turmeric root contains curcumin, the substance that gives curry its yellow colour. Curcumin has anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory effects, as well as bile-stimulating and liver-protecting actions. A small British study found 2 grams of turmeric compared with 800 mg of ibuprofen for arthritis pain and ability to climb stairs.
Like ginger and garlic, turmeric can also reduce blood clotting (although possibly less), and should be used with caution at treatment doses if taking other blood thinners. However, it is considered safe when used in amounts normally in food.
Any time you plan to use a natural medicine, it is advisable to speak to your doctor or pharmacist to make sure it is safe for you to use and that your condition is not more serious than you think. Essentially all pharmacists have quality references for herbal medicines (and spices that can be used as medicines!) and can help you sort out fact from medical fiction and hearsay uses that might cause harm. Always ask your pharmacist about natural medicines you use, especially if you are taking prescription medications.
Reference: Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database
Jeannie Beaudin, Artist and Author 