Spices and herbs have long been used for medicinal purposes, such as indigestion and other digestive problems. Although science does not exactly know the direct benefits of consuming spices and herbs in terms of cancer protection and side effects, their indirect effect is much easier to trace.
One such effect is a unique flavor profile that ranges from strong to mild, where small amounts of substances can create an entirely new taste. When cancer causes loss of appetite and distortion of taste, which can lead to unwanted weight loss, the addition of herbs and spices can stimulate the taste buds and improve appetite.
1. Ginger
Ginger has long been used in folk medicine to treat a variety of ailments, from the common cold to constipation. Ginger can be used fresh, powdered, or candied. While fresh and powdered ginger taste different, they are used interchangeably in recipes. 1/8 tsp ground ginger can be replaced with 1 tbsp. fresh grated and vice versa. The use of ginger and its products, in combination with anti-motion sickness medicines, can relieve stomach weakness in the treatment of cancer.
2. Rosemary
Rosemary is a fragrant, needle-leaved Mediterranean herb and a good source of antioxidants. Because of its location, rosemary is very common in Mediterranean cuisine and is often seen in Italian sauces. It can be added to soups, tomato sauces, bread.
Rosemary promotes detoxification, helps with taste changes, indigestion, bloating, loss of appetite and other problems. Drink up to 3 cups of rosemary tea every day to get rid of these problems.
3. Turmeric (curcuma)
Turmeric is an herb in the ginger family and is used in curry sauces for its yellow color and spicy flavor. The active ingredient in turmeric is curcumin. This substance has shown good anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, potentially preventing the development of cancer.
Dietary supplements with turmeric extract are currently being studied to see if they have any effect in the prevention and treatment of certain types of cancer, including colon, prostate, breast, and skin cancers. While the results are promising, the research is mostly done in laboratories and animals, so it’s not clear if the results will translate into humans.
4. Chilli
Chili peppers contain capsaicin, a substance that can relieve pain. When capsaicin is applied topically, it causes a release of a substance called substance P. With repeated use, the amount of substance P produced decreases, relieving pain in the area.
But that doesn’t mean you have to rub chili everywhere you feel pain. They must be handled very carefully, because they can cause skin burns.
So, if you’re in pain and want to tap into the power of chili peppers, ask your oncologist or GP to prescribe you a capsaicin cream. They show good results in the elimination of neuropathic pain (acute, shocking pain following the path of the nerve) after cancer surgery.
Another benefit of chili peppers is that they can help with indigestion. Seems paradoxical, right? But some studies have shown that eating small doses of cayenne pepper can help with indigestion.
5. Garlic
Garlic belongs to the genus Onion, which also includes chives, leeks, onions, shallots, and chives. Garlic is high in sulfur and is a good source of arginine, oligosaccharides, flavonoids, and selenium, all of which have health benefits. The active ingredient in garlic, allicin, gives it its characteristic odor and is produced when garlic cloves are cut, crushed, or otherwise crushed.
Some studies suggest that garlic consumption reduces the risk of stomach, colon, esophagus, pancreas, and breast cancers. Garlic has been found to inhibit cancer in a variety of ways, including: slowing down bacterial infections and the formation of cancer-causing substances; DNA repair; causing cell death. Garlic promotes the elimination of toxins, strengthens the immune system and reduces blood pressure.
6. Peppermint
Peppermint is a natural hybrid of water mint and spearmint. It has been used for thousands of years to relieve gas, indigestion, stomach cramps, and diarrhea. It can also help with symptoms of spastic colitis and food poisoning. Peppermint relaxes the stomach muscles and improves bile flow, allowing food to pass through the stomach more quickly.
If your cancer or treatment is upsetting your stomach, try drinking a cup of peppermint tea. Many commercial varieties are available on the market, but you can make your own by brewing mint leaves, or by adding fresh leaves to boiling water and letting it steep for a few minutes until the tea is thick enough.
Mint can be used to relieve sore throats. Therefore, it is sometimes used to relieve inflammation in the mouth due to chemotherapy or radiotherapy, and also as a main ingredient in such conditions.
7. Chamomile
Considered to be very beneficial, chamomile has been used throughout human history to treat a wide variety of ailments. Chamomile helps with sleep problems. If you don’t sleep well, try drinking a cup of strong chamomile tea before bed.
Chamomile mouthwash has also been researched to relieve inflammation in the mouth with chemotherapy and radiotherapy. Although the results are inconsistent, it is worth a try, of course, if your oncologist does not forbid. If the oncologist allows, just make a tea, let it cool, and gargle at the desired frequency.
Chamomile tea can help with stomach problems, including cramps. Chamomile relaxes muscles, especially the smooth muscles of the intestines.