118 Handbook of herbs and spices
7.2 The role of medicinal herbs and spices
In the past, essential oils, which contain volatile compounds (Table 7.2), derived
from plants were used in cosmetics, perfumes and pharmaceuticals56,77. Today,
aromatherapy is gaining overwhelming attention as an alternative healing modality
entirely related to herbal medicine39,40. It was reported that cardamon, rosemary, and
eucalyptus contain eucalyptol22,41,62. When it is administered topically as part of a
massage, the direct touch stimulates sensory fibers in the skin, which triggers the
parasympathetic nervous system, thus inducing relaxation and decreasing the perception
of pain^41. It is established that the functional effects of medicinal herbs and spice
constituents include inhibition of cancerous growth, oxidative damage, stimulation
of cytochrome enzymes, modulation of body temperature, counter-irritants, and
prevention of oxidative damage to foods and the anti-nutritional effects of that
damage^46.
Scientific literature supports the use of essential oils for insomnia; in addition,
several randomized controlled clinical trials have demonstrated a reduction of
pain medication for people with rheumatoid arthritis, cancer, and headaches^41.
Current research on the essential oils from herbs is concentrated or their chemical
constituents and therapeutic value^77. Pharmacological activities of pepper can be
basically attributed to essential oils and amide alkaloids, especially content of
piperine^47. Essential oil from lavender has sedative and pain-relieving properties. It
is believed to affect the amygdala by increasing inhibitory neurons containing g-
amino butyric acid. Other claimed therapeutic values include anti-infectious,
antispasmodic, mucolitic, and litholitic actions; expectorant and anti-parasitic qualities,
stimulation of the immune system and antihistamine41,46, anti-convulsive, and analgesic
activities^48.
Essential oils extracted from either medicinal herbs or spices may cause such side
effects as headache or contact dermatitis. Patients with hypertension should avoid
using stimulating essential oils such as rosemary and spike lavender. Essential oil
may be toxic if it is administered improperly and it should be stored away from
children. It was reported that essential oil from pepper root is toxic based on studies
of oral administration into mice, which died by convulsion^48. Essential oils containing
pharmacologically active ingredients may interact with medications^86. This area of
study is being investigated and more information has been published recently.
7.3 Major constituents and therapeutic uses of medicinal herbs
and spices
The thirty-eight most popular spices were selected and are arranged alphabetically
based on their common names with their major constituents, therapeutic values (Table
7.1), and essential oils (Table 7.2). The information in this chapter is primarily for
reference and education. It is not intended to be a substitute for the advice of a
physician. The uses of medicinal herbs and spices described in this chapter are not
recommendations, and the author is not responsible for liability arising directly or
indirectly from the use of information in this chapter.