food and nutrition 49
Aniseed (Pimpinella anisum) is a sweet spice. It is excellent for break-
ing up mucus in the body and for the relief of cramping in the bowels,
as well as colic and flatulence. It is also very calming, soothing the
nervous system and alleviating sleeplessness.
Caraway (Carum carvi) is an excellent aid to digestion and relieves indiges-
tion.
Cardamom (Elettaria cardamomum) is the king of spices; it warms the body
and soothes indigestion and gas.
Cayenne (Capsicum annuum) is a medicinal and nutritional herb. It is the
purest and best stimulant. It is an excellent food for the circulatory system,
as it feeds the necessary elements into the cell structure of arteries, veins,
and capillaries so that they regain elasticity. It also regulates blood pressure.
Used most beneficially raw, it rebuilds the tissue in the stomach and heals
stomach and intestinal ulcers (the opposite is true of cooked chiles). It also
produces natural warmth and, in stimulating the peristaltic motion of the
intestines, aids in assimilation and elimination. Cayenne peppers have white
seeds, which are the hottest part; they are good for colds and flu.
Cinnamon (Cinnamomum zeylanicum) is available as bark, shoots, and sticks.
The bark is mainly sweet, but also slightly hot and bitter; the shoots have a
very different taste and are not so sweet. Both are warming and tonic. Cin-
namon and whole barley soup is good for all kidney problems, balancing
water volume, general tone, and function and helping to cleanse the system.
Cinnamon and cloves complement each other in cooking, warming and
speeding digestion. Nausea, flatulence, and diarrhea can be helped with
them.
Cloves (Syzygium aromaticum) are a stimulant and are effective for warming
the body, increasing circulation, improving digestion, alleviating nausea and
vomiting, and clearing phlegm. They are also capable of inhibiting viruses and
fungi as well as parasitic eggs. Use sparingly, as the flavor is strong.
Coriander (Coriandrum sativum) is the queen of spices and an antiviral herb.
As a seed it is a good thickening agent. It is stimulative, digestive, and con-
sidered universally useful and healing.
Cumin (Cuminum cyminum) is “cooler” than some spices, but it still warms
and aids digestion. It is one of the best spices for the relief of flatulence. It is
also a stimulant and antispasmodic, useful to the heart and uterus.
Fennel (Foeniculum vulgare) assists digestion and increases metabolic pro-
cesses in general; it alleviates gas, bloating, and spasms and speeds up di-
gestion. It dissolves and disperses mucus and fats. The lungs benefit from it
when taken as a tea.
Fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graecum) is a useful healing spice; it is very
nourishing and considered to be a tonic, as well as balancing blood
49 The Complete Home Guide to Herbs, Natural Healing, and Nutrition