Cinnamon (Cinnamomum zeylanicum). Used against
heartburn, heavy menstruation, peptic ulcer, poor
appetite, yeast infections.
Cayenne Pepper (Capiscum frutescens). Topical use
for diabetes, neurogenic bladder, osteoarthritis, pain
and psoriasis.
Celery (Apium graveolens L.). Used as antimicrobial,
antifungal, and antihyperlipidemic agent.
Coriander (Coriandrum sativum L.). Used for treat-
ing bacterial infections, worm infections, indigestion,
and inflammation.
Dill (Anethum graveolens). Used against digestive
problems
Fennel (Foeniculum vulgare). Used against indiges-
tion and irritable bowel syndrome.
Garlic (Allium sativum). Used against atherosclero-
sis, high triglycerides, athlete’s foot, bronchitis, heart
attack, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, inter-
mittent claudication
Ginger (Zingiber officinale). Used against motion
sickness, nausea and vomiting following surgery,
morning sickness, and chemotherapy.
Lemon Grass (Cymbopogon citratus). Has antimicro-
bial, antifungal, antibacterial, and mosquito repellent
properties.
Marjoram (Origanum majorana). Has carminative,
antispasmodic, diaphoretic, and diuretic properties.
Mustard (Brassica alba). Used as an emetic and a
muscle relaxant.
Nutmeg (Myristica fragrans). Has carminative, hal-
lucinogenic, stimulant, expectorant, and sialagogue
properties.
Onion (Allium cepa L.). Used against pain, diarrhea,
hematemesis, diabetes, asthma, cough and tumors.
Oregano (Origanum vulgare). Has antifungal and
antimicrobial properties and protects against colds.
Paprika (Capiscum annuum). Has anti-inflammatory
and antinociceptive properties, and is used as a cir-
culatory stimulant
Parsley (Petroselinum crispum). Has antihyperlipi-
demic, anticoagulant, antimicrobial, antioxidative,
antianemic, and laxative properties, used as a tonic.
Red beet root (Beta vulgaris). Has antioxidant and
liver-protecting properties
Saffron (Crocus sativus L.). Has antispasmodic, dia-
phoretic, carminative, heart–protective, hypolipi-
demic, antitussive, antioxidant, sedative, and memory–
enhancing properties.
Sage (Salvia officinalis). Used against night sweats
and to relieve oral cavity and throat inflammations.
Savory (Satureja hortensis L.). Has antibacterial,
antifungal, antioxidative, antispasmodic, antidiar-
rheal, sedative, and anti-inflammatory properties.
Sesame (Sesamum indicum). Used as a tonic and a
laxative, emollient, demulcent, has antidiabetic and
antioxidant properties.
Spearmint (Mentha spicata). Has antibacterial, anti-
inflammatory, carminative, analgesic and antimuta-
genic properties.
Sweet basil (Ocimum basilicum L.). Has antioxidant,
heart-protective, anti-fertility, anti-diabetic, liver-
protective, anti-inflammatory, antifungal, antimicro-
bial, antiemetic, antispasmodic, and analgesic properties.
Thyme (Thymus vulgaris). Has carminative, and anti-
tussive properties.Precautions
There are no recorded harmful effects associated
with medicinal plants, nor with herbs, and spices,
except for unpalatable food when used in exaggerated
quantities. Phytochemicals in isolated forms, however,
can have adverse effects on some people and may not
provide all of the health benefits of the whole plant
foods they were extracted from. Phytonutrients are
relatively new in nutritional public awareness. While
there is ample evidence to support the health benefits
of diets rich in plant foods such as fruits, vegetables,
whole grains and nuts, hard evidence concerning the
benefits of specific phytonutrients is limited. This is
because plant-based foods are complex mixtures of
numerous bioactive compounds, and information on
potential health effects is linked to information on the
health effects of foods that contain a group of phyto-
chemicals rather than on the effect of a specific phy-
tochemical. A wealth of information exist about
vitamins and minerals, but researchers are still trying
to determine scientifically the types of phytochemicals
that are present in foods, how they interact with each
other and the body and what their health benefits are.
There is also a trend to package and promote phyto-
nutrient supplements as the new magic cure for all
diseases and disorders, which makes it difficult to
assess the claims that are made concerning their bene-
fits. Taken in the form of supplements, caution should
accordingly be exercised to avoid excessive intake. For
example, carotenoids are not toxic to the human body.
An excessive intake of carrots and other vegetables
containing carotene can lead to a yellowing of the
skin, in itself harmless. However, beta-carotene in
the form of a phytonutrient supplement be dangerous
for smokers and people exposed to secondhand smoke
or asbestos. The American Cancer Society has
requested that warning labels for these people bePhytonutrients