food and nutrition 51
it is rapidly converted to alkaline in the gut, providing a powerful healing
tool for detoxifying and healing.
Marjoram (Origanum majorana) is a powerful antiviral herb. It is also a stimu-
lant, antispasmodic, antiseptic, and carminative, a combination of opposites
that brings balance. It relaxes the lungs and digestion and expels mucus
wherever it may be situated. It is helpful in many bowel disorders, easing,
soothing, and healing. It can be used for cramps and nausea and adds a
slightly lemony flavor to dishes.
Mustard (Brassica hirta, B. nigra, and other species) is a stimulant, alterative,
and rubefacient that is excellent for the digestive system. The best mustards
are those made from whole grains and mixed with apple cider vinegar rather
than malt or white wine vinegar. Add it frequently to salad dressings and
when cooking rice and other grains. Use the seeds whole on steamed cab-
bage, carrots, and parsnips to add crunch and spicy heat!
Nutmeg and Mace (Myristica fragrans) come from the same seed. Mace is
the outer covering of the nutmeg. Nutmeg and lettuce soup is very good for
depression and nervous disorders. Mace is an antiseptic and is delicious in
sweet dishes. Sprinkle nutmeg and mace on cooked fruit, use with cinna-
mon in sweet dishes, or grate onto potatoes, cabbage, onions, or leeks. The
effect is generally warming and soothing. Together they are supposed to be
an aphrodisiac, but be aware that in large quantities they can be hallucinatory.
Nutmeg encourages menstruation and can be abortive in large quanti-
ties — therefore avoid it during pregnancy.
Parsley (Petroselinum crispum) comes in many varieties, all of which are in-
credibly tasty and health-giving. Parsley has a very high vitamin and mineral
content and is very rich in chlorophyll. I used it a lot when making my babies
their first foods. Millet and parsley makes a good combination for protein,
iron, calcium, vitamin C, chlorophyll, and many other nutrients. Try parsley in
soups, stews, or salads, not just as a garnish, to which status it is usually rel-
egated. It is a blood cleanser — the high iron content helps the blood. It also
acts as a diuretic and digestive through increasing bile flow, so one could
call it a digestive and a detoxifier. Do not make it into strong teas if you are
pregnant or suffer from heavy periods, as the estrogen within it could be
unsuitable.
Pepper (Piper nigrum), specifically black pepper, is anticatarrhal, antimucus,
antifungal, and antibacterial, as well as being a natural preservative. It
should be freshly ground and added after the food has been cooked; cook-
ing changes its chemistry, making it more aggressive to the stomach. White
pepper produces acids and is almost a mature fruit when the skin is re-
moved — use it only as a seed to flavor, and do not eat in large quantities.
Green pepper, like black pepper, is an immature fruit. Those with liver prob-
51 The Complete Home Guide to Herbs, Natural Healing, and Nutrition