There's nothing like fresh basil to add an incredible kick to just about anything you're cooking. But did you know that in other countries this wonderful spice is also used for it's medicinal properties? It contains six different compounds that reduce blood pressure and ease the symptoms of emphysema and bronchitis. Basil also makes a good insect repellent. So next time you're in the garden and the bugs start biting, rub some on.
Preservative-ChilliTM
Part of the
EarthTribe Farmacy
$18.95 US
It's not surprising that chili peppers can trace their history to Central and South America, regions whose cuisines are renowned for their hot and spicy flavors. Chili peppers have been cultivated in these regions for more than seven thousand years, as a decorative item, a foodstuff and medicine. China, Turkey, Nigeria, Spain and Mexico are among the largest commercial producers. Chili peppers contain a substance called capsaicin, which gives peppers their characteristic pungence, producing mild to intense spice when eaten. Capsaicin is a potent inhibitor of substance P, a neuropeptide associated with inflammatory processes. The hotter the chili pepper, the more capsaicin it contains.
Preservative-Frankincence / NutmegTM
Part of the
EarthTribe Farmacy
$56.95 US
Enjoy frankincense with a hint of nutmeg and synergistically bring your body into balance. This proprietary blend of frankincense and nutmeg will soothe your nerves and nourish your soul. Frankincense trees originated in Southern Arabia but now grow naturally in Yemen and Oman. The old frankincense trade route was more than 2,000 miles long and is the oldest known trade route. During ancient times, frankincense was considered more valuable than gold. It has been traded for at least 5,000 years. Today frankincense, regardless of its origin, is a valued commodity. This unique blend lends itself to great health versatility.
Preservative-CinnamonTM
Part of the
EarthTribe Farmacy
$20.95 US
Cinnamon was mentioned in the Bible and was used in ancient Egypt as a beverage flavoring, a medicine, and as an embalming agent. It was so highly treasured that it was considered more precious than gold. Around this time, cinnamon also received much attention in China, which is reflected in its mention in one of the earliest books on Chinese botanical medicine, dated around 2,700 B.C. Recent research shows that cinnamon may make the cells more likely to let insulin in, thereby Cinnamon may significantly help people with Type 2 diabetes improve their ability to respond to insulin, thus normalizing their blood sugar levels.
Preservative-GingerTM
Part of the
EarthTribe Farmacy
$17.95 US
Freshly aromatic, ginger root has been used in cooking and healing since the dawn of history. Modern science has supported some of its traditional medicinal uses - including its helpfulness in preventing motion sickness. Ancient Indians used their native ginger in cooking, to preserve food and to treat digestive problems. The Chinese also consider ginger to be an antidote to shellfish poisoning, which is why Chinese fish and seafood dishes are often seasoned with ginger.
Preservative-GarlicTM
Part of the
EarthTribe Farmacy
$17.95 US
Whole books have been written about garlic and its uses. It is affectionately called "the stinking rose" in light of its numerous therapeutic benefits. Garlic remains have been found in caves inhabited 10,000 years ago. The entire ancient world from Spain to China, as well as Egyptians, loved garlic. Our ancestors knew that garlic does more than make our food taste good, it can aid in the healing and even prevention of certain medical conditions.
Preservative-OnionTM
Part of the
EarthTribe Farmacy
$18.95 US
Onions, like garlic, are members of the Allium family, and both are rich in powerful sulfur-containing compounds that are responsible for their pungent odors and for many of their health-promoting effects. Ancient Egyptians believed onions possessed strength-giving powers and fed them to the pyramid builders. The Egyptians weren't far off with their assessment of the onion's health attributes; recent medical studies have shown a direct link between onion consumption and reduced rates of cancer.
Preservative-LemongrassTM
Part of the
EarthTribe Farmacy
$17.95 US
Lemongrass is a fast growing, tall, aromatic perennial grass that grows up to 1.5 meters high. It is cultivated in tropical regions around the world, especially in Central and South America, as well as Queensland in Australia, for its oil used in perfumes, as a culinary flavoring and as a medicine. Its pleasant, refreshing taste and easy availability make it a good tonic in a number of conditions. It has a strong history of medicinal use in India, South America and the Caribbean.
Preservative-RosemaryTM
Part of the
EarthTribe Farmacy
$17.95 US
Thousands of years before refrigeration, ancient cultures noticed that wrapping meats in crushed rosemary leaves preserved them and imparted a fresh fragrance and flavor. To this day, the herb remains a favorite in meat dishes. Rosemary's ability to preserve meats also led to the belief that it helped preserve memory. Greek students wore rosemary garlands to assist their powers of recall. As the centuries passed, the herb was incorporated into wedding ceremonies as a symbol of spousal fidelity and into funerals to help survivors to remember the dead. In Hamlet, Ophelia gives Hamlet a sprig, saying, "There's rosemary... for remembrance."
Preservative-OreganoTM
Part of the
EarthTribe Farmacy
$18.95 US
Oregano is known botanically as Origanum vulgare and is called wild marjoram in many parts of Europe since it is closely related to the herb that we know as sweet marjoram. It is a small shrub with multi-branched stems covered with small grayish-green oval leaves and small white or pink flowers. More than 40 plants in four botanical families go by the name oregano. Just like rosemary, oregano was also used to preserve meat.
Preservative-ThymeTM
Part of the
EarthTribe Farmacy
$18.95 US
The 12th-century German herbalist Hildegard considered thyme the herb of choice for skin problems. As the centuries passed, thyme was used as an antiseptic during plagues. Thyme is commonly found in kitchen spice racks, but without realizing it, millions of Americans stock the herb's oil in their medicine chests as well. Its inclusion in mouthwashes and decongestants is no coincidence. Thyme's aromatic oil contains two compounds, thymol and carvacol, that account for its medicinal value. Both chemicals have preservative, antibacterial, and antifungal properties.
Preservative-SageTM
Part of the
EarthTribe Farmacy
$18.95 US
Close your eyes and imagine Thanksgiving turkey stuffing. Smell that warm, rich aroma? Chances are, it comes from sage. Thousands of years before the Pilgrims stuffed the first Thanksgiving turkey, people all over the world were celebrating the healing powers of this aromatic herb. The genus name for sage, Salvia, comes from the Latin word meaning "to heal." The ancient Greeks and Romans first used sage as a meat preservative. They also believed that like another powerful preservative, rosemary, it could enhance memory.
Preservative-TurmericTM
Part of the
EarthTribe Farmacy
$17.95 US
Turmeric comes from the root of the Curcuma Longa plant and has a tough brown skin and a deep orange flesh. Turmeric has long been used as a powerful anti-inflammatory in both the Chinese and Indian systems of medicine. Turmeric has a peppery, warm and bitter flavor and a mild fragrance slightly reminiscent of orange and ginger. While it is best known as one of the ingredients used to make curry, it also gives ballpark mustard its bright yellow color.
