Ahh…the sweet aroma of cinnamon in a hot cup of tea, the delicious taste of nutmeg sprinkled on top of holiday cookies, or the beautiful addition of star anise to your favorite holiday pie. Holiday spices are arguably the most savory spices of them all, but did you know that aside from their delicious taste, many of these spices have a host of powerful health benefits?
Holiday spices are among the most beneficial and medicinal spices in the world. They can reduce inflammation and pain in the body; provide protection from bacterial and viral infections; regulate blood sugar levels; relieve anxiety, stress, and depression; and improve your mood naturally.
Whether you use them to enhance your personal wellbeing or incorporate them in foods, beverages, and snacks in your spa, hotel, or wellness center, here are four fragrant finds that will help boost your immunity as well as your clients’ this holiday season.
Cinnamon: is a potent source of antioxidants with powerful anti-inflammatory properties. It can improve heart health, brain health, and memory as well as lower your risk for cancer, fight allergies, and even boost your immune system with its powerful antibacterial, antiviral, and antimicrobial properties. Cinnamon helps fight diabetes by preventing excess sugar from entering the bloodstream. It is also good for dental health and helps prevent cavities and bad breath.
Nutmeg: Nutmeg can help relieve pain, soothe indigestion, strengthen memory and cognitive function, act as an antispasmodic and a mild sedative. It is even considered an aphrodisiac. Its mood-boosting and relaxation powers make it a go-to medicinal spice. It can also help detoxify the body, boost skin health, improve oral health, reduce insomnia, boost the immune system, and improve blood circulation.
Ginger: The benefits of ginger are numerous. Ginger can boost memory, concentration, reaction time, and attention to detail. It contains more than 50 antioxidant compounds with strong anti-inflammatory properties that can reduce pain, comparable with over the counter medications. Ginger settles the stomach, decreasing nausea, including morning sickness, and treats chronic indigestion and menstrual pain. It can decrease stress and anxiety while also promoting better sleep. It can help control type 2 diabetes by increasing insulin sensitivity and lowering blood sugar levels. Ginger also has antiviral properties, which studies suggest can help fight the effect of the flu and common cold.
Clove: Cloves are like little magic wands that pack a powerful punch. They have strong antimicrobial, antiviral, and anticancer properties. They can improve oral health while acting as a numbing agent for painful teeth. Clove has also been shown to improve liver health, bone health, regulate blood sugar levels, and even reduce stomach ulcers.
