Herbs with Health Benefits, Part 2

Just a reminder that I am not a doctor and am not claiming that these herbs heal any disease. However, they are beneficial and can relieve symptoms. So here is the second part of my list of herbs and their benefits and what foods go well with them.

Bloated? Parsley--Thanks to its stores of apiol and myristicin, parsley is a natural diuretic that helps relieve bloating induced water retention by preventing salt from being reabsorbed into bodily tissue. Parsley goes well with pasta, tomatoes, grains, and onions.

Congested? Cayenne --The spicy capsaicin in cayenne deactivates substance P, a neurotransmitter linked to inflammation. The result is less sinus congestion and pressure.

Cayenne goes well with leafy greens, beans, soups, and rice.

Tired? Cilantro--The carboxylic acid in cilantro binds to heavy metals such as mercury in the blood and carries them out of the body. This removal reverses the toxin buildup that causes chronic fatigue, joint pain and depression. Cilantro goes well with avocado, corn, black olives, eggs, and rice.

Nauseous? Ginger--Ginger's gingerol and shogaol calm digestive tract spasms. It goes well with potatoes, soups, chicken, rice, and pears. It also found in some ginger ales.

Continue to take chances with your cooking, and have fun.