Some cool cool notes on some power spices
CINNAMON - Who does not already love cinnamon ? Whether in pumpkin pie, cinnamon rolls, raisin bread, and cinnamon sugar topping, but there are healthier ways to reap the benefits of this power spice: Add it to your coffee, sprinkle it on oatmeal, stir it into peanut butter for celery sticks, and dash on sweet potatoes or carrots. While it brings out (and warms up) the flavors in the foods it is paired with, cinnamon will also help keep your arteries healthy, manage blood sugar levels, and lower cholesterol.
TURMERIC ROOT POWDER - Brightly-colored turmeric comes from the same family of spices as ginger -- which means both plants can reduce inflammation in arthritis patients (and may block the formation of some cancers)
CAYENNE POWDER - Chili powder, hot pepper powder, and all versions of those red hot chilli peppers that are especially spicy to get the maximum amount of capsaicin. Capsacin, the ingredient that provides the plants with their spice, also has medical benefits that include pain relief, heart health, fighting prostate cancer, and stopping ulcers. If you're ready to take on the hottest peppers out there, try habanero or Scotch bonnet; for less of a jolt, try jalapenos, Spanish pimentos, or cherry peppers.
GINGER ROOT POWDER - Powdered ginger, is used most often in baking and gives a stronger taste to foods — so don’t substitute the same amount of powdered ginger for fresh ginger or it will be overpowering! Sweeten powdered ginger with brown sugar (1:4 ) and can be enjoyed as an occasional treat or added to muffin and pancake batters. A common health benefit of ginger: it's touted as a digestive aid, helping nausea and stomach upset.
And you know what - these mixing a teaspoon of 4 powders with 1/2 cup of rice flour makes a fantastic poultice.
Don't know what a poultice is? Read on...
POULTICES - A poultice is similar to a fomentation, except that plant parts are used rather than liquid extraction. They are used to for circulation, appease aches and pains or draw impurities out through the skin, or to assist in breathing depending on the herb chosen. Mix herbal powder with a small amount of boiling water. Apply the pulp directly to the skin, as hot as you can tolerate, holding it in place with a gauze bandage. If the paste is likely to irritate the skin, apply it between two layers of cloth. Poultices need to remain in place for long hours. They are generally more active than fomentations. Once cools change the poultice. Apply as hot as tolerable. Please make sure you don’t burn yourself.
Let us know if you have any other cool uses for these power spices..