Spice-rack remedies: ease cold symptoms, fix hot flashes, and prevent food poisoning and other ailments by reaching into your kitchen spice rack. These common spices are more than mere flavor enhancers; they're also effective home remedies
Sara Altshul
* CAYENNE Got a toothache? Capsaicin, an ingredient in cayenne, interferes with pain transmission.
Make a paste with a few drops of water and a spoonful of cayenne, dip a cotton swab into the paste, and dab on the tooth (not the gum).
* CINNAMON A bit of this aromatic spice can help ease diarrhea, dry up the sniffles, and control heavy menstrual bleeding. And for people with type-2 diabetes, just 1/2 teaspoon of cinnamon a day, added to food or drinks, can lower blood glucose levels up to 2Q percent, studies show. For sniffles and diarrhea, make a tea by adding 1 teaspoon of cinnamon to 1 cup of boiling water. Let it steep for minutes, strain out the cinnamon through a coffee filter, and drink.
* GINGER This powdered root relieves morning sickness and is as effective as over-the-counter drugs for motion sickness. It also kills some of the bacteria that causes food poisoning. In fact, it's good for most any form of upset stomach. Make a tea by adding 1 teaspoon of powder to a cup of boiling water. Steep for 10 minutes, strain, and drink.
* SAGE Reduce menopausal hot flashes and night sweats by drinking a cup of sage tea three times a day: Add 1/2 teaspoon sage to 1 cup boiling water, steep 10 minutes, then strain and drink.
* THYME Rich in germ-killing compounds, thyme has a long history as an expectorant and antiseptic. Gargle several times a day with a strong thyme tea to heal a sore throat; drink it to ease coughs from colds or bronchitis. For an effective cough remedy, use 1 teaspoon dried thyme to 1 cup boiling water, steep for 10 minutes, strain, and drink. Sweeten to taste with honey or sugar. For sore throats: Brew 2 teaspoons thyme in 1 cup of boiling water for 10 minutes. Gargle, then spit.
