Herbs and spices in the kitchen

Garlic: when freshly crushed, a compound called allicin is released from the garlic which contains antibacterial and antiviral compounds. Bye colds and flus!
Add freshly crushed garlic to all your meals and when you feel a cold coming on I always find eating a clove of garlic raw will do the trick in preventing sickness.

Thyme: this aromatic herb dilates the airways and reduces spasm in the bronchioles or lungs. Great for persistent coughs!
Add thyme sprigs to 1tbsp honey and use as a soothing demulcent for the throat. 

Sage: has been shown to be useful in reducing hot sweats including those associated with menopausal symptoms.
Make a cold infusion: mix a few sage leaves with boiling water and let the leaves steep in the water for 10 minutes, then refrigerate and you have ice-sage tea the following day. 

Turmeric: the active ingredient curcumin has been shown to reduce inflammation in a range of health conditions including osteoarthritis, Alzheimer’s disease, cardiovascular disease, metabolic syndrome, obesity, diabetes, depression, and respiratory illness such as bronchitis and asthma. The combination of curcumin and black pepper has been shown to increase absorption of the curcumin so always remember to have these two spices together!
Turmeric lattes are a current hit with millennials but you can also just add turmeric and black pepper to cooking – soups, stir frys, curries and so much more. 

Peppermint: is extremely cooling for the body, so is great in overheated people or inflammatory and hot muscular conditions due to its ability to constrict blood vessels and assist with muscle recovery. Think sore muscles post-workout!
Peppermint has also exhibited benefits in reducing pain in those with Inflammatory Bowel Syndrome symptoms, so if you have an unhappy tummy try a cup of peppermint tea after meals.