7 Must-Use Festive Herbs to Boost Health
Balance blood sugar, improve immunity and relieve stress
The festive season is a whirlwind of indulgence, excitement, and, let’s face it, a touch of chaos. Between the endless to-do lists, rich foods, late nights, and the occasional family drama, it’s no wonder so many of us feel frazzled, bloated and run down by the time New Year rolls around.
But what if this Christmas, you could embrace a little extra balance and wellness while still enjoying the magic of the season?
By incorporating the following powerful herbs and spices, you can do just that. They don’t just make your mulled wine or stuffing taste divine – they can help steady your blood sugar after a mince pie overload, sharpen your mind for Christmas quizzes and ease the tension of last-minute shopping.
Cinnamon: Blood Sugar Balancer
Cinnamon is a quintessential festive spice, often found in mulled wine, spiced biscuits and festive teas. This sweet and warming herb is more than just a flavour enhancer – it’s packed with antioxidants and offers a powerhouse of health benefits. Cinnamon helps soothe digestive discomfort and can ease bloating after indulgent meals. It also supports blood sugar balance and has been shown to improve insulin sensitivity while reducing blood sugar levels, making it a valuable addition for managing post-meal sugar spikes. Sprinkle cinnamon into your porridge, hot drinks or roasted vegetables.
Rosemary: Memory Booster
Often associated with roast dinners, rosemary is a fragrant herb that has long been used for its medicinal properties. Rosemary contains compounds that can enhance cognitive function and memory, making it a perfect herb to keep your mind sharp during the festive hustle. It also stimulates blood flow, which can help alleviate cold hands and feet during chilly winter months. Incorporate rosemary into your Christmas cooking by adding it to roasted meats, potatoes, vegetable or breads. You can also use it to infuse oils or make herbal teas for a soothing post-meal drink.
Sage: Stress Relief & Inflammation Support
Sage is a staple in Christmas dinner stuffing and brings a rich, earthy flavour to festive meals. Beyond its culinary uses, sage has impressive therapeutic benefits. This herb has been traditionally used to ease menopausal symptoms, such as hot flushes and night sweats. However, it’s lesser known for its calming properties which can help soothe anxiety, especially useful during the often-hectic Christmas period. Sage’s compounds also help reduce inflammation and support overall immune health. Try sage tea as a relaxing drink or add it to vegetables and soups.
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Nutmeg: Calming & Promotes Digestion
The aroma of nutmeg instantly evokes thoughts of festive treats like mince pies and Christmas puddings. This aromatic spice offers a range of health benefits, including mild sedative properties, making it the perfect addition to evening drinks for a relaxing wind-down. Packed with antioxidants and digestive properties, nutmeg also helps ease nausea, bloating and indigestion after rich meals. Add a pinch to your turmeric latte or hot chocolate for a festive touch and a wellness boost.
Clove: Powerful Antioxidant for Immune Support
Cloves, with their distinctive spicy-sweet flavour, are commonly used in mulled wine, baked goods and Christmas sauces. But their health benefits go beyond their festive use – cloves are rich in antioxidants and antimicrobial compounds, making them excellent for boosting immunity during the colder months. Clove oil has long been used to soothe toothaches, improve oral hygiene, relieve indigestion and support gut health. Add cloves to your baking or brew them into aromatic spiced teas for a warm, comforting drink.
Thyme: Natural Relief for Colds & Coughs
Thyme is a versatile herb that pairs beautifully with roasted dishes, soups and marinades. With its antimicrobial and expectorant properties, thyme make an excellent remedy for colds, coughs and sore throats, helping to strengthen the immune system and ward off winter bugs. Thyme also aids digestion and can soothe an upset stomach. Infuse thyme into soups, broths or herbal teas.
Star Anise: A Well-Being All-Rounder
With its beautiful star-shaped pods and warm, sweet flavour, star anise is not only a visually striking addition to your festive cooking but also a powerhouse of health benefits. Rich in shikimic acid – a compound used in antiviral medications – it’s an excellent herb for staying healthy during cold and flu season. Star anise also helps soothe bloating, indigestion and stomach cramps, making it the perfect post-feast remedy. Packed with antioxidants, it also supports overall health by combating oxidative stress. Add star anise to spiced teas, hot drinks, soups or stews.
Stay healthy this Christmas
Incorporating these festive herbs into your meals, teas or daily wellness routine can support your health and well-being throughout the season. Whether it’s boosting your immune system or easing Christmas stress, these healing herbs offer the perfect way to navigate the festivities feeling your best.
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