In over twenty years of studying centenarians and examining anti-aging documents, I discovered the ten most powerful herbs and spices you can use in your cooking to boost the health of all your bodily systems and live a long, vibrant life!

In my recent Secrets of Longevity Cookbook, I reveal the many ways your health benefits from the common herbs and spices found in your very own spice cabinet—as well as tasty herb and spice recipes that increase the quality and quantity of your years. Here are some highlights from the top ten!

1. Cardamom

Cardamom is the spice that gives chai tea its main flavor. Cardomom is full of volatile oils that aid digestion, boost fertility, and balance blood sugar. In Asia, cardamom has long been valued medicinally for its ability to increase circulation and improve energy; meanwhile, in the Middle East, it is considered an aphrodisiac. Cardamom is also thought to help improve asthma and bronchitis—and may even lift a bad mood!

2. Ginger

Ginger, a natural anti-inflammatory, has been used for thousands of years by the Chinese to relieve pain. Ginger helps soothe nausea, arthritis, headaches, menstrual cramps, and muscle soreness, and can help spice up your circulation, too! A perfect compliment to vegetables, marinades, and sweets, ginger is also tasty as tea.

3. Cinnamon

This tasty, warming spice has been used to treat a variety of conditions, including low energy, candida yeast infections, stomach bug and flu, tooth decay, and arthritis pain, to name a few. Cinnamon has anti-inflammatory and antioxdiant properties, and it has been linked to lowered blood sugar. Research has demonstrated improvement in insulin sensitivity with cinnamon polyphenols, as well as total and LDL cholesterol.

4. Turmeric

This delicious, orange spice appears frequently in curry dishes, and boasts anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and anti-tumor properties. Turmeric contains a chemical called curcumin, a substance that helps break down and remove plaque—which can reduce cholesterol levels, optimize insulin function, and protect the brain. The anti-inflammatory properties are great news for joint comfort, as well!

5. Rosemary

Used as a brain tonic in Chinese traditional medicine for thousands of years, rosemary contains volatile oils that help stimulate brain activities and increase brain alertness. It is also extremely high in the anti-inflammatory substances and antioxidant compounds that protect your bodily tissues from free radical damage. One antioxidant, carnosic acid, has been singled out for its ability to promote eye health and to protect the tissues of the brain. Rosemary can also be a helpful digestive aid for settling your stomach.

6. Cilantro

Cilantro, the name for the stems and leaves of the coriander plant, is an age-old energy tonic that can boost your immune system and smooth out your digestion. It is also thought to play a role in the treatment of candida yeast infections, migraines, cold, flu, sore throat, flatulence, and ulcers. Make a tea by soaking cilantro in hot water for five minutes—or add cilantro raw to your meals.

7. Oregano

This delicious immunity-enhancing herb, the star of Mediterranean cooking, is high in antioxidants and has antimicrobial properties. When you’re suffering from cold or flu, steep oregano in a pot of water and inhale the vapors, which are antibacterial, antiviral, and decongesting. This herb also settles digestion and prevents bloating.

8. Garlic

This immune-enhacing bulb has traditionally been used to regulate blood sugar levels and prevent diabetes-related conditions. It has also been found to lower blood pressure and improve cholesterol levels. According to the National Health and Medical Research Council, consuming half to one clove of garlic daily may reduce cholesterol by nearly ten percent. Your breath might suffer, but your heart will thank you!

9. Cayenne Pepper

Spicy cayenne contains the active ingredient capsaicin, which combats inflammation and is thought to help relieve pain associated with arthritis, psoriasis, and cluster headaches. Cayenne is a metabolism booster and also a heart helper: it reduces levels of bad cholesterol in the body, helps normalize blood pressure, and removes the plaque adhering to arteries. In spite of its spicy reputation, cayenne has been found to help heal stomach and intestinal ulcers, as well as relieving abdominal cramps, acidity, and flatulence.

10. Cloves

A traditional digestive aid in India, cloves are an amazing source of antioxidants and abundant phenol compounds, which help combat toxins and the gradual damaging processes that result in cell aging. Also, research suggests that a compound found in cloves called eugenol functions as a platelet inhibitor, which may help protect you from stroke associated with blood clots.

BDST: 1610 HRS, APR-03, 2014