Cucina Cura: The Therapeutic Mediterranean Kitchen

Spicing Up Your Health

Cucina Cura:  
Healthy Tips from the Mediterranean

You just came home from shopping and you forgot your favorite disinfectant but you still need to get the kitchen cleaned.  Perhaps its late at night and you're feeling under the weather but the drugstore is already closed.  Whatever the scenario, I wanted to share with you a small sampling of healthy hints from my upcoming book, Cucina Cura: The Therapeutic Mediterranean Kitchen.

Vinegar

Vinegar is an alternative to bleach as a disinfectant.  You can wipe down counter tops, windows, cut grease and remove odors with vinegar, too.  Vinegar even kills salmonella and E. Coli so use it to clean anything that has come in contact with meat.  Any vinegar will do but white vinegar is the least expensive.  Adding lemon boosts its cleaning power plus hides the strong vinegar smell.

Lemon

Gargling with lemon juice helps relieve inflammation in the mouth and throat.  Lemon juice also helps clear the digestive tract and relieves colic pain and gastritis.  Lemon juice can also help prevent dehydration help replace nutrients in cases on diarrhea.

Honey

Honey helps build the immune system and increases energy especially during and after an illness.  Honey not only soothes sore throats but is antibacterial and can be used to treat cuts, wounds and burns.

Mint

Peppermint is not only great for freshening breath but can soothe an upset stomach or can be used to lift your mood.  Smelling peppermint can even boost your energy after a long day.

Garlic

Because of it's antibacterial properties, garlic may be useful in warding off infections.  Garlic contains a sulfuric compound called allicin.  The best way to get its healing benefits is by eating it raw or try juicing it.  

Basil  

Basil can inhibit bacterial growth including strains that have become resistant to antibiotics, like staph infections.  It's also helpful with constipation and skin wounds.

Chamomile

Nature's muscle relaxant, chamomile, helps soothes cramps, relieve stress and calm nerves.  It also is an antiseptic and helps expel parasites.

Oregano

Oregano from the Mediterranean is an immune booster but it's also an antibacterial.  It's also been know to aid in digestion.

Onions

Not only are onions "nature's cleanser" and help clear the body of unhealthy fats but onions also help cure constipation.  Onions are also high in iron and helps treat anemia.