A 1997 study published in the Journal of Advanced Nursing detailed its success in derailing postoperative nausea. Red pepper - Capsaicin is the main phytochemical found in red peppers. It works as an anti-inflammatory, reduces cholesterol formation in the liver, and is used in topical preparations for arthritis relief. Rosemary - The carnosol found in rosemary has demonstrated potent anticancer properties in animal studies. It increases the production of an enzyme that protects cellular DNA from being damaged, and in one test appeared to have some success in offsetting the effects of a breast cancer carcinogen.
Herbalists commonly use sage in treating night sweats, angina, and inflammations.
It's also burned as medicinal incense. Thyme - Thyme retards the growth of germs, stimulates the gastrointestinal tract, and is used in folk medicine to decrease the symptoms of bronchitis and colds. These beneficial effects are due in part to thymol oil, used as a people-friendly germicide in the early 1900s, and still found in various Vicks cough and cold remedies. Tumeric - Curcumin, the primary active compound in tumeric, is found in curry powders. Repeated studies suggest it is highly effective in suppressing the formation and growth of tumors in the colon.