Kitchen Cures (Part 4)

ROSEMARY – boosts memory

What it’s good for: Lifting moods, helping memory, sore throats.
Why it works: It’s good for increasing blood circulation, which may in turn help boost your memory. Its smell can evoke powerful emotional responses and trigger memories. Leaves from flowering bushes are the most potent. Combine rosemary with sage to make a gargle that’s great for sore throats.
Where to get it: Grow it or buy it fresh from supermarkets. Bruise some leaves and inhale their scent or inhale rosemary essential oil.

PARSLEY – freshens your breath

What it’s good for: Fighting bad breath, especially after eating onions and garlic; also good for relieving fluid retention.
Why it works: The essential oils in parsley neutralise unpleasant sulphurous odours from the mouth and intestinal tract. For the best effect, chew at least one spring of fresh parsley. It’s an excellent source of iron.
Where to get it: Grow it in the garden or buy it (organic is preferable) at the supermarket.

CABBAGE LEAVES – super anti-inflammatory

What it’s good for: Minor injuries, bites and general aches and pains in joints.
Why it works: Freshly washed cabbage leaves are known as the “poor man’s poultice”. They contain anti-inflammatory phytochemicals and sulphur compounds that are absorbed through the skin and help reduce painful swellings. Simply wash the leaves and cool them in the fridge, then apply to aching joints, minor wounds, insect bites or sprains.
Where to get it: Grow your own or add cabbage to your weekly shopping list.