I recently stumbled upon a vintage spice jar set at an estate sale. These beauties were made in the late ’80s and their decor was patterned after some famous Hummel collectible figurines. The 24 jars were issued to collectors one at a time — over a two-year period — by The Danbury Mint.
In deciding to keep and use the set, I thought it would be a great opportunity to organize, consolidate and replenish the spices and herbs I have been amassing for some 35 years. In doing so, I have found that spice racks can truly tell some interesting stories.
Aside from the use of spices and herbs in various recipes, I became curious about their origins and why many are linked to medicinal and/or healing properties. Recently, when I mentioned my intention of writing this article, several of my Facebook readers chimed in with some great tips. I also did a little bit of digging on my own.
Did you know that many spices can be used as a substitute for salt and sugar, not only adding flavor but often nutrients as well? Certain varieties may also increase mental focus, reduce muscle pain and rev up the metabolism.
Aside from adding a very pleasant taste to many recipes, cinnamon can help control blood sugar and reduce triglycerides (a type of fat found in our bodies).
Sue Turner swears by it and adds, “I put cinnamon in my coffee — it suppresses the appetite.” Adding cinnamon instead of cream and sugar to coffee is said to save as many as 70 calories!
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Ginger is actually a flowering plant. Its root is where we get dried, powdered or whole ginger. While adding a unique flavoring to many foods, it is also hailed in folk medicine as a muscle pain reducer.
Cathie Simon scrapes fresh ginger into her tea to help manage arthritis pain. Pat Shepard says that ginger helps get rid of nausea and she enjoys it “steeped in water with lemon for a refreshing drink.”
Turmeric is actually from the ginger family and it is made from the root of this perennial plant of the same name. It is most popularly in the form of a golden powder which is often added to soups. It has been said to reduce inflammation and may even help to prevent Alzheimer’s.
Crushed red pepper flakes can give a nice kick to pasta sauce or chili. It has been linked to strengthening the immune system and increasing a person’s metabolism.
Mint leaves (both fresh and dried) have long been attributed with medicinal benefits.
Sherry Collura grows it in her garden and says, “I use my fresh mint for tea. It is supposed to be good for upset stomachs.”
Shepard likes to steep honey with different herbs. She says, “Sage and mint are good for throat-soothing and as an anti-inflammatory.”
Sharon Maslona dries certain herbs in her kitchen window and has some very specific uses for them. She said, “Mint and camomile tea promote sleep. Turmeric reduces inflammation and is a great antioxidant. Cinnamon lowers blood sugar. Lavender mellows you out.”
Dried dill was introduced to the U.S. in the early 19th century. Originally thought to have a soothing and sedative effect, Europeans of the Middle Ages are said to have given dill to their crying babies. In modern days, it is a main ingredient in pickle making.
A not-so-popular fragrant herb these days is marjoram. It was used during the Middle Ages to freshen the air and as a magic charm against witchcraft.
“Parsley, sage, rosemary and thyme.” This was a phrase from a very popular Simon and Garfunkel ballad called “Scarborough Fair” released in 1968. This was an actual agricultural fair in Medieval England and the song tells of a young man’s hope to find a former lover at the fair and to profess his feelings for her. The herbs mentioned in the lyrics had known mystical properties able to evoke emotions and feelings.
Parsley: Often thought to aid digestion by removing bitterness and was also thought to remove bad or bitter emotions.
Sage: Celtic tradition lauded it as a symbol of immortality, strength and wisdom. Back in the day, it was often used to treat chest congestion, to bind wounds and treat snakebite.
Rosemary: It has long been associated with love and fidelity. It has become a modern culinary herb often used to season pork, lamb and soups.
Thyme: Its use as an antiseptic has been known for centuries. The Greeks believed it could reverse sad or melancholy feelings. As a symbol for love and courage, its leaves were often embroidered in a knight’s cloak by his lady.
It certainly seems that every spice or herb has its own story. Happy seasoning!
News from our neighbors
Our Savior’s Lutheran Church will have its annual rummage sale from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Oct. 15 and 16 at 8607 S. Narragansett in Burbank. Items for sale include clothing, small kitchen appliances and furniture. There will be a “fill a paper bag sale” on Friday only. Proceeds from the sale will go to “Yarn Over Missions” which is a quilting mission group. Please call the church office at (708) 599-4780 for more information.
Regina “Reggie” Sabadosa is a freelance columnist and can be emailed at [email protected].