It is a very common notion that herbs and spices are very important and useful for cooking meals for healthy living. There are hundreds of herbs and spices. They vary depending on the culture, where they are found and what benefits are attached to them.

I won't be able to mention all the spices and herbs. I do not know quarter of them. In truth, I can only google and know some of them.
On this article, I will only discuss a few of these herbs/spices as to their importance in healing and relieving health issues.

Is no hidding knowledge that herb/spices are regarded to have very effective healing potentials. Though not medically and scientifically proven, they have been a major source of treatment of various sickness and diseases.

African Belief Herbs and Spices.
In the ancient African, herbs were the only means to heal. Though modern technology has scientifically proven medicine for curing various diesease, it is not far from the truth that the average African still believes in the healing capability of herbs and spices.
It is believed that there is no sickness or diesease that has no herbal treatment. The average African would resort to the use of herb and have more faith in its healing capabilities, than to the scientifically proven treatment.
Take for instance, it is believe that ailment such as cancer, leukemia, asthma, HIV can be cured using traditional herbs.

Though I have faith in the proven medicine, I am one of the millions of Africans that would resort to herbal treatment when it comes to treatment of certain diseases.

Some herb/spices; Their day to day use and medicinal value.

African Negro Pepper:

The African negro pepper is an exceptional spice know for its very highly flavored aroma in food and other products it is combines with. It is a well know spice in African and commonly use for food as flavor and treatment of diseases.
It is mainly used in Africa, South America and Brazil.
It could be crushed, or used in whole to prepare assorted dishes such as pepper soup, stew, local spicy sauce, stew, meat sauce, yam porridge, etc. It can also serve as a form of preservative in food.

It's botanical Name is Xylopia aethiopica. From the Annonaceae family. It's high nutritional value is due to the essential photochemical compounds of its components.

Some facts about African Negro Pepper.

Negro Pepper possess certain unique properties that makes a very useful subance in certain products.
Antioxidants
Antimicrobial
Analgesic
Dermatological properties.

It also contains Antimalarial properties and for this reason it can be use to cure and prevent maleria. It is also a herbal stimulant for the treatment of health issues.

Some Tried and Effective Health Treatment

1. Treament of Infections: Negro Pepper when grinded can be mix with herbal roots to treat infections such as flu, cough, fever.
2. Treament of Gastrointestinal problems: It is use as a herbal stimulant for the treatment of gastrointestinal problems such as stomachache, gastric ulcer, diarrhea, dysentery.
3. Treament of Respiratory diseases: Such as asthma, bronchitis, bacteria infected pneumonia.
4. Treament of Menstrual related problem: It is use for the treatment of irregular menstruation cycle and irregular blood flow.
5. Traditional Contraceptive: In women,the seed can be use for preparation of herbal tonic to prevent fertility. The tonic is so strong that in some cases it can cause miscarriage in early stages pregnancy.
6. Negro Pepper is also use in preparation of herbal medicine for quick healing and recovery of internal wounds on women after child birth.

There are many other use of the African Negro Pepper.

Side Effect of Negro Pepper.
Despite its numerous use, it also has its side effect just like every other substances.
Not scientifically proven, but it is believe to reduce hemoglobin level. Therefore, like others, precaution should be taken with usage. It is advice to consult an expert in herbal medicine before use.

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Alligator Pepper:

Also known as Grains of paradise.
Is one of the spices in Africa, it is well know for its hotness and very spicy flavor. It is use to spice food such as stew, soup, and vegetables, garnish salads, flavor meat and fish.

It also serve as snacks in traditional occasions with kola nuts.

Alligator Pepper like the Negro Pepper has similar properties for treatment of health issue.
In addition to the mentioned usage/properties of the African Negro Pepper, the Alligator Pepper can also be use for
Healing Wounds and Dermatological Care.

Side Effects:
So far, there has not been any proven side effect of its usage, but it is advisable to take caution and consult an expert when use for treatment.

Disclaimer: This article is for the purpose of broadening the knowledge about usefulness of Herbs and spices. The treatment usage describe here should not be substituted for professional proven scientific medical care. It is advisable to always consult a health care expert before engaging in any form of health treatment.

Reference:
Foodsfromafrica: Herbs and Spices
Buzznigeria.com; Negro Pepper, an exceptional spice. By Chiamaka Okoh
Global food book: Benefits of Alligator pepper. By Blessing Okpala
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