Chumley Stella's Spice 'N Easy Spice Information Spice Encyclopedia Medicinal Spices Spice Dictionary

Juniper Berry (Juniperus communis)
These berries are from a prickly shrub and are used extensively in Scandinavian
cuisine. In Germany and Alsace they are used in sauerkraut. Juniper has been
used for medicinal purposes as far back as 1550BC. A papyrus from ancient Egypt
was discovered which showed they were an ingredient for a medicine to treat
tape worms. Juniper berries have a bitter-sweet taste and aroma which helps
reduce the wild flavor of game meats, and add the pleasant tartness associated
with Germanic dishes such as sauerbraten, stuffed goose, and beef stews.
Curative Qualities: Medicinal preparations involving juniper use the green unripe
berries, whose properties are more pronounced than those of the ripe fruits.
Juniper berries and leaves are used to support healthy kidney and urinary tract
function, and to promote healthy blood pressure. It is often found in natural
formulas designed to promote regularity. Many conditions have been treated with
Juniper Berries by several cultures, including gout, warts and skin growths,
cancer, upset stomach, and various urinary tract and kidney diseases. In addition
to their use in herbology, the berries have been used as a flavoring agent in gin
and luncheon meats. The primary chemical constituents of this herb include
essential oil (camphene, cineole, myrcene, pinene, terpinene), sesquiterpenes
(cadinene, elemene), flavonoids, glycosides, tannins, podophyllotoxin, and
vitamin C. Today, Juniper Berries are beneficial in treating infections, especially
within the urinary tract, bladder, kidneys, and prostate. Their antiseptic
properties help remove waste and acidic toxins from the body, stimulating a
fighting action against bacterial and yeast infections. Juniper Berries also help
increase the flow of digestive fluids, improving digestion and eliminating gas and
stomach cramping. As a diuretic, Juniper Berries eliminate excess water retention
contributing to weight loss. Juniper Berries' anti-inflammatory properties are ideal
for relieving pain and inflammation related to rheumatism and arthritis. In
addition, Juniper Berries are beneficial in reducing congestion, as well as treating
asthma and colds. Juniper Berries make an excellent antiseptic in conditions such
as cystitis. But the essential oil present in this herb is quite stimulating to the
kidney nephrons, and so Juniper should be avoided by those suffering from
kidney disease.
Aroma: Fragrant and flowery, combining the aromas of gin and turpentine.
Character: Aromatic, bittersweet and piny.
Heat Level: 1

Kaffir Lime (Citrus hystrix)
The leaves of this member of the citrus family are responsible for the distinctive
lime-lemon aroma and flavour that are an indispensable part of Thai and, to a
lesser extent, Indonesian cooking.
Curative Qualities: The citrus juice was included in Thai ointments and shampoos,
and in tonics in Malaysia. Kaffir lime shampoo leaves the hair squeaky clean and
invigorates the scalp. Kaffir lime has also been used for ages as a natural bleach
to remove tough stains. The essential oils in the fruit are incorporated into
various ointments, and the rind is an ingredient in medical tonics believed to be
good for the blood. Like lemon grass and galangal, the rind is also known to have
beneficial properties for the digestive system. In folk medicine, the juice of kaffir
lime is said to promote gum health and is recommended for use in brushing teeth
and gums. It is believed to freshen one's mental outlook and ward off evil spirits.
Aroma: The leaves and rind have a perfume unlike any other citrus, sometimes
called mysterious or haunting. There is a combined lemon/lime/madarin aroma
but clearly unique.
Character: same as aroma.
Heat Level: 1

Lavender, English (Lavandula angustifolia)
English lavender has the sweetest fragrance of all the lavenders and is most
commonly used for culinary purposes. History shows that lavender has been in
use for over 2,500 years. In ancient times lavender was used for mummification
and as a perfume. It is an essential ingredient in Herbes de Provence but seems
to have originated in Syria. Queen Elizabeth I of England drank an abundance of
lavender tea to help ease her migraines. (she would have loved our lavender
sugar!)
Curative Qualities: A sedative tea can be made with newly opened flower buds
that will help with any headaches and faintness. Lavender smelling salts were
used to revive people who have fainted. It is also used as a cure for hoarseness
and soothing sore joints. A soothing lavender salve is used for inflammations,
cuts and burns. A few drops of oil in bathwater or the burning of the essential oil
will relax and induce feelings of well being.
Aroma: Strong, perfumed odor.
Character: Flowery, slightly bitter and astringent.
Heat Level: 0

Lemon Grass (Cymbopogon ciatrus)
Lemon Grass is a tall tropical grass. The fresh stalks and leaves have a clean
lemon-like odor because they contain the same essential oil as lemon peel.
Curative Qualities: The grass is considered a diuretic, tonic and stimulant. It
promotes good digestion, and a preparation of lemon grass with pepper has
been used for relief of menstrual troubles and nausea. It induces perspiration, to
cool the body and reduce a fever. It is well known a mild insect repellent
(citronella) and the essential oil is used in perfumery.
Aroma: Lemony.
Character: Lemony with hints of ginger.
Heat Level: 1

Long Pepper (Piper longum)
A pepper species from South East Asia that could possibly have been the very
first "pepper". The word pepper itself is derived from the Sanskrit word for long
pepper, pippali. These peppers grow on a flower spike and are very tiny, like
poppy seeds, but are hotter than their more familiar cousin, the black
peppercorn. Once chili peppers were discovered, this species was cast aside.
Curative Qualities: Piper Longum is most commonly used to treat respiratory
infections such as stomachache, bronchitis, diseases of the spleen, cough,
tumors, and asthma. When applied topically, it soothes and relieves muscular
pains and inflammation. In Ayurvedic medicine, it is said to be a good
rejuvenator. Piper Longum helps stimulate the appetite and it dispels gas from
the intestines.
Aroma: Hot and warm, with sweet overtones.
Character: Pungent and sweet.
Heat Level: 8

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