Certain things in the kitchen (Kitchen Pharmacy) are not good for your body or the environment, but some can help heal it.

At this point, it is common knowledge that over-the-counter and prescribed medications can be harmful and sometimes deadly; however, given all the marketing hype and the billions of dollars spent by the pharmaceutical companies to protect their cash cow. They were able to give a bad name and demonize natural alternative remedies.

Have you turned on your television lately to see all the commercials from the drug companies? Look at the fine print or listen to the side effects.

“Example: Have arthritis? Take our drug Celebrex!

Side effect:

• May increase the chance of a heart attack or stroke, which can lead to death
• May also increase the chance of serious skin reactions
• Or stomach and intestine problems, such as bleeding ulcers, which may occur without warning and may cause death.
• You are at an increased risk of Stomach bleeding and Ulcer.
• Only you and your Doctor (my partner) can make that decision.”

Almost 90% of the ad was about how this drug can kill you.

The island of Dominica in the Caribbean is among the countries with the highest number of centenarians per capita. This is due to the lifestyle and the kitchen pharmacy model of living.

Take a look at the following alternatives:

Asparagus in the Kitchen Pharmacy

For hundreds of years, one of nature’s true therapeutic herbs, asparagus, has been the subject of numerous studies on its healing effects on the human body. ‘The elements of materia medica’, published in 1854 by Jonathan Pereira, a Professor at the University of Pennsylvania, stated that asparagus was used as a popular remedy for kidney stones. He even cited experiments in 1739 on the power of asparagus to dissolve stones. Since then, it has been used to treat several illnesses and may cure cancer. The US National Cancer Institute reported that asparagus is the highest-tested food containing glutathione, which is considered to be one of the body’s most powerful anti-carcinogens and antioxidants.

Other USES

• Relieve edema
• Dissolve uric acid deposits and cholesterol build-up in blood vessels
• Revitalize the kidneys and bladder
• Strengthen kidney function
• Assist the female reproductive system in promoting fertility
• Increases breast milk for nursing mothers
• Used for respiratory diseases
• Rheumatism
• Cramps
• Arthritis
• Chronic fatigue
• Assist with weight loss, and the list goes on

Dr. Theodore Baroody, in his book, ‘Alkalise or Die’, says, “Asparagus is a very powerful acid reducer and a known therapy for cancer. Its high ammonia content can plummet one into alkalinity in a short time.”

You can stir-fry asparagus in coconut oil or any of your favorite healthy oils. You can cook the asparagus and blend it to make a puree. Drink 2 to 3 times daily and store in the refrigerator. Asparagus is widely available in your local supermarket, greengrocers, and farmers’ markets.

Garlic in the Kitchen Pharmacy

Garlic is one of nature’s wonder antibiotics. Many cultures have used garlic as both food and medicine for its many medicinal properties.  Herbalists consider it to be one of the world’s most essential and useful herbs. Garlic also contains antioxidants and may help prevent certain cancers and support the immune system.

Possible USES

• Colds, flu, and coughs
• Bronchitis
• Menstrual pain
• High blood pressure
• Gastrointestinal problems
• Atherosclerosis
• Cardiovascular wellness
• Respiratory infections
• High cholesterol and many other uses

To prepare garlic tea, cut 4 – 6 cloves into small pieces, boil for about 5 minutes, let cool, and drink as desired.

Garlic can be purchased at your local supermarket, greengrocers, and farmers’ markets. Garlic is also quite easy to cultivate organically in the balcony and backyard gardens. You do not need much space.

Consult your herbalist or physician to ensure you are not allergic.

Ginger

For centuries, Asians have been using Ginger root for cooking, in traditional medicine, and for the treatment of a variety of illnesses:

• Preventing internal blood clots
• Fevers from flu and colds
• Diarrhea
• Treatment of motion sickness
• Menstrual discomfort
• Vomiting
• Abdominal bloating
• Rheumatism
• Arthritis pain
• Ulcerative colitis
• Sore throats
• Heartburn and gas, ginger may also reduce the risk of a heart attack.

Ginger is available in the form of ginger powder, dried ginger, tea bags, ginger oil, and fresh ginger roots. In addition, it can be purchased at your local supermarket, greengrocer, farmers’ market, and health food store.

For ginger tea: put one tea bag or a piece of dried ginger in a cup and fill it with boiling water. Let it sit for 8-12 minutes, or longer (Sweeten with pure organic honey if desired). When using fresh ginger root, clean it, cut it into thin slices, and boil it for 10 minutes. Drink it hot or cold, whichever you prefer.

Apple cider vinegar

Besides all the Minerals, trace elements and vitamins (such as antioxidants, A, B1, B2, B6, and C, calcium, chlorine, copper, vitamins E, fluorine, iron, magnesium, vitamins P, phosphorous, potassium, silicon, sodium, sulfur,) in apple cider vinegar, the acetic acid is responsible for most of the health benefits. Contrary to popular belief, apple cider vinegar has an extremely low PH (low acidity).

Possible USES

• Arthritis
• Asthma
• Blood pressure
• Cancer
• Cholesterol
• Diabetes
• Diarrhea
• Food poisoning
• Indigestion
• Sore throat
• Ulcers
• Weight loss

Apple cider vinegar can be applied directly to the skin and ingested.

The next time you enter the kitchen, do not see it as only a place for food and drink but as the Kitchen pharmacy, a place where food and medicine live in perfect harmony.