Herbs have been used for traditional healing remedies for hundreds of years, and continue to be the basis for some of today’s most effective drugs to treat a wide range of disorders and enhance your overall general health and well being. Here are six common healing herbs used to return your body to a state of natural balance (and even add a little healing spice to your favorite recipes).

1. Cinnamon

Cinnamon has antibacterial and antiviral properties; it has been proven that 99.9% of viruses can’t live in the presence of cinnamon. Cinnamon can also reduce blood sugar levels and lower cholesterol – and it tastes and smells delicious!

2. Ginger

Due to its powerful antioxidant properties, ginger is useful for treating nausea (including morning sickness and motion sickness), as well as indigestion. It is also be useful for circulatory problems, decrease your blood pressure, relieve arthritis pain, and lower your risk for cancer.

3. Rosemary

Rosemary contains powerful antioxidants that help reduce and prevent carcinogens created by heating meats at high temperatures. It also has antiseptic, antibacterial, and cleansing properties.

4. Holy Basil

Basil is extremely effective at reducing stress, indigestion, and headaches. It is a powerful antispasmodic, antiviral, anti-infectious, and antibacterial herb, and has even been shown to shrink tumors when tested on mice.

5. Garlic

Research has proven garlic to lower the risk for ovarian, colo-rectal, and other cancers. Garlic can also be used to reduce the risk of heart disease by lowering blood fats and cholesterol levels. It has high antiviral and antibiotic properties and is great for immune support.

6. Turmeric

Turmeric contains powerful anti-inflammatory properties that make it an excellent choice to relieve the pain and swelling that comes with arthritis. Turmeric has also been shown to clear the brain of plaques that are characteristic of Alzheimer’s disease.