parsley: not just a garnish

This pretty green herb can add much more than decorative value to your kitchen. Parsley is rich in antioxidants, and is a great source of the essential nutrients vitamin C and vitamin A (via beta-carotene), as well as vitamin K, folic acid and iron. These nutrients are linked with heath benefits including heart health and protection against arthritis.

Parsley tea can be a fertile woman's best friend. Parsley is also known to nudge along a late period; its mild emmenagogue properties can stimulate menstruation, as long the lateness isn't due to pregnancy. Parsley is traditionally thought to relax the cervix and improve digestion, so it is also useful in relieving menstrual cramps and bloating. To prepare the tea, simply fill a mug with fresh chopped parsley and steep in hot water for about a half hour. Drink a cup every few hours to stimulate menstruation or ease menstrual distress.

Ode to Ginger

Ginger tops my list of favorites for both spices and home remedies. I became addicted to the flavor, pink picked sweet slices with sushi and the zest in my dad's stir fry, and never thought about why my mom would get me ginger ale whenever my stomach was upset.

I became passionate about ginger after learning that it is traditionally served with sushi to combat any bacteria that may be ingested with raw fish. The simplicity of such a delicious tradition made ginger my favorite tummy stand-by.

There's data to show that ginger helps with motion sickness, morning sickness, post-operative surgery related nausea, chemotherapy nausea, and inflammation, and it is thought in Traditional Chinese Medicine to increase energy and heat.

For a cheap treat, make some fresh ginger tea by steeping fresh ginger root for 5-10 minutes in hot water with a dash of honey and lemon.