Herbs & Spice Ideas

[Shasha]

{hi} there Everyone

This thread is specifically devoted to your HERB & SPICE Ideas ~ please feel welcome to share your tasty HERBIE AND SPICY IDEAS with us:



MEDICINAL HERBS AND SPICES


- x :clover: x :clover: x :clover: x -

BASIL
Aids digestion, calms the stomach, relieves gas and can sooth a stomach upset.

DILL
Soothes the digestive tract, treats heat burn, colic and gas. Also good for treating bad breath.

FENNEL
Eases bloating, gas pains and digestive spasms in the small and large intestines. Also good for treating bad breath.

GARLIC
Helps lower cholesterol and blood pressure and prevents blood clots. It kills many organisms including bacteria and viruses that can cause earaches, influenza and colds.

MINT
This is a premier stomach tonic, it counteracts nausea and vomiting, promotes digestion, calms stomach muscle spasms, relives flatulence and eases hiccups.

PARSLEY
This diuretic herbs helps prevent problems such as kidney stones and bladder infections. Relieves bloating during menstruation. Also good for treating bad breath- eat sprig of it after eating garlic.

ROSEMARY
Rich source of antioxidants and it has 19 chemicals with antibacterial action that help fight infection. Traditionally used to ease asthma- reduces the airway constriction induced by histamine.

SAGE
Oils in sage are antiseptic and antibiotic so they help to fight infections. Effective for symptoms of menopause- hot flushes and night sweats. Laboratory studies indicate that sage may boost insulin’s action.

THYME
Increases blood flow to the skin and can speed up healing. It is an antispasmodic and relaxes respiratory muscles affected by bronchitis. It's scent is a mood lifter.

CINNAMON
Helps regulate the menstrual cycle and checks flooding during menopause. It has a tranquilizing effect that helps reduce anxiety and stress. Early research suggests that cinnamon may help improve both glucose and cholesterol levels in the blood, a finding that may prove especially important for diabetics. In a study, type 2 diabetics who consumed as little as a gram of cinnamon per day experienced an improvement in their blood glucose levels after 40 days.

CLOVES
Contains a potent pain-deadening antimicrobial. It is an effective stopgap measure for tooth pain. It has also been found to speed up the recovery of cold sores.

OREGANO
Contains at least 4 compounds that sooth cough and 19 chemicals with antibacterial action that may help reduce body odour. It also contains compound that can lower blood pressure.

[cyberella]

:clover: shasha,:clapping::clapping::clapping:

thanx again 4 the inspiration and help!

[SPDeRosa]

Ideas on how to SPICE up food? I found out that crushed red peppers are not allowed on 1PD. I'm waiting to hear back about Cayenne Pepper and Sweet Chili Pepper (found in "Mrs. Dash" seasonings here in the U.S.).

My standard "Italian" herb mix is: lots of rosemary, basil, oregano, garlic salt, pepper, and parsley. That goes with everything really – it makes a great rub over chicken, makes for an awesome roasted potato (not allowed on 1PD of course), and when used with oil (not allowed on 1PD) and vinegar is an awesome Italian dressing.

The only problem is that after a while, it gets boring. Crushed red pepper kicks it up a notch, but evidently that’s gone too as red peppers are not allowed. I'm not a fan of curry, although at this point I'm willing to try. I even read a post about a mango sauce that required red curry -- and I couldn't find it at the store.

So, any suggestions for other allowed spices that give food a hot and spicy kick? Thanks! :)

[BarbieGRRRL]

I too LOVE spicy food... and asked my consultant about ancho peppers, chipotle peppers and jalepeno peppers. I was told that as long as it was green (NO RED PEPPERS!) I could use it in moderation "provided it did not trigger hungry." :party1:

I make salsas to spice things up. They are great on top of salads, as a side to my chicken, or even a side salad (though a SMALL side salad). Dice up your favorite small green pepper of choice, some onion, cilantro, a little bit of tomato or mango and VOILA! Fab salsa! Of course, pre-Cohen, I would toss with just a bit of oil and lime juice... but for now I have to eliminate oil. Makes it tastes a bit different... but still quite wonderful!

For a spicy salad dressing or marinade, take the same ingredients and blend until smooth in a blender or small food processor with a bit of water or Diet Sprite. Just remember, if you make a marinade, you have less veggies to actually CHEW! :(

[MrsPeel]

SPDeRosa, there are lots of ways to add zip to your food!

Black pepper - there are many varieties, some with more zing than others, but fresh-ground is always best.
Mustard - we are allowed dry mustard powder on 1PD, and it is really useful. It's a great fish/chicken rub and satisfies the need for a little heat.
Ginger - very good! Ginger & garlic together add the heat and flavor to many dishes.
Curry powder - if you don't like it, that would be hard, but it is a versatile seasoning and the turmeric in it is very good for you.
Green chilies - jazz up both your meat and your cheese dishes!

Hope this helps - we are spicy food aficionados here in the Peel household, and both MrPeel and I are in our 2nd twelve weeks of the 1PD with great success and no cheating!!

[Shasha]

{hi} there Everyone

Thanks for all your wonderful ideas on how to make your meals tasty…

:cop: Just to confirm: no red chilies, no cayenne or red pepper, no sweet chili pepper either…

Yes, you may have green chilies in moderation to flavor your food PROVIDING the chilies don’t trigger your hunger.

A bit of chili mayo makes a delicious dip for chicken pieces. I love mixing pepper to mayo for on top of fish – the pepper just adds a bit of zing.

[SPDeRosa]

Great ideas! I'll try your ideas out and see how it goes ... I have to go shopping today anyway as I found out the premixed spices I purchased are not allowed. So, in essence as I finish week one, I've been cheating every day! :( At least I've lost about 10lbs in water weight ... so all is not lost :)

[biscuitlover]

hey everyone, new here and always looking for ideas.
i was wondering, 1pd says you can use as many herbs as u like and garlic is an herb, so is roasted garlic cloves an option???? it is something that could really be substantial and filling if u ate enough of it. plus u could roast a bunch and refrigerate and use at later dates. has any one thought of this??? or is it even ok?
i'm thinking elephant garlic.

sasha

[biscuitlover]

thanks barbie girl, i was wondering about hot peps. :)

[lfingers11]

From what I understand you can only use the garlic powder and as shasha stated not to cook a panful because you have to think of your poor neighbors!! If you decide to use cloves you need to use it as your daily veggie allowance.
No onion powder, I made that mistake.
Green chilles and jalepinos (sp?) up to three times a week in moderation and only if they don't trigger hunger. I have heard that the first month is not a good idea to use these peppers since at times you still be will hungry and your body is adapting to the plan. Hope this helps.
Pam

[PhyllisRis]

Well I certainly hope we are allowed fresh garlic without counting it as vegetable, cuz I've been doing that all along....I love cooking with fresh garlic. And the amount I use can't possibly be more than 1 or 2 grams worth at a time... I don't remember reading anything about having to weigh out fresh garlic.
Shasha....this sounds like a question waiting for your answer!!
Phyllis

[Lauren]

Really, Pam? I didn't know we had to weigh garlic cloves! :( I haven't been doing that. Shoot! And I had one in my breakfast this morning. That was a good question, biscuitlover! :)

[PhyllisRis]

I just sent a message to my consultant asking whether or not fresh garlic needed to be counted as part of our vegetable allowance.....we shall find out the answer soon.
Phyllis

[biscuitlover]

i THINK?? it should be ok because in the manual it says u can use as many fresh herbs as u want and garlic is an herb. i hope so, because i've been using a lot of garlic. plus it would be great if i found a loophole. i probably just jinxed us by writing that :(

[PhyllisRis]

I received a reply back from my consultant who said that fresh garlic is not on the veggie list so we don't have to weigh it. YEA!!!
Phyllis

[biscuitlover]

yay, roasted garlic here i come!!! i'm gonna stink!
so seriously, roasted elephant garlic is delicious, (granted it would be even better with real olive oil, bread and warm bre ) but we can get around this, just spray down a baking sheet with pam, cut off the tops of the heads of garlic so u can see the individual cloves, remove excess, set on sheet spray the heads with pam and roast.
i don't know the time and temp yet, but i'm going to try it today so i'll let u know. when they're done u should be able to easily remove the cloves from the head, sometimes u can sort of squeeze them out. really is good. try it. lowers cholesterol and bp as well i believe. i'm excited!

[Lauren]

Put it on some crackers with some mozz or feta cheese and maybe some sauteed spinach on the side! MMMMM!! Roasted garlic--GREAT IDEA!!!!!

[PhyllisRis]

I'm drooling.....gonna go get some elephant garlic!!!

[MrEd]

My wife asked if I can use Mrs.Dash Garlic or regular. I said I dont know. Can I? Has no msg

[PhyllisRis]

I've checked the label in the past and I THINK it's ok....I use it every once in a while. The other flavors are definite no-no's though!
Phyllis

[MelissaE]

Does anyone know a good brand of curry I could use? I have 3 different curries at home - all containing "red pepper" which isn't allowed. I'm going to try green curry....but just wondering if anyone knows a good brand of yellow curry.

[BaD_cApS]

Well, I've been using McCormicks "Gormet Blends" Curry Powder. It does have red pepper in it, but I've used it the whole time and I've still been losing weight. (although I know we're not supposed to use that argument...) But a little bit of splenda and cinnamon along with the curry powder is sooo awesome!

[fitby26]

Is cinnamon limited?

On the spice page in the guide there isn't a limit on cinnamon, but in the recipe for backed apple is says "1 x pinch cinnamon (not to be used frequently)

For the past 2 days I have been adding about a teaspoon to my yogurt and I love it :praying:

anyone know?
I'm also going to write the consultant.

[fitby26]

Reply about cinnamon from an consultant:

"Cinnamon is a sweet spice and is recommended that you only have it in small amounts - one teaspoon over the yoghurt is fine."

[KMac]

thanks, good to know- I put it in my apple pie treat ;)

[looseitall]

Just wondering....does anyone know why red peppers are not allowed? :thinking:

[Aqua Eyes]

Red peppers will create a desire to eat plus it messes with the balancing of hormones... or so I was told by the consultants when I asked. I will try to find that message from them and post it if I find it. Maybe Sasha will answer this question for us.

[daizygirl]

Hello everyone!
I use Mrs. Dash spice mix, it appears to have all natural spices only, but is this not a good choice? I suppose I should read the label, and will do so when I get home. I don't use it all the time, only on chicken or fish mostly, but i prefer to use that instead of salt and pepper, plus I don't have any other spices around other than garlic powder and cayenne pepper, speaking of which, is cayenne pepper okay, does anyone know otherwise? Someone with this wealth of knowledge, please help!!!! Thanks.

[daizygirl]

Here are the ingredients in the Table Blend Mrs. Dash I use
Onion, spices (black pepper, chili pepper, parsley, celery seed, basil, bay, marjoram, oregano, savory, thyme, cayenne pepper, coriander, cumin, mustard, rosemary), garlic, orange peel, carrot, lemon juice powder, tomato, red bell pepper, citric acid, oil of lemon.

I'm thinking stop using, it has red pepper.... and powder? carrot, essentially the last line of ingredients is not in the guide....so probably off limits

[daizygirl]

What does curry taste like? I don't believe I've ever consciously had it. Thank you.:thinking:

[fitby26]

Here are the ingredients in the Table Blend Mrs. Dash I use
Onion, spices (black pepper, chili pepper, parsley, celery seed, basil, bay, marjoram, oregano, savory, thyme, cayenne pepper, coriander, cumin, mustard, rosemary), garlic, orange peel, carrot, lemon juice powder, tomato, red bell pepper, citric acid, oil of lemon.

I'm thinking stop using, it has red pepper.... and powder? carrot, essentially the last line of ingredients is not in the guide....so probably off limits

I would not continue to use Mrs.Dash.
I also haven't cooked with curry yet. I'm sure I have had it before, but I couldn't tell you what it tastes like...anyone?

[m01e]

i have tried backreading... either we do not have it yet or i completely missed it... can somebody please share an alternative to soy sauce?

[mallory]

if someone has found an alternative to soy sauce... i would cry tears of joy.

c'mon all ye little recipe wizards :)

[Stevesprincess]

I am starting my program tomorrow and getting ready to go shopping. Can we use chives? I love them and wasn't sure if the would fall under the onion and green onion rule.

[Nina]

Does anyone know if we can use cumin or green chiles?

[Nina]

In case anyone wants to know, you can eat cumin in moderation, but no green chiles.