If food isn’t part of your health and wellness plan, you might want to rethink that. Eating a whole foods-based diet is preventative medicine. It can keep you healthy and boost your immune system.?

Plants and herbs can be a great addition to your health and wellness tool kit. I love them for the flavors they bring to my favorite dishes but even more for their healing properties. Check out these powerful plants and the health benefits they offer:

Parsley relieves symptoms of food poisoning. Steep fresh or dried parsley in hot water for five to 10 minutes and sip. It’s also great for curing bad breath ~ chew on a few sprigs or add it to your salads.

Cayenne pepper in its powdered form can be used to cauterize superficial wounds. This can be a bit painful, but it is effective for small cuts. Always see a medical professional for serious wounds.

Ginger will stop a cold in its tracks. It’s also great for nausea and motion sickness. Cut a fresh sliver and steep in hot water with a squeeze of lemon and a 1/2 teaspoon of raw honey. Sip like tea.

Turmeric is anti-inflammatory in nature and relieves arthritic pain. Add it to your recipes, smoothies or purchase it in supplement form. Turmeric has been used as a medicinal herb for over 4000 years!

There you have it. ?More reasons to add these delicious plants and herbs to your menu!