Strengthen Your Immune System with Spices

The Legend of the Four Thieves

Starbucks introduced the Pumpkin Pie Spice Latte in 2003. It’s been a powerful choice every fall since then. There’s a good reason why our desire turns to spice in the fall. It may be beyond just the memory of pumpkin pie and holiday memories. To understand what’s going on with spices, it might be interesting to look at the legend of the four thieves.

The thieves were spice traders and merchants who imported spices, including cinnamon and clove from India. When the Black Plague spread through Europe, all international shipping and trade ceased. Unable to do business, the spice traders quickly ran out of money and needed to find a way to support themselves.

Since people in the communities were afraid to touch the dead bodies of plague victims, they decided to loot the homes and bodies of those who had died. They would take clothes, jewelry, pots, and pans, and then barter or trade them for food and money. They believed they wouldn’t get sick if they rubbed vinegar, oils, and certain spices all over their bodies.

They set up a very lucrative pawn business until the King found out. When he heard about the story of the thieves he wanted to know their secret recipe. He sent his Constables out to capture them. Four of the thieves were caught and brought before the King. He gave them a choice to either share their secret formula of “immunity” or be burned at the stake. It’s no surprise that the four thieves decided to share their secret formula with the King. The King immediately posted the thieves secret formula all over the town. This account of the Thieves Story is recorded in the Royal English Archives.

Now that the cold and flu season is upon us, it’s time to bolster the immune system.

Cloves boost the immune system. They are rich in antioxidants, which aid the immune system in fighting off oxidative damage and free radicals. Eugenol also has the ability to help ease infections and fight disease-causing bacteria in the body. They also aid in treating colds. They act as an expectorant and can help reduce inflammation and expel mucus. They also help to reduce coughing fits by soothing the throat.

Cinnamon is rich in antioxidant polyphenols and proanthocyanidins. It also provides good amounts of manganese, calcium, fiber, and iron. The essential oils – cinnamyl acetate, cinnamyl alcohol and cinnamaldehyde – can help the immune system since they have antiviral, antibacterial and antifungal properties. Various inflammatory conditions of the body like skin disorders, rheumatism, respiratory problems, heart disorders and diabetes have been treated effectively with cinnamon for centuries.

Carrot and Spice

• 2–3 carrots, scrubbed well, tops removed, ends trimmed
• 1 handful of spinach
• 1 cucumber, peeled if not organic
• 1/2 lemon, peeled if not organic
• 1/2 apple (green has less sugar)
• 1-inch-chunk ginger root
• 1/2 tsp. cinnamon
• 1/2 tsp. cloves
• Dash of cayenne pepper

Cut produce to fit your juicer’s feed tube. Juice all ingredients. Add spices and stir. Pour the juice into two glasses, and drink as soon as possible. Serves 2.

From The Juice Lady’s Guide to Fasting.

Wheatgrass is also very helpful for the immune system. You can either juice fresh wheatgrass or you can use wheatgrass juice powder.

Take 10% off Sweet Wheat this week with code WHEAT10.