Number 24 - Blueberry

Today's 'herb', even though we'll be looking at the health enhancements of the berry from Vaccinium plants, is the blueberry.

There are many different berries sold as 'blueberries', these can be bilberries, huckleberriesor many different berries from different blueberry plants. The blueberries themselves have some anti-inflammation properties and can protect against cancers. Blueberries can help ease uninary tract infections, and due to their properties in enhancing memory, are considered important in helping Alzheimers. Blueberries can also help ease depression. As well as the many nutrients present in the berry, it helps the body in both the digestive tract, the heart and even the eyes, helping reduce the risk of blindess.

The only risks from blueberries are that if you eat too many at once, it may conjour diaherra. The blueberry is also a diuretic, which means it increases urine flow.

Blueberries can be eaten in multiple forms: jam, pies, raw, in salads, or even as extracts.

Blueberry extract. (Product of LifeExtension)

Number 17 - Turmeric

From the ginger family, Curcuma longa is a culinary spice.

Tasty in chicken dishes, it also has anti-inflammitory uses, and is mainly used in Ayurvedic Herbal Medicine. It is also used as a fake tan in India. Research into the plant has shown possibilities in interfering with the herpes virus and some tumours.

There are no apparent health risks with eating Turmeric, except for large doses causing nausea and diarrhea.

The spice can be taken in tablet form or as added to a meal.

Turmeric Root.