Page 45 - The Valley Table - Winter 2022

GETTING SPICY
Cinnamon
Perfect on lattes and French toast, cinnamon may just steal the show when brewed on its own. By taste alone, it can put a pep in your step—but studies show it can also prevent. Cinnamon pairs well with orange, lemon, and ginger.
Clove
An aromatic flower bud native to Indonesia, the NCBI considers clove “one of the most valuable spices” in medicine and cuisine. Compared to other spices, its antioxidant levels are outstanding and has antimicrobial properties, especially against fungi and certain bacteria. By steeping cloves with cinnamon, ginger, and star anise, it’s possible to treat diarrhea, says Galeano.
Ginger
Arguably the most popular spiced tea, ginger is the easiest to make at home. Simply slice up a knob (no need to peel) and boil for 10 minutes—that’s it! Ginger is thought to have healing properties, including aiding in the prevention of hypertension and congenital heart disease
Star Anise
This licorice-flavored spice comes from Chinese evergreen trees and is one component of Chinese five-spice, a staple in Asian cuisine. Packed with vitamins A and C, star anise is best known for being an anti-viral flu fighter. It’s also thought to improve lactation, boost energy, and ease menopausal symptoms.
ROOT OF THE MATTER
Ashwagandha
Corinn Crawford, co-owner at The Ridge, lives by ashwagandha, especially for its calming effects on anxiety. An evergreen shrub native to India, it’s sometimes referred to as Indian ginseng or winter cherry.
Used for over a millennium in medicine, ashwagandha promotes reproductive balance, builds resilience for stress, and guards against many diseases.
Burdock
A root popularly used as a banchan or
a side dish in Korea and Japan, burdock does wonders when steeped. Enjoyed hot or cold, burdock tea is both sweet and earthy and thanks to its antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties it’s used in many medicines to treat gout, hypertension, and hepatitis.
Valerian
This root is used to combat sleeplessness and anxiety. Some research shows that after consuming valerian root for 1–2 weeks, study participants fell asleep faster and had a better night’s rest.
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