In my travels around the world, I have been lucky enough to taste amazing local food with spice combinations that I could never have concocted at home! Try these chutneys and relishes to cool down from summer’s heat and enjoy a local version of these traditional foods. You can appreciate the medicinal qualities of these concoctions as you savor them.
 
[amd-zlrecipe-recipe:98]
Basil  – anti-bacterial, anti-spasmodic, digestive and aromatic. Basil’s volatile oils protect against unwanted bacterial growth of pathogens and harmful bacteria. Choose basil when you are feeling over-heated, experiencing upper back tension, or struggling with stomach cramps.
 
[amd-zlrecipe-recipe:97]
 
Peppermint – stomachic and cooling, it relieves indigestion, dyspepsia, and colonic muscle spasms by relaxing the smooth muscle tissue of the intestines. Peppermint contains rosmarinic acid, which helps open bronchial passageways and reduce the effects of allergy-induced cold symptoms. Add peppermint to your food when eating a rich meal with saturated fats such as avocado, coconut, or red meat.
 
 [amd-zlrecipe-recipe:96]
Parsley – depurative, anti-dandruff, digestive and tonic. Rich in Vitamin C to decrease inflammation, beta carotene to help prevent infection and strengthen immunity, and folic acid (B vitamin) to support cardiovascular health, parsley is a power-packed herb! Choose parsley to cleanse your breath and support your liver and kidneys as they clean your blood each evening.
 
Rosemary – antiseptic, astringent, cardiac, carminative, and nervine. Rosemary contains rosmarinic acid, which stimulates the immune system, increases circulation, and improves digestion. Anti-inflammatory and aromatic, this potent herb both aids in digesting fats and decreases the risk of infection from contaminated foods. It increases circulation, specifically to the head and brain, thus improving concentration.
 
Click this link to read more about the medicinal qualities of these spices.

+ other stories

Edible celebrates New Mexico's food culture, season by season. We believe that knowing where our food comes from is a powerful thing. With our high-quality, aesthetically pleasing and informative publication, we inspire readers to support and celebrate the growers, producers, chefs, beverage and food artisans, and other food professionals in our community.