Allspice - A Beneficial Spice Blend

Allspice has a unique flavor. It is peppery and cinnamon like. Allspice also has a few unique health benefits. It can be used topically as an anesthetic for relief of mild pain and when injested, allspice, aids the digestion.

People from many different countries use allspice to aid themselves against various ailments. People from Cuba, because their pharmacies lack in medicinal supplies, have turned to natural remedies and allspice is used as a general aid to refresh and relieve a sour stomach. In the Carribean, allspice has been used for many things and for many years. Jamaicans brew a tea with allspice to help cramps or an upset stomach. Painful and achey joints are relieved by crushing the allspice berry in Guatemala. Flatuence and indigestion are often relieved by using a tincture of allspice.

Modern science does not negate the mild effects of allspice. In fact, allspice contains and ingredient proven by science to promote the activity of digestion. The enzyme, trypsin, is enhanced by a chemical found in the oil of allspice. That chemical is called Eugenol. Eugenol is also found in clove, nutmeg and cinnamon. It can be used in flavorings or as a medicine because of its antiseptic and anesthetic properties. Over the counter toothache relievers often contain allspice or Eugenol. Allspice by itself can be used to relieve tooth pain if you do not have any pain relieving gel or until you can visit you dentist for assistance. Research has shown through in vitro studies that Eugenol kills certain colon cancer cells.

While ground allspice is very flavorful, allspice oil is concentrated and may burn the mouth or skin.Use caution when using allspice essential oil.

Allspice Anti-Indigestion Tea

Allspice can be made into a tea. Take one tsp. of ground allspice powder and place in one cup of hot bolied water for ten minutes. Strain the tea before serving. Take after a heavy meal.

Allspice Toothache Remedy

Apply allspice essential oil to a cotton swab and rub the oil tipped swab over the sore tooth and gum line. Use only a small amount. Do not swallow the oil it may cause nausea.

Russian Allspice Tea (for cooling down on a hot day)

1 1/4 c.orange-flavored breakfast drink powder
3/4 c. iced tea mix with lemon and sugar
1 tsp. ground sugar
1/4 tsp. ground cloves
1/2 tsp. ground allspice

Keep this mixture stored in a plastic, air-tight storage container. Mix 2 tbsp. with one cup of water in a large glass. Stir well. Add ice cubes and lemon slices to taste.

Allspice Muscle Ache Relief Poultice

Mix enough crushed or ground allspice to form a paste. Apply the paste directly to stiff or sore muscles and cover with a damp, warm towel or cloth for 20 minutes. Rinse any remaining paste from skin. Note: people with extremely sensitive skin or eczema may find allspice irritating to their skin and should not use this remedy.