Store a non-toxic spice rack
Someone recently asked me what was wrong with sassafras; I did not include this item in the main spice section of my book. My response was that if you bought it from a store, it was probably fine. The FDA banned its use because it contained safrole, which causes liver damage and some types of cancer, if taken over a long period of time. The root extracts of the plant do not contain this substance and are therefore still used to make tea and root beer. I wouldn’t use it in the wild, because the leaves may contain safrole.
When I was deciding which spices and herbs to include in the book, the items that I felt were of concern were placed at the back of the spice section and defined. Licorice, MSG (monosodium glutamate), rue, and sumac were also identified as flavorings to avoid, regardless of the fact that they may have some positive uses. Even common herbs and spices, such as juniper, lovage, and nutmeg, can cause problems.
One would think that as common and popular as black licorice is, it would be perfectly safe to eat. The twisted sticks that you may find irresistible are made from the juice of the root and are concentrated by boiling. It is also available in capsule, extract, tincture, tea, lozenge, ointment, whole root, and juice forms. Side effects and the list of people who should No The use of this substance is prolonged, from pregnant women to diabetics through people with high blood pressure or eye problems. If you have any medical conditions or are taking any medications, be sure to tell your doctor before using or taking licorice in any form.
That said, it is important to note that licorice is second only to ginseng in the Chinese stock of natural medicines. It seems to have as many benefits as drawbacks. It loosens mucus and is therefore good for coughs, sore throats, food poisoning, and liver and stomach disorders. It boosts your immune system and fights herpes, cold sores, fungal infections, digestive ulcers, and viral hepatitis. It is considered an antioxidant.
Some people have told me that MSG (monosodium glutamate) is good for people. From all the studies done, it still appears that although some people have reactions to MSG, it is still an acceptable ingredient for food companies around the world. That’s hard to explain to someone like my husband, who reacts with severe headaches. It occurs naturally in meats and fermented foods, such as cheese or soy sauce, and the FDA does not require anything naturally occurring to be labeled. All you can do is read the labels and try to avoid it if you have a reaction.
Rue leaves smell bad, so much so that it repels cats. Its bitter taste has practically stopped its use as a culinary herb. Its bitter taste has practically stopped its use as a culinary herb. Can be dangerous in large quantities, but acceptable if just a leaf or two is used. It can cause abortions in pregnant women and can cause severe burns and blisters on contact with the skin. In fact, it contains a substance that is used as an abortifacient in horses. No longer available in grocery stores, it’s easy to avoid. Ethiopians and Mediterranean countries are the main culinary users.
Sumac berries have a sour, tart fruity flavor. You may have heard of poison sumac, which makes you break out like poison oak or ivy. For this reason, sumac is not available in most stores. In the kitchen the berries can be used in everything and mix well with onions and olive oil. It is mainly used as a replacement for lemon juice or vinegar.
Juniper berries are the source of gin. Three to four crushed dried berries are used to flavor roasts and stews. Extensive use can cause kidney damage. Never eat raw berries. Ask your nursery if you can use the juniper bush berries you buy from them for drying and culinary purposes. In case of doubt, do without. The berries are high in natural insulin, decrease fertility, and should not be taken by pregnant women. On the plus side, it has been used for gastrointestinal problems and urinary tract infections.
Lovage is a culinary herb that has a strong, lemony, celery-like flavor. It can overwhelm other flavors and in large amounts can damage the kidneys. Pregnant women should not use it. It is also known as offal and is used to flavor eggs, soups, stews and salads. Its seeds are used in breads and cakes.
Although high doses of nutmeg can be poisonous, our typical use for baking has no effect. Animals seem to be more sensitive and therefore you should not feed dogs eggnog. In high doses it can cause long periods of sleep and dehydration. To be safe, I would avoid letting small children drink large amounts of eggnog.
Like everything else, moderation is the key to happiness and well-being. If you don’t read labels and understand the components of what you eat, excesses can cause problems without realizing it. Knowledge is power. Read More