​From kitchen to cure: 5 antifungal herbs that could save our lives​

For centuries, Allium sativum, more commonly known as garlic, has been used for its medicinal properties. Now, most people use garlic only as a nice addition to many savory meals for enhanced flavor. Luckily, its medicinal properties have not been forgotten. Garlic has been touted as antilipidemic, antiproliferative, and anti-inflammatory, among other great properties. For our purpose, we will focus on the more antimicrobial properties and effects of the amazing plant. Allium has shown great efficacy as an antimicrobial agent and as an antifungal.

Sage is a Mediterranean herb, used in recipes around the world for its rich and earthy flavour. We have often seen in movies people burning sage for mental clarity and better focus. Well, that is because it does exactly that. It's a spice, known for its pungent smell, and it is known to improve cognitive function, rich in antioxidants, it also improves memory and sharpens mental focus.

Rosemary contains carnosic acid, a compound known for its powerful antioxidant properties. Studies have found that carnosic acid can slow the growth of cancer cells in the body and even lower the risk of developing tumors. Studies have shown that the carnosic and rosmarinic acids in rosemary have powerful antibacterial, antiviral, and antifungal properties. Consuming rosemary regularly can potentially help lower the risk of infection and help the immune system fight any infections that do occur.

Cinnamon is one of the most important spices used daily by people all over the world. Cinnamon primarily contains vital oils and other derivatives, such as cinnamaldehyde, cinnamic acid, and cinnamate. Traditional uses of Cinnamon throughout Asia, Africa, and Europe have been recorded, where it has been used as a medicine. Much research was done to study the effect of cinnamon as an antifungal and antibacterial cause of skin, oral infection, and foodborne bacteria. The antibacterial activity was attributed to the presence of some phytochemicals in the extracts and recommended that it was possibly due to their major component, cinnamaldehyde.

“Holy basil”, “Tulsi”, Ocimum sanctum L. (Lamiaceae), is one of the precious medicinal plants. It is called “The Queen of Herbs”, and is the most sacred herb of India. Basil is more than just a delicious herb that adds flavor to your dishes. It also has natural antifungal properties thanks to a compound called eugenol. This helps fight fungal infections by stopping the growth of certain fungi. Whether you use fresh basil leaves in your meals or apply diluted basil oil on your skin, this herb is a gentle and natural way to help your body keep fungal infections under control. Plus, it tastes great too.