An herbal practitioner has shared the plants that he claims are more effective than prescribed medicines. 

Herbalist Simon Mills appeared on The Diary of a CEO with host Steven Bartlett recently, where he listed his go-to herbal medicines.

The author insisted that there are a few common kitchen spices that can combat everything from a common cold to cardiovascular problems.

He credited ginger, chili, turmeric, cinnamon and garlic as the household ingredients that can kill most viruses.

He also detailed the natural remedy that he claims can cure a cold, involving only ginger and cinnamon. 

Ginger root is said to contain several healing properties, including antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-nausea, raising body temperature.

To effectively use it to combat a cold, Mills said to grate about a ‘thumb’s size’ of the plant into a mug.

He then pairs it with a cinnamon stick, known for its healing properties like aiding digestion, providing respiratory relief, easing menstrual symptoms, and alleviating various other pains.

Herbal expert Simon Mills shared his insights on plants that he believes are more effective than prescribed medications, suggesting that certain herbs and spices can address issues ranging from the common cold to heart health.

‘You either grate that if you have a spice mill or you take a teaspoon of already dried spice,’ he explained.

From there, Mills said he adds hot water, letting it sit for a few minutes before straining it into a separate mug.

‘You can feel it warning straight away,’ he said.

He noted that consuming ginger or similar ‘hot plants’ may assist in clearing sinuses, as ginger promotes hyperemia—a reflex that dilates blood vessels.

Mills said this in turn causes the cells producing mucus to loosen up and can even bring up phlegm from the lungs.

‘There’s a natural escalator that the body uses to get stuff out of the lungs that [get]s stimulated,’ he shared.

Mills also said he uses spices like ginger, cinnamon, and turmeric as his ‘main go-to’ to help fend off cardiovascular problem.

In addition, he explained that if you cut turmeric in half, you get curcumin – which acts as an anti-inflammatory. 

Simon Mills joined The Diary of a CEO with host Steven Bartlett to discuss his preferred herbal remedies and his belief in their potential to surpass western medicine in effectiveness.

Mills listed cinnamon and turmeric and two of the spices to help combat viruses

The herb enthusiast also spoke of the benefits of garlic, explaining when eating raw is a ‘very powerful prebiotic’ and can help the gut flora

The herbal enthusiast also highlighted the benefits of garlic, stating that when consumed raw, it acts as a ‘very powerful prebiotic’ beneficial for gut flora.

‘[I] encourage people not to ask the doc for an antibiotic and use some of these at-home, easy, and free treatments instead,’ he said. 

While much research on the medicinal use of herbs and spices is still in early stages, often using concentrated extracts or large doses not typical in a regular diet, there are indications that even everyday quantities can contribute positively to long-term health.

The FDA considers herbal supplements as foods, not medicines, so they are not subject to the same testing, manufacturing, and labeling standards and regulations as medicines. 

According to John Hopkins Medicine, herbal supplements can interact with conventional medicines and may have strong effects. 

Doctors advise people not to self-diagnose or self-prescribe, and to talk with your healthcare provider before taking herbal supplements.