They take up very little space in the backpack and provide great value. We are talking about herbs and spices.
They are parts of a plant that are used to enhance the taste and aroma of food and beverages due to their natural content of flavours and aromas. But whether in fresh or dried form, we can use them for even more than that, especially on our tours.
After all, in addition to optimizing the dishes, spices also have an influence on physical well-being. Likewise, their ingredients have a medicinal effect by acting on the metabolism and appetite.

Why should herbs and spices be included on every tour?

Using spices we are able to help ourselves. Especially if we are in the middle of the planned track or the next town is a day’s walk away. Whether it is stomach ache, the first signs of a cold or an inner feeling of restlessness, herbs and spices can alleviate the symptoms. They can be seen as part of the first-aid kit that contributes to the success of the tour.

In order to give you an overview, we will introduce you to some herbs and spices under different aspects.

Vitamins and Minerals

Especially during a longer tour it is important that our body is sufficiently supplied with energy to be able to use the full range of performance. However, it is because most of the outdoor supplements have been optimized for optimal energy consumption that a lack of minerals and trace elements can occur.

• Vitamin A: influence on the eyesight, the structure of skin and mucous membranes and on the immune system
• Vitamin B3: involved in the metabolic process of carbohydrates, fats and proteins
• Vitamin E: protects unsaturated fatty acids from oxidation
• Vitamin C: makes antioxidants from food harmless, promotes the absorption of iron, supports the development of connective tissue, cartilage and bones, positively influences wound healing
• Potassium: part of the regulation of the water balance in the body, contributes to the transmission of nerve signals
• Calcium: essential for maintaining bones
• Phosphorus: essential for maintaining bones, involved in intramuscular communication.
• Magnesium: antispasmodic

Peppermint: Calcium, Phosphorus, Potassium
Lovage: Potassium, Calcium, Magnesium
Oregano: Vitamin B3, Calcium, Potassium, Phosphorus
Coriander: Vitamin C, Vitamin E, Vitamin A, Potassium and Calcium
Thyme: Vitamin A, Magnesium, Phosphorus, Calcium

Health-promoting ingredients

If we feel uncomfortable or a little flabby, it does not necessarily have to be a medication that we are taking. Several herbs and spices have ingredients that have a positive effect on our immune system. But they can not only be used preventively, even if we have already had a cold and cough, they help to promote health more quickly. Furthermore, the herbal helpers influence the blood pressure in a lowering way and have an anti-inflammatory effect.
However, it is more than the cold syndromes that influence herbs and spices. Among other things, they also have an effect on blood pressure, can influence cholesterol levels and also alleviate gastrointestinal complaints.

Parsley: drains the body, lowering blood pressure
Black cumin: allergy-reducing
Curcuma: antiseptic
Cress: blood-thinning, antiseptic, expectorant
wild garlic: intestinal flora building, cholesterol-lowering, blood pressure-lowering

Pain reduction

If we focus on medicine, herbs and spices also play a certain role here. Even the ancient druids and healers of the Middle Ages brewed potions and made lotions from them. We can make use of these characteristics today as well.

Cloves: contains pain-reducing eugenol
Rosemary: pain-reducing, wound healing, antispasmodic
Allspice: pain-reducing, antibacterial
Chili: pain reducing
Caraway: headache reducing

Thermo regulating

The effect on the body’s temperature balance is especially insteresting in the extreme seasons. This means not only an increase in heat but also a cooling effect. Heat is generated in the body when there is a circulation stimulating effect. In return, the essential oils in some herbs and spices can reduce sweating.

Cayenne pepper: stimulates blood circulation
Cinnamon: has a positive effect on heat production in the body, stimulates blood circulation
Lemon balm: has a cooling effect
Sage: has a cooling effect
Ginger: stimulates blood circulation

Physical well-being

Whether it is the digestive tract or the fat burning mechanism, there are many things that can affect our well-being on the tour. And here once again, herbs and spices can have a positive influence.

Basil: against nervous sleeplessness, migraine and stomach upset
Aniseed: relieves stomach and intestinal complaints, relieves cramps, has a calming effect
Lavender: strengthening the nervous system, has a calming effect
Lemon balm: strengthening the nervous system, has a calming effect
Camomile: antispasmodic

Conclusion

There are many different herbs and spices in the world that we can use. Through them we can enhance and refine the taste of food. Furthermore, they have an influence on our health and well-being.
That is why herbs and spices are an ideal addition to any food baggage.

The top spices for your tour

• Chili: pain-relieving effect, a positive effect on metabolism and blood pressure, antiseptic.
  Chili enhances every pasta sauce with a spicy note.
• Cinnamon: stimulates the metabolism, strengthens the immune system, helps to lower cholesterol levels, can be used for migraine headaches, contains a variety of vitamins and minerals
  Cinnamon tastes very good in muesli.
• Ginger: stimulates blood circulation, antiseptic, promotes recovery from a cold or stomach ache
  Ginger is ideal to be enjoyed with hot water as tea.