Thanksgiving herbs and spices

I have such warm, childhood memories of Thanksgiving when the entire family would gather together for food, fun and more food and fun. We would always play basketball, football and horseshoes in the afternoon to work off the large midday meal and make room for evening leftovers.

Perhaps my dearest memories are related to the scents of the season. If I close my eyes, I can still see my grandmother in her kitchen lovingly preparing the meal and I can remember, even to this day, what it smelled like -- divine!

What would Thanksgiving be like without the smell and taste of rosemary and sage in the dressing or nutmeg and cloves in the pumpkin pie? I became curious about the relationship between scent and memory, so I read an article by Thomas Cleland of Cornell University that suggests you would not even smell baked bread if you had never learned what bread was in the first place. He argues that “learning is fundamental to even being able to smell at all”.

Other researchers believe that memories are more likely to be recalled when accompanied by emotions and smells. Does that mean I learned what rosemary and sage were because I watched my grandmother make dressing? And, I remember it so intensely because of the emotional impact of the occasion and the wonderful scents involved? Interesting!

Let’s talk about some health benefits of common herbs and spices used in a traditional Thanksgiving meal. Sage (Salvia officinalis) is native to the Mediterranean region and was a sacred ceremonial herb to the Romans. Traditionally, it has been used to treat excessive perspiration, hot flashes, menopause symptoms, loss of appetite and sore throat. https://www.drweil.com/diet-nutrition/cooking-cookware/cooking-with-spices-sage/

Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis) is from a Latin term meaning sea dew. It is widely used in Mediterranean dishes. Its traditional medicinal uses have been to improve memory, relieve muscle pain, stimulate hair growth and treat indigestion. http://www.umm.edu/health/medical/altmed/herb/rosemary

From the Greek word meaning rock celery, parsley (Petroselinum sativum) has historically been used as a digestive aid, a dental anesthetic and antiseptic, a breath freshener, and to reduce blood sugar levels. http://foodfacts.mercola.com/parsley.html

Cloves (Syzygium aromaticum) are typically grown in warm, humid climates. Potential health benefits of this spice are anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties that can help treat colds, boost immune system function and treat oral diseases. Cloves also promote digestion. https://articles.mercola.com/herbs-spices/cloves.aspx

Nutmeg (Myristica fragrans) contains compounds that may boost mood, relieve pain, lower blood pressure and help with insomnia.

 https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/spice-up-your-holidays-with-brain-healthy-seasonings-2016120710734

If you have been thinking it is the tryptophan in the turkey making you calm, relaxed and happy, then read this article: https://www.webmd.com/food-recipes/features/the-truth-about-tryptophan#1. Overeating is likely the source, but I think I’ll put my money on the herbs and spices in this historic feast.

Kelley Rawlsky has an M.S. in horticulture and is the director of Bringing People and Plants Together, an organization dedicated to bringing horticulture education and therapy to the community. For more information: PeopleAndPlantsTogether@gmail.com or follow us on Facebook.

Originally published in Broomfield Enterprise - Nov 12, 2017