Did you know you have an entirely different medicine cabinet in your house-—in your spice rack?

According to herbalist Melora Chavez of local herb shop Herbally Grounded, you’ve probably got quite a few herbs in your home that have medicinal properties. In fact, if you’re a part of the pumpkin spice mania, you’re in luck: when consumed, the autumnal blend of cardamom, nutmeg, clove, cinnamon and ginger can actually help support the body’s immune system.

But there’s so much more than pumpkin spice at your fingertips to help you feel better. Chavez can easily rattle off a list of herbs at home, including kitchen staples like garlic and ginger.

“Ginger is the best to help with calming and soothing the digestive system,” she says. “It helps promote blood flow, and encourages the breakdown and elimination of cholesterol in the arteries.”

Raw garlic can help when feeling generally unwell, she says, and if you’re looking to reduce allergy symptoms, peppermint is beneficial.

The FDA classifies herbs as food and not drugs. Some herbs can cause allergic reactions or have negative interactions with medications, so always seek guidance from a medical professional when experimenting with different herbs and food products.

Common herbal remedies for common ailments

Hangover: Ginseng

A 2014 study from the National Institutes of Health found that red ginseng, an anti-inflammatory, significantly mitigates hangovers in healthy men.

Indigestion: Ginger

Also a root, ginger has many health benefits. It’s perhaps best known for its ability to calm an upset stomach. 

Headache: White willow bark

Often referred to as nature’s aspirin,white willow bark has been used for centuries as a pain reliever. The active ingredient, salicin, can also help relieve back and joint pain. 

Exhaustion: Holy basil

High in antioxidants, holy basil, or tulsi, is known to increase energy and reduce stress.

Stress: Chamomile

Not only can it help to soothe upset stomachs, chamomile also works as a mild sedative to deal with stress and aid sleep.

Click HERE to subscribe for free to the Weekly Fix, the digital edition of Las Vegas Weekly! Stay up to date with the latest on Las Vegas concerts, shows, restaurants, bars and more, sent directly to your inbox!