Toothache: Clove

If the dentist isn't close at hand, seek relief in the spice cabinet. Clove will immediately numb the gum and fight whatever infection might be brewing underneath.

Try It: Add a few drops of water to 1/8 teaspoon ground cloves to make a thick paste. Pack on the sore gum for 5 to 10 minutes, then spit out. Repeat as needed. Be careful not to rub your eyes after applying. Not for use on babies and toddlers (unless it's very diluted).

Sore Throat: Honey, Lemon & Cayenne

When you're having trouble swallowing, honey, lemon, and cayenne pepper can bring soothing relief. The lemon contracts inflamed tissues and provides vitamin C, the honey soothes and disinfects, and the cayenne stimulates circulation and encourages healing.

Try It: Fill a tablespoon halfway with honey, and then squeeze a lemon to fill the spoon with juice. Sprinkle on 1/8 to 1/4 teaspoon of cayenne pepper, put the spoon in your mouth, and suck on it slowly. Repeat as needed.

Blemishes, Rashes, and Burns:Turmeric

Turmeric's many healing properties make it effective for a wide range of skin conditions. "It's antibacterial, antifungal, antiviral, and antitumoral," explains Hansen. Use it topically to bring pimples to a head quickly and soothe acne, scrapes, and sunburns. (In India, they even sell Band-Aids infused with the spice.) It stains, so be sure to wash your hands after use.

Try It: Add several drops of water or aloe-vera juice (available at health-food stores) to 1/2 teaspoon of powdered turmeric to make a thin paste. With your fingers, spread the mixture on blemishes, sunburns, or acne. Leave on for up to an hour, then rinse.

Spice Up Your Health with Cinnamon

Cinnamon is a versatile and aromatic spice rich in polyphenolic compounds that act as protective antioxidants. In one recent study, cinnamon was shown to reduce the oxidative stress and impaired fasting glucose (two risk factors associated with cardiovascular disease and diabetes) in overweight and obese adults

Spice Up Your Health with Cayenne

The fiery and flavorful cayenne pepper contains a potent active compound known as capsaicin, which is responsible for the burning sensation caused by coming in contact with this spice. Capsaicin's anti-inflammatory properties make it an excellent topical pain reliever. The potent antioxidant powers of the cayenne pepper also come from capsaicin, which has been shown in several studies to inhibit the growth of breast and prostate tumors in mice.

Spice Up your Health with Turmeric

This bright yellow spice is well-known as a component of curry powder. Turmeric contains a high concentration of curcumin, a natural compound with powerful antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.  One study involving mice concluded that curcumin may help protect the brain from the oxidative damage that is thought to contribute to Alzheimer's