High Alkaline Herbs

Normal pH is around 7.0, or neutral. The time of day or foods you eat may effect your body's pH level, making it either more acid or alkaline. Natural health advocates recommend consuming more alkalizing foods to ward off diseases such as cancer. Herbalists teach that all herbs, especially bitter herbs, are considered alkalizing. Consult your health care provider before using herbs for medicinal purposes.

Cayenne pepper is used as both food and medicine. It can be eaten fresh or found in capsule form. It is a pungent herb with natural anti-inflammatory properties. Herbalists use it to treat pain and inflammation, arthritis, headaches and as a weight loss aid. Chi Machine International lists it as highly alkaline and useful against cancer. However, these claims have not yet be validated scientifically. Consult your medical doctor before trying herbal cayenne.

Although considered a weed by most, dandelions are highly valued by herbalists. The greens are consumed fresh and are considered highly alkalizing and anti-carcinogenic. The roots are used as a natural diuretic and to treat kidney stones. Dandelion leaves can be added to salads or made into an herbal tea. Dandelion root extract may be found in tincture or capsule form. Talk to your health care provider before trying dandelion for medicinal use.

Turmeric is an Eastern spice used in curries. It has been studied extensively as a natural anti-inflammatory and cancer-fighting agent. Like other pungent spices, it is highly alkalizing to the body and may be used as both food and medicine. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center turmeric may be used in the treatment of arthritis, colitis, ulcers, cancer, diabetes and atherosclerosis. It can be found in both powder and liquid extract form. Consult a health care professional for proper use of turmeric.

Garlic is one herb that is valued by herbalists and chefs alike. It is considered highly alkalizing and anti-carcinogenic. The University of Maryland notes that it is also naturally antioxidant, antibiotic, anti-fungal, anti-viral and anti-parasitic. It is best consumed fresh. However those who cannot tolerate fresh garlic may find it in capsule or tablet form. Talk to your doctor regarding appropriate use of garlic.

Wheat grass is simply young wheat plants that are juiced and used for medicinal purposes. It is typically consumed as a beverage or added to smoothies. It is extremely alkalizing and used by natural health enthusiasts to prevent and treat many common diseases, including cancer, inflammation, infection, gout, bronchitis, coughs and the common cold. It is generally taken fresh, although it can be found in extract form. Talk to your health care provider regarding proper use of wheat grass.