Cinnamon seems to show the most promise for slowing blood glucose absorption or stabilizing blood sugar, although cayenne, cloves, curry powder, fenugreek, garlic, ginger, marjoram, rosemary, and sage may also be of value.
Turmeric is the anti-inflammation superstar. Basil, black pepper, cardamom, cinnamon, cloves, garlic, ginger, fennel, nutmeg, and rosemary all have inflammation-quenching abilities.
For the greatest antioxidant action, cloves lead the pack. Allspice, basil, bay leaves, chiles, cinnamon, curry powder, ginger, lemon balm, marjoram, mint, dry mustard, oregano, paprika, saffron, sage, thyme, and turmeric are in the running too.