I know this is OT but if you start a site or write a book perhaps you could produce an online recipe finder with ingredients, uses (i.e., 'good for leg cramps', 'excellent for rehydration'), type - and cross-reference everything.
I went to a dinner party and was talking with this woman about the dish she brought. She mentioned her spreadsheet (that she had done just for herself) and I was blown away. I was thinking about becoming a hacker just so I could steal it. Of course, I didn't actually ask her if she'd be willing to share but given the amount of time and effort she'd put in to it (labor of love) I never would have asked. I can't remember all the categories she had but it was amazing.
kathy