Did you know that Indian spices have anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial properties, and are often high in antioxidants?
1. Cumin seeds- jeera
Cumin seeds or jeera, A magnificent Indian spice whose scientific name is Cuminum cyminum, are an excellent source of iron, a mineral that plays many vital roles in the body. Iron is an integral component of hemoglobin, which transports oxygen from the lungs to all body cells, and is also part of key enzyme systems for energy production and metabolism. Additionally, iron is instrumental in keeping your immune system healthy. Iron is particularly important for menstruating women, who lose iron each month during menses. Additionally, growing children and adolescents have increased needs for iron, as do pregnant or lactating women.
Cumin seeds are called Seeds of Good Digestion also.
Cumin seeds have traditionally been noted to be of benefit to the digestive system, Research has shown that cumin may stimulate the secretion of pancreatic enzymes, compounds necessary for proper digestion and nutrient assimilation.
2. Curry Leaves – Kari Patta, Kadipatha
Health Benefits of the Curry leaves
Another Important Spice of India is Curry leaves or kadi patta, which are a good remedy for diarrhea. The curry leaves contain carbazole alkaloids that play a key role in treating diarrhea. To treat diarrhea, take the curry leaves and make them as paste or juice directly.
Curry leaves are the remedy for indigestion and nausea. Take the juice from the curry leaves and mix the fresh lemon juice and sugar into it. It will help to treat nausea and indigestion.
Curry leaves are helpful in improving eyesight. They can prevent eye cataracts.
Curry leaves are good for hair care. Take the leaves without throwing them from the food. Otherwise use the curry leaves powder in the morning breakfast. Curry leaves prevent the premature graying of the hair.
Curry leaves help in improving hair color. Add a few curry leaves to the hair oil then boil the oil and apply this on the hair scalp. This improves hair health.
They control the bad cholesterol in the body and make your body fat-free.
Curry leaves help to decrease the side effects that come with chemotherapy and radiation therapy.
It is a good food for diabetic patients. It controls the glucose levels in the blood. Better to use the curry leaves powder in their breakfast.
Curry leaves contain antioxidants and alkaloids. Good to treat the gastrointestinal tract and improves the digestive system.
3. Dry Fenugreek Leaves – Kasoori Methi
Methi is supposed to be a natural cure for arthritis.
Methi, if consumed twice a day, cleans the intestines and directs the waste out of the body naturally.
It is an appetizer, relieves constipation, and reduces colic. It is also known to cure leprosy, vomiting, bronchitis, and piles
4. Dry Ginger – Saunth, Sounth, Soonth
Indigestion: A most common problem encountered by people of today is indigestion. This can be cured with dry ginger. It can also cure other health disorders like wheezing, cheat irritation, earache cough, and stomach bloating.
Stomach irritation: The stomach irritation can be cured by mixing dry ginger with Sugarcane juice. Take this mixture daily in the early morning. You will get totally relieved from stomach irritation.
Headache: Another common problem headache can be cured by simply grinding the dry ginger and applying it on the forehead. This therapy cures the headache.
Throat pain: Applying the paste on the throat will get you relieved from throat pain.
Chest pain: chest pain can be cured by dry ginger. For this Take equal quantities of Ginger powder and sugar candy and powdered it. Then take a tablespoon of this powder and mix it in tender coconut water. Drink it. Adopting this therapy helps in curing chest pain.
Joint pain: Put some pieces of ginger powder in water and boil it. Drink this water this will keep your health in good shape. To cure the swollen joints just apply the ginger powder paste on the swollen knee joint portion. You will get relieved from the nagging pain.
5. Dry Mango powder – Amchur
Dried mango powder has high iron content, so pregnant women and people suffering from anemia are advised to consume it regularly.
It combats acidity and improves digestion.
It is a fair source of Vitamin A and Vitamin E which helps the hormonal system function efficiently.
6. Fenugreek Seeds – Methi ke Dane
same as methi/ Fenugreek
7. Fenugreek – Methi
Increase breast milk production
Fenugreek ranks high among the ‘must haves’ for nursing mothers. This is due to the presence of diosgenin in the spice which increases milk production in lactating mothers.
Induce and ease childbirth
Fenugreek has been known to be helpful in inducing childbirth by stimulating uterine contractions. It is also known to reduce labor pain. But here’s a word of caution. Excess intake of fenugreek seeds during pregnancy could put you at risk of miscarriage or premature childbirth.
Ease women’s health problems
Fenugreek contains compounds like diosgenin and isoflavones with estrogen-like properties which help reduce symptoms like discomfort and menstrual cramps associated with PMS. These compounds also ease menopausal symptoms like hot flashes and mood fluctuations. Women are more prone to iron deficiency during adolescence (initiation of menstrual periods), during pregnancy, and breastfeeding. Including green leafy veggies like fenugreek (methi) in your diet can supply a good amount of iron. But make sure to add tomatoes or potatoes to the preparations to enhance iron absorption.
Breast Enlargement
Want to enlarge your breasts? Include fenugreek in your regular diet. The estrogen-like property of fenugreek can help in breast enlargement by balancing hormones in women.
Reduce cholesterol
According to studies, fenugreek helps to reduce cholesterol levels, especially that of the low-density lipoprotein (LDL).
Reduce cardiovascular risk
Fenugreek seed has cardiovascular benefits due to the presence of galactomannan. It lowers the risk of a heart attack. It is also an excellent source of potassium which counters the action of sodium to help control heart rate and blood pressure.
Control diabetes
Fenugreek is beneficial for people with diabetes. Galactomannan, a naturally soluble fiber present in fenugreek slows down the rate of sugar absorption into the blood. Fenugreek also contains amino acids responsible for inducing the production of insulin.
Aid digestion
Fenugreek helps flush out harmful toxins. It relieves indigestion and helps treat constipation.
Cure acid reflux or heartburn
One teaspoon of fenugreek seeds in your food can be an effective remedy for acid reflux or heartburn. Mucilage of fenugreek seeds coats the lining of the stomach and intestine and soothes irritated gastrointestinal tissues. Before consuming, you can soak the methi seeds in water to make their outer coat mucilaginous.
Remedy for fever and sore throat
Fenugreek when taken with a teaspoon of lemon and honey can work wonders to reduce fever by nourishing the body. The soothing effect of mucilage in fenugreek also helps to relieve cough and pain from sore throat.
Prevent colon cancer
The fibre content (saponins, mucilage, etc.) of fenugreek binds to toxins in the food and flush them out. This in turn helps to protect the mucus membrane of the colon from cancers.
Lose weight by suppressing appetite
Include fenugreek in your weight loss diet by chewing soaked methi seeds in the morning on an empty stomach. The natural soluble fiber in fenugreek can swell and fill the stomach thereby suppressing your appetite.
Cure for skin inflammation and scars
Apply a clean cloth soaked in methi seed paste for effective treatment of skin problems like burns, boils, eczema, etc. Fenugreek seeds also help in getting rid of scars.
8. Garlic – Lasan, Lahsun, Lahsan
Indian gravies are incomplete without garlic, in Ayurveda garlic is considered ‘badshah ‘
Packed with antioxidants, your immune system could benefit if you give it a constant boost of powerful garlic in daily recipes. If a cold does sneak by, try sipping garlic tea: steep chopped or minced garlic in hot water for several minutes, then strain and drink. You can add a bit of honey
It might not be the main ingredient in your drugstore acne medication, but garlic makes a great natural remedy to banish unsightly blemishes. Its antioxidants kill bacteria, so rub a sliced clove of garlic on the pimple for an effective topical treatment.
Garlic could end your hair loss problems because of its high levels of allicin, a sulfur compound similar to that found in onions, which was found to effectively treat hair loss. Rub sliced cloves of garlic on your scalp, squeezing as you go for the most benefit. You can also infuse the oil with garlic and massage it into your scalp.
Garlic could help you control your weight, according to a nutritionist, a study showed that mice eating a garlic-rich diet reduced their weight and fat stores. Try to cook with garlic daily for tasty and waist-friendly meals.
The positive effect of garlic on your circulatory system is extremely well documented and it has been proven to:
lower blood pressure
decrease platelet aggregation
lower serum triglycerides and LDL-cholesterol ( the bad type) levels
increase serum HDL-cholesterol (the good type) and fibrinolysis (the process through which the body breaks up blood clots.)
Plus it stimulates the production of nitric oxide in the lining of blood vessel walls, a substance that helps them to relax.
As a result of these beneficial actions garlic helps to prevent arteriosclerosis and thereby reduces the risk of heart attack or stroke.
Two or three cloves a day have cut the risk of subsequent heart attacks in half in heart patients.
One reason for these beneficial effects may be garlic’s ability to reduce the amount of free radicals in the bloodstream. According to a study published in Life Sciences, a daily dose of 1 ml/kg body weight of garlic extract for a period of 6 months resulted in a significant reduction in oxidant (free radical) stress in the blood of arteriosclerosis patients. It’s positive effect on the circulatory system improves blood flow throughout the body so has even been hailed as a cure for impotence!
9. Fresh Ginger – Adrak, Adhrak
1. Haven’t been feeling hungry? Eat fresh ginger just before lunch to stoke a dull appetite and fire up the digestive juices.
2. Ginger improves the absorption and assimilation of essential nutrients in the body.
3. Ginger clears the ‘microcirculatory channels of the body, including the pesky sinuses that tend to flare up from time to time.
4. Feeling airsick or nauseous? Chew on ginger, preferably tossed in a little honey.
5. Can’t stop the toot-a-thon? Gas—oops—guess what?! Ginger helps reduce flatulence!
6. Tummy moaning and groaning under cramps? Munch on ginger.
7. Reeling under joint pain? Ginger, with its anti-inflammatory properties—can bring relief. Float some ginger essential oil into your bath to help aching muscles and joints.
8. Just had surgery? Chewing ginger post-operation can help overcome nausea.
9. Stir up some ginger tea to get rid of throat and nose congestion. And when there’s a nip in the air, the warming benefits of this tasty tea are even greater!
10. Bedroom blues? Try adding a gingery punch to a bowl of soup. (Pss…the Ayurvedic texts credit ginger with aphrodisiac properties)
10. Green Cardamom – Hari Elaichi , Choti Elaichi
People, who suffer from digestive problems, are recommended to add cardamom in their diet as this spice acts as a digestive system tonic and offers so many digestive benefits.
Appetizer
Cardamom is an appetite stimulant. It enhances the appetite in the same way as it provides flavor to the dishes.
Carminative
Cardamom is an effective remedy for flatulence. It decreases the air and water elements in the body and thereby it helps to relieve gas caused by garlic and onion.
Acidity and heartburn
This spice has also ability to counteract excessive stomach acid. It stimulates the production of bile and reduces the gastric juices. Ground cardamom seeds also help to get rid of stomach cramps.
A tea prepared with the use of cardamom seeds help to get rid of the digestive problems.
Urinary Disorders
In Ayurveda, cardamom is used to treat the urinary tract disorders such as cystitis, nephritis, gonorrhea, etc. A powdered mixture of Cardamom, Banana leaf, and Amla provides an excellent diuretic property and treats diseases like bladder infections, burning micturition or urination, nephritis, and scanty urination.
Anti-depressant
For treating depression, cardamom use has not been confirmed. However, some herbalists assert that tea prepared from cardamom helps to alleviate depression.
Hiccups
Heartburn, eating spicy or rich foods and aerated drinks are the main reasons behind the developing hiccups. An infusion of powdered cardamom seeds and mint not only helps to ease the hiccups but also helps in indigestion.
Bad Breath
Cardamom is widely used as a mouth freshener due to its aromatic flavor. Chew a few seeds of cardamom for a brief period to remove the foul smell from the mouth.
Bone Health
For proper and normal growth of bone, an essential mineral is a manganese as it aids in raising bone mineral density. It is especially essential for women during menopause as the risk for osteoporosis increases during menopause. As well, cardamom is a good source of vitamin C, which helps in the absorption of calcium.
Improves Circulation
Cardamom improves the blood flow to the heart and organs by improving blood circulation. It is a popular herbal remedy for chest complaints such as bronchitis and asthma as it can also improve blood circulation to the lung area.
Anti-inflammatory
According to Indian medicine and traditional ayurvedic medicine, cardamom has an analgesic property that helps to relieve joint and muscle pain.
DISCLAIMER: Please remember these treatment options are only meant as guidelines and in no way replaces the advice or treatment provided by your medical practitioner. It is always good to seek the advice of your physician, homeopath, naturopath, or herbalist for professional advice in any matter related to your health. This article is for information purposes only. I really want to thank from my heart to all those who have done this research about spices.