Spices are essential ingredients of any Indian food cuisine. Traditionally spices have been used as flavoring agents or for their aroma but very few people know that most of the spices that we use have medicinal value. Spices contain certain chemicals and essential oils that act as anti oxidants and can be used to balance our systems. Lets take a look at some of the important spices that we use on a daily basis and their healing properties.
Most widely used of the spices, contains curcumin and polyphenols – it has an anti inflammatory action, known for its ability to fight cancer, useful in atherosclerosis, acts as an anti bacterial, antifungal, antiseptic.
is a spice derived from the flower of crocus sativus, contains more than 150 aroma yielding compounds of which the most important one crocetin is known for its anti cancer properties, known to reduce the tumor size . It is also known to promote learning and memory retention
A pinch of saffron crushed in one spoon of milk and given to young girls in delayed puberty is known to stimulate hormones and bring on the menses.
Cumin Contains thymoquinone, which checks the proliferation of cells responsible for prostrate cancer, it is a powerful antioxidant, aids in digestion known to help in losing belly fat. (adding a spoon full to your buttermilk every day will help you lose the inches) It improves the circulation of blood thus making proper amounts of oxygen available; this speeds up metabolism and boosts overall health.
this spice is known to reduce blood pressure and reduce insulin resistance. It is known to reduce your bad cholesterol. Half a teaspoon of cinnamon powder every day can keep cancer away.
Cinnamon has been shown to help neurons and improve motor function in those suffering from Alzheimer’s or Parkinson’s. As it reduces insulin resistance, cinnamon can be used by women having P.C.O.S It also helps to mitigate heavy menstrual bleeding associated with conditions like endometriosis, fibroids etc.
Some of the most interesting health benefits of asafoetida include its ability to protect the gastrointestinal system, ½ a tea spoon in a glass of butter milk gives instant relief to digestive problems.
It is known to improve menstrual symptoms, reduces inflammation, boosts the immune system, eliminates respiratory issues, prevents reproductive disorders, improve mood swings and nervous disorders, and ease pain.
Cardamom is a spice that originated in India , it is regarded as the Queen of spices Cardamom is an ideal spice with many health benefits. The most popular and well-known health benefits are listed below.
It has anti cancer properties and has specific action on cancer of colon and rectum. It is known to lower heartbeat and control the rhythm, hence can be used in control of hypertension. It contains antioxidant enzymes, which helps control cholesterol It is a good anti depressant, carminative, and helps in digestion And above all it is a very good mouth freshener.
The health benefits of black pepper include relief from respiratory disorders, cough, common cold, constipation, digestion, anemia, impotency, muscular strains, dental care, pyorrhea, diarrhea, and heart disease.
It has a bitter taste, it is known to reduce hair fall, dandruff, stimulates the development of breasts; it helps in reduction of blood sugar, reduce cholesterol and flush out toxins.
It is the hottest spice, it has anti bacterial. Antiseptic properties, is a natural anesthetic hence used in toothache since ages. It is also known to boost the immune system.
it contains phyto nutrients and antioxidants very good for fighting cancer. Anithole, the active constituent reduces the adhesive & invasive activities of the cancer cells hence it prevents the multiplication of cancer cells.
Scientifically known as Myrestica Fragrans, used for it aroma in food, its aphrodisiac and sedative properties are known. It has the ability to relive pain, soothe indigestion, strengthen cognitive function, detoxify the body, boost skin health, alleviate oral conditions, reduce insomnia, increase immune system function, and prevent leukemia, and improve blood circulation.
The wonder spice. Ginger contains gingerol ,a substance with powerful medicinal properties It is anti inflammatory, provides pain relief , prevents migraines by blocking the prostaglandins. It has anti cancer properties, acts especially on ovarian and breast cancer.
It lowers the blood sugar and increases the release of insulin thus it is very effective in type 2 diabetes.. It is an immunity booster, reduces nausea, helps reduce intestinal gas.
Though these spices provide innumerable benefits they should be used sparingly. The excessive use of spices in food can cause harm to the health. Try to make specific use of these spices. This will help you to make optimal use of the resources provided by nature.