Spice up your life with herbs

Very few people know that that the herbs we use in cooking daily have remarkable healing properties. They not only add flavor to your food but also boosts health. Herbs are the most flavorful and important component of any dish. Simple, basic and bland meals can be transformed by adding a few herbs to improve the flavor. Herbs are available fresh or dried. Fresh herbs have more health benefits and impart more flavor than dried ones.

Every body has a medicine shop in their very own kitchen and all one needs to do is get familiarized with your own culinary shop. Given below is a list of some common life altering spices and herbs which can help in curing minor ailments and health problems….

ANISEED

This cures a very bad cough and sore throat. Just pour the aniseed in boiling water, strain and drink it. Hot water extracts of these seeds have also been used in folk medicine for their diuretic and laxative effect; expectorant and anti-spasmodic action; and their ability to ease intestinal colic and flatulence. This seed is an ingredient of cathartic pills and used to relieve flatulence and lessens the griping caused by purgative herbs. It can quite safely be given in convulsions.

ASAFOETIDA

Asafoetida is very good for stomach and spasmodic disorders. Mixed with white onion and honey it will keep you away from respiratory disorders like whooping cough, asthma, etc.

BARLEY SEEDS

Soothing to the digestive tract and liver it heals stomach ulcers. Barley water is very good for kidney stones and is a diuretic.

BASIL

Regarded as a holy plant in India, basil leaves are known for its curative properties. The herb helps in relieving inflammation, digestive disorders, diabetes, headaches, heart diseases and infections. Daily usage helps reduce blood sugar levels, strengthens the immune system and protects the system from stress. Oil from this herb is particularly has antimicrobial, anti inflammatory and anti ulcer properties. This herb relieves stomach cramps and promotes normal bowel function.

BLACK PEPPER

Stimulates digestion, eases flatulence, relives constipation and improves circulation.

CARAWAY SEEDS

Help to relieve flatulence, colic and bronchitis. They also stimulate the appetite and are used to relieve menstrual pain and increase milk flow in nursing mothers.

CARDAMOM

Relives indigestion and sweetens the breath when chewed. It also helps to stop vomiting, belching and acid regurgitation. It can be used in the treatment of colds and coughs as well as bronchitis. It is an anti –depressant and a coolant. The aromatic flavor is a breath freshener, soothes the mucous membrane of the stomach - therefore valuable in headaches caused by indigestion.

CHAMOMILE

It is cooling and has anti-depressant properties that reduces stress and is excellent for water retention.

CHILIES

They are used in clearing the mucus from airways therefore relieving congestion. Excellent for colds and is very good for the eyes.

CINNAMON

Used for indigestion, flatulence and diarrhea. It also acts as a nasal decongestant. Studies have shown that as little as 1 tsp of cinnamon powder a day can help to reduce blood sugar, cholesterol and triglyceride levels. The oil of this herb has anti fungal and anti bacterial properties.

CLOVE

This oil has long been used to ease toothaches. Also relieves coughs and chest congestion. It is an excellent mouth freshener.

CORIANDER SEEDS

They help to stimulate the digestive system. These seeds have also been prescribed for the treatment of diarrhea and cystitis, as well as infections of the urinary tract. A powerful anti-oxidant they reduce cholesterol and are high in calcium therefore good for osteoporosis and arthritis. It’s seeds and leaves are also be used in cooking. Eating the seeds may also help lower cholesterol.

CUMIN SEEDS

The strong aroma and slightly bitter taste of this spice makes it a popular component of curries. Cumin is used to cure flatulence and colic. It enhances the detoxification enzymes of the liver.

THYME

Thyme is rich in thymol, a powerful antiseptic, antibacterial, and a strong antioxidant. The oil of thyme is used in mouthwashes to treat inflammations of the mouth, and throat infections. It is a common component of cough drops and is used in treatment of coughs, colds and respiratory infections. Thyme spasmodic properties and is therefore useful for treating digestive problems.

FENUGREEK

Fenugreek leaves are useful in diarrhea. Take one teaspoon of these seeds boiled and have with a cup of buttermilk twice daily. They are valuable in allaying biliousness and are also beneficial in the treatment of this disease. Excellent to relieve joint pain and is very good for diabetics.

GARLIC

Garlic has special health benefits, helps reduce cholesterol, diabetic complications like hypertension and has detoxification properties.

GINGER

Aids digestion, a popular remedy for nausea and improves circulation. In natural medicine it is used as a protection against respiratory and digestive infections to ease flatulence and griping pains. Ginger can be chewed to relieve toothache. It also helps to release dizziness and is especially a great remedy for travel sickness. It is excellent for pregnant women for treating morning sickness.

MINT

Prevents flatulence and aids digestion. It has cooling properties and because of its minty flavor, it is used as a mouth freshener. Mint is a good source of calcium, antioxidants, vitamin C, Beta Carotene and iron. It stimulates the absorption of food and its oil is effective in treating irritable bowel syndrome.

MUSTARD SEEDS

Mustard Seed has a fresh aroma and slightly biting flavor but when the seeds are dried they do give any fragrance. Mustard is used as remedy for the following few problems: Bronchitis, Diabetes, Blood pressure disorder, Bedsore Insomnia, Snoring, Anxiety and stress, Hormonal disorder. Mustard seeds help neutralize radiation of television sets, computers and underground water rivers. People allergic to mustard should use this product with caution.

NUTMEG AND MACE

Two spices from the same plant - containing myristicin, a substance which can cause hallucinations and drowsiness. Although toxic in large quantities, nutmeg and mace may alleviate nausea, vomiting, flatulence and diarrhea.

OREGANO

Helps in strengthening the digestive system and helps in immunity. Increases joint and muscle flexibility. Gives rise to clear-looking skin. Also helps to establish a toxic environment for unhealthy organisms constantly attacking our skin, digestive tracts, and mucus membrane.

PARSELY

This herb is rich in Beta Carotene, Vitamin C, iron, calcium, Vitamin B12 and phosphorus. It has high antioxidant value which helps to boost immunity. It also has antibacterial and antifungal properties and helps to cleanse the liver and kidneys.

SAFFRON

One of the most expensive spices, it is used for the treatment of a variety of ailments - to ease menstrual pain, menopausal problems, depression, chronic diarrhea and neuralgic pain. It is excellent for chest congestion.

STAR ANISE

It relieves flatulence and also cures colic problems..

TURMERIC

The king of all spices it is a natural antibiotic, antiseptic, powerful antioxidant, and helps to lower cholesterol. In alternative medicine, this spice is said to be a tonic for the liver which helps calm inflammation and relieve digestive problems. It also improves circulation and has an antibacterial action. Helps prevent cancer, lowers cholesterol and stop HIV cells from multiplying.

THYME

Thyme is rich in thymol, a powerful antiseptic, antibacterial, and a strong antioxidant. The oil of thyme is used in mouthwashes to treat inflammations of the mouth, and throat infections. It is a common component of cough drops and is used in treatment of coughs, colds and respiratory infections. Thyme spasmodic properties and is therefore useful for treating digestive problems

POPPY SEEDS:

These seeds are 44-50% oil and are a good source of linoleic and oleic acids and are used to treat nausea and vomiting. Poppy seeds contain a moderate amount of calcium and are very cooling. They can induce sleep.

ROCK SALT

Consists of many trace minerals not found in common salt. Rock Salt relieves muscle cramps, purifies blood in skin, prevents acidity and gas.

WATERMELON SEEDS

Watermelon seeds are excellent sources of protein (both essential and non-essential amino acids) and oil. They are also rich in micro- and macro-nutrients such as magnesium, calcium, potassium, iron, phosphorous, zinc etc.Drink watermelon seeds - crush or blend two teaspoons of dried watermelon seeds and then put in a cup of boiled water. Leave for one hour and then strain. Drink the watermelon seed tea half an hour before each meal. This helps improve kidney functioning.

Whether dried or fresh, herbs and spices not only have health boosting powers but also add flavor to the dishes and makes experimenting with food a lot of fun.