Don’t take spices for granted, they have a much bigger role to play than just tingle your taste buds. PIONEER HEALTH lists some of their benefits

That plants have medicinal properties is ageold knowledge. But down a period of time many have forgotten that these can be used to treat many ailments. “Plants owe their medicinal properties to their natural ability to synthesise numerous chemical compounds, which protect them from herbivores, insects, and fungi. Contrary to popular belief, even the most sophisticated modern medicines rely on plants to an astounding degree. This isn’t quite the same as eating a root or tuber, but rather deriving chemical extracts synthesised in plants,” Dr Surya Bhagwati, Ayuveda consultant, at Saifee Hospital, tells you.

In fact, 40% of all medicines commercially available today are of biogenic origin, out of which 25% are derived from plants.

“It is safe to say that most plants, with their untold potential to enhance the quality of human life are god send and spices, which are a staple of Indian cuisine are no exception,” Dr Surya Bhagwati says.

Here are some of the medicinal properties of popular Indian spices:

Turmeric

Also known as haldi, it is a member of the ginger family and the best use of haldi comes when it is used topically for a glowing skin. It can also be used to treat inflammation, infected wounds, and ringworm.

Mix a teaspoon of haldi in two tablespoons of besan, a tablespoon of atta and yogurt or milk in enough quantity to make a thick paste. Apply this uptan on the face for a glowing complexion.

To treat ringworm, make a paste of fresh turmeric and water. Apply it in the affected area and let it dry.

Black pepper

Black pepper, also known as peppercorn is made from the dried fruit of a flowering vine, native to South India. For centuries, it has been used to facilitate digestion and soothe upset stomachs. A quarter teaspoon of black pepper powder mixed in buttermilk should be consumed in cases of indigestion or heaviness in the stomach to alleviate discomfort.

Another great use of this spice is that it helps hair growth. Take one teaspoons of black pepper powder, two tablespoons of extra virgin coconut oil and half a teaspoon of castor oil. Mix them and massage into the scalp for a few minutes. Let it stay for 10 minutes and shampoo. Do this once in a month. A Word of advise: Go for a patch test because the pepper may cause some tingling.

Cardamom

Cardamom is a spice with a strong taste and therefore some may find it difficult to eat on its own. It can be used to halt a number of digestive issues including bloating, gas, heartburn, and loss of appetite. Boil a teaspoon of crushed cardamom seeds in a cup of water for 10-15 minutes and drink this.

Clove

Clove is a spice derived from the dried flower-buds of the clove tree. Its oil acts as a painkiller when applied topically for toothache.

Ginger

Ginger is a plant whose roots are used as an additive in many cuisines. It is a natural remedy for headaches. Make a paste from an inch of ginger and apply this on the forehead. One can also add dry ginger powder to boiling water and inhale the vapours for relief.

Cumin

Cumin is a spice derived from the seeds of the cumin plant. A great benefit of this seed is that it helps in weight loss and fat reduction. While it is not possible to eat large qualities of jeera a simple way to consume is to boil two teaspoons of jeera 200 ml water. Reduce it to half and drink this hot to results.

Cinnamon

Cinnamon is an aromatic spice obtained from the bark of certain kinds of trees. It helps decrease blood sugar. A great way to consume dalchini is to make tea. Take a small stick of cinnamon, add a glass of water, boil it for 10 minutes and let it steep for another 5. Add lemon and drink this.

Saffron

Saffron is obtained from the flower of the saffron crocus and is the world’s most expensive spice by weight. It is considered to be a mild sedative as well and can be used by people who ha VR insomnia. Take a punch of the spice and add it to milk and boil for a few minutes. Drink this just before going to bed for a good night sleep.

Garlic

Garlic with its antiviral and antibacterial properties helps in boosting immunity. If you feel that you are about to get a cold add garlic to your diet by making tea. Boil three cups of water and three crushed garlic cloves. Add half a teaspoon of honey and half a lemon juice with seeds and rind as it has Vitamin C and antioxidants. Strain this tea and drink throughout the day.