Here are some spices we cannot do without..
Cayenne
This spice improves circulation, aids digestion by stimulating gastric juices, stimulates the appetite, reduces inflammation, is a mild stimulant or tonic, improves metabolism, relieves gas, colds, chills, and stops bleeding from ulcers. Good for the kidneys, lungs, spleen, pancreas, heart, and stomach. Taken for nausea, scrofula, swollen lymph glands, rheumatism, arthritis, and pleurisy. Use with lobelia for nerves.
Coriander
This herb is an excellent source of iron, phytonutrients and flavonoids. It protects the body against urinary tract infections, prevents nausea, lowers blood sugar levels and aids in digestion. Coriander juice is beneficial in treating dysentery, colitis, indigestion and hepatitis. When mixed with pinch of turmeric powder, it serves as a powerful remedy against blackheads and pimples. It contains dietary fiber, vitamins and minerals like calcium, magnesium, sodium and potassium. Aside from being used in cooking, coriander leaves and seeds strengthen the stomach, reduce fever and lower cholesterol levels.
Galangal
Galangal, a herb like ginger and turmeric belongs to the rhizome family. It is also known as ‘Siamese ginger’ and is commonly used in Southeast Asian cuisine, especially Thai. The name galangal is derived form the Chinese word for ginger. Botanically it is known as alpinia galanga. This tuber is known to have numerous medicinal and health benefits, and it is used by many homeopaths and healthcare professionals. Galangal contains anti-inflammatory properties and therefore is beneficial in treatment of arthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. It also helps to relieve discomfort caused due to inflammation of the abdomen and ulcers too. To curb sea and motion sickness, nausea, chew a few slices of fresh galangal. Galangal contains a host of anti-oxidants that helps to minimise the damage caused by free radicals and other toxins in the body. To improve blood circulation in the body, include galangal in your diet. If you suffer form diarrhoea, chew a few slices of fresh galangal to seek relief. Besides being a rich source of iron, sodium, vitamins A and C, it contains flavanoids and phytonutrients.
Turmeric
The active ingredient in this spice is curcumin, has anti-inflammatory and disinfecting properties. This explains its healing powers when applied to cuts and abrasions. Taken orally as an anti-inflammatory, it does not cause intestinal bleeding, ulcers, and the decrease of white blood cells. This makes turmeric a safe alternative to some non-prescription drugs. Studies have shown that turmeric is successful in slowing progression and preventing various forms of cancer.
Pimento
Pimento (Pimenta dioica) is also known as Allspice. Allspice comes from the dried berry of the pimento, a tropical evergreen tree of the myrtle family. Allspice is widely used as a carminative, to prevent or relieve flatulence. It is used as both an aromatic stimulant and as a tonic for the gastro-intestinal tract and digestive system, to treat vomiting, stomach ache, diarrhea and indigestion; along with digestive disorders such as dyspepsia and colic, and is known to improve the appetite. The essential oil in Allspice is a tonic for the nervous system, and has been used to treat nervous exhaustion, hysterical paroxysms, neuralgia, and convulsions. When used externally, Allspice’s warming effects are used to relieve chest infections, arthritis and rheumatism, bruises, and muscle aches and pains. Allspice has been used as a natural herbal remedy fever, colds, flu, diabetes, menstrual cramps, and heavy menstrual bleeding. Allspice extracts have antioxidant, antiseptic and anesthetic properties, and usefulness in fighting yeast and fungal infections.
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