Introduction to Indian Spices

In India a wide variety of spices are used, not only to add flavour and aroma to the dish but also to create a magical spell and herein lies the oriental charm of spices, however the magical spell doesn't have to refer to the supernatural alwayz, to turn a raw vegetable into a delicacy and the therapeutic power of indian herbs perfectly serves the purpose.Indian climate support the growth of array of spices,differrent parts of spice plants are used to add flavour and aroma to the dishes,leaves (bay leaves,curry leaves,peppermint leaves,basil etc.),roots(ginger,turmeric,garlic,onion,galangal),barks(cinnamon) flowers & fruits(mace,saffron,nutmeg,rose,juniper,kokam,vanilla etc) seeds(coriander,sesame,mustard,poppyetc.) some spices do not come from bark, seed,flowers or roots yet lend an incredible flavour and taste to the dishes they are arrowroot,asafoetida,cloves etc.

Ayurveda and Unani medicine has acknowledge the medicinal value of all these spices hence these spices serves a great purpose in our daily meal........below are some of these properties of most commonly used spices in every household as told by our moms.

Nutmeg

Is a MUST in my kitchen apart from using it as a part of garam masala I use it as a facepack to make my skin look fresh and boil free, mix nutmeg powder and sandalwood powder in milk and apply directly on your face and wash off to witness problem free skin.

Onion Seeds

Onion seeds when consume regularly help relieve gas problems, flatulence and health problems, flatulence and strengthen the stomach. If consumed with honey, they can be beneficial in removing stones from the kidney and bladder. The powder of the seeds when consumed with water is excellent for hemorrhoids, excellent remedy for chronic cold when consumed with lil vinegar, ½ tsp boiled with water is good for relieving asthma related problems, boiled with vinegar and applied on gums can help to reduce inflammation and infection of gums and teeth. If consumed regularly onion seeds are very good in the treatment of migraine, palpitation and diabetes.

Cumin Seeds

Is considered as a symbol of love and fidelity in Europe, it is in used by egyptians for the mummification process, even today it continues to be highly beneficial, contains Iron and helps treating skin problems like eczema and psoriasis when the paste is applied on the affected area one can also add small quantity of cumin powder in facepack to take care of minor skin issues, boils,tanning,burn marks and wrinkles.Acne can be treating by applying small quantity of cumin powder with vinegar. Boiling Tea leaves with ginger and cumin seeds can relieve one of common cold.It activate saliva and aids digestion.

Saffron

Termed as a golden spice, saffron is indeed a very special and a precious spice which has numerous health benefits too. Saffron is not only used as flavoring and coloring agent in desserts and mughlai preparations but also is an integral ingredient in my regular facial pack, saffron with fullers earth is good for oily skin for people with normal to dry skin can use a few strands of saffron with sandalwood or milk powder to make their skin look healthy and fairer

Turmeric

I guess every kitchen in India has a jar of turmeric, turmeric is known for its amazing therapeutic value, besides being a must in almost every Indian preparation it is also used for reliving any internal and external injury, paste of turmeric with water is used for healing wounds, a spoon of turmeric added to lukewarm milk can keep a check on blood pressure, it also reduces activity of roundworms and intestinal worms.

Star Anise

Aids digestion, freshens bad breath, the oil is believed to relieve rheumatism

Sesame Seeds

Sesame seeds contain sesamin and sesamolin, substances that is believed to prevent high blood pressure, and protect the liver against damage, Sesame seed is a good source of Vitamin E, that is why it can help strengthen the heart and the nervous system, Sesame oil can help remove wrinkles and other skin diseases when applied externally.

Poppy Seeds

Poppy seeds are used as a home remedy for dysentery. About quarter teaspoon of the powder of poppy seeds are sauted to a golden brown in honey. Taken twice a day, it gives relief from the symptoms. As these seeds have a sedative effect, they should not be taken for more than three days continuously. Poppy seeds ground to paste with lime juice are effective when rubbed on the areas affected by dry itch

Mustard Seeds

Mustard tea thrice a day (mix 1 tsp of mustard flour cup in boiling water and leave for 5 minutes). Relieves bronchitis and also eases fever and cold,it stimulates circulation in pain area and thus help to relieve pain.

Mace

Is an excellent spice to use with milk and rice preparation apart from adding a sweet flavour to the dish it also refreshes the taste of it.

Garlic

Garlic or the "bulb of life" as it was known to ancient Indian physicians, has been celebrated for its medicinal properties for centuries, traditionally used to treat asthma, deafness, and congestion ,Lowers cholesterol, blood pressure and relieves rheumatism, powerful detoxifier, rejuvenator, and cleanser for the blood 

Fenugreek Seeds

Fenugreek is used in india is used in all the three forms green methi leaves, dried kasoori methi and the seeds.Fenugreek can help prevent and cure diseases like arthritis.bronchitis,asthma and also control the level of sugar in blood, one can use dried kasoori methi and seeds as seasoning and with green methi leaves when added with potatoes, cauliflower and moong dal make an excellent recipe.It is believed that fenugreek is a great herb for women as it reduces menstrual pain helps in breast enlargement and is a reliever in reproductive disorders.

Fennel Seeds

I grew up seeing my father chewing fennel seeds after any meal without knowing the benefits this post meal habbit I realised it much later how beneficial it is in stimulating digestion and can remove symptoms of bloating, fennel seeds are considered as great herbal tonic for eyes. Water in which some fennel seeds are soaked overnight helps to wash eyes to cure problems like puffy eyes, sore eye, and bloodshot eyes. Herbal tea made with fennel seeds also works well on eye and provides relief in conjunctivitis.

Clove

Clove taste is aromatic and adds sweetness to breads and pies while imparting a lovely aroma to soups and spicy dishes. The health benefits of cloves include the prevention of toxicity from contaminants such as tetrachloromethane, cancers related to the digestive tract, and joint inflammation. In a number of medical studies, the essential oils of cloves are used in dentistry in coincidence with root canal treatment, short-term cavity fillings, and common gum ache.

Cinnamon

I love my daily dose of butter and cinnamon spread on bread apart from great taste it also helps in fighting yeast infections in Vagina and Oral cavity, regular use can also keep stomach ulcers at bay.

Cardamom

I dont know how my kheer,phirnis,halwas and other savories will taste without adding a pinch of cardamom, it has great detoxifying properties and helps in cleansing the body it can help in preventing spasm, boosts blood circulation to the lungs thus small quantity of it is recommended to those sufferring from asthma and bronchitis.

Black Pepper

Green Peppercorns once dried in the sun become black and when these black peppercorns are soaked in water, white peppercorns is the resulting seed after discarding the skin and pulp. It is also known as the king of spices Its anti bacterial properties are helpful in preventing diseases, improving digestion and apetite. 

Bishop's Weed/Ajowain

It acts as a good appetizer,imparts a specific aroma and taste to a wide variety of foods. It is popular in savoury snacks, breads and pastries. It has also excellent preservative medicinal properties. It eases asthma and indigestion. It also acts as a fungicide. It is an ancient custom in many cultures to give ladies who have just delivered bishop’s weed for a few days so any residue in the uterus is expelled and the air element is subsided. bishop’s weed, given with fennel and liquorice increase the flow of breast milk and purify the uterus.