Spices are an integral part of any kitchen. Especially our Indian kitchens are stuffed with various kinds of healthy spices. But most often we do not realise the true potency of these spices. They are not merely culinary ingredients to add flavours to your food. Spices have healing properties. It is these healing properties of spices that have been used in ancient medicine to cure most common and serious ailments.
But just because modern medicine has become so advanced, it doesn't mean that our age old home remedies have gone out of fashion. Our spices still have healing powers. It is just that we have stopped using these spices for healing minor health problems. You may not be aware that you use these healthy spices in your dishes every day. However, it is important to use these spices in the right way and proportion to utilise all their healing properties.
Here are some of the best and healthy spices with healing effects.
Ginger along with honey can cure sore throat and chest congestion. Ginger is also very helpful for digestion.
Garlic has allicin that is very heart healthy. It helps keep cholesterol under control. Garlic also has anti-bacterial properties that helps heal internal inflammations.
Cloves are an integral part of the Indian garam masala that is very often used for cooking. Cloves contain eugenol which is an anti-inflammatory property. Clove is very useful for healing toothache.
Turmeric is a spice that has many health benefits. Turmeric has anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial properties. Hot compress with turmeric can heal inflammations and allergies.
Cinnamon also contains eugenol which helps heal inflammation. But the best known healing property of cinnamon is that it cures insulin resistance in diabetics.
Mustard is a spice that can heal chest congestion and accumulated phelgm. Mustard also has anti-cancer properties.
Thyme is a spice that cures gas and severe indigestion. Thyme also helps cure scalp infections and dandruff when added to hair oil.
Coriander is a spice that helps you digest food easily. Coriander is also very helpful for people who are suffering from chronic conditions like irritable bowel syndrome.
Nutmeg is a spice that has anti-bacterial properties. But always have nutmeg in small amounts. Too much of this spice can cause hallucinations.