The word ‘spice’ evokes the image of strong flavors, right? Whether grounded, roasted, chopped or whole, spices come in different flavors, aroma and make bland food tastier.

Since time immemorial, spices have been used as seasonings, medicines, cosmetics, embalming mummies, as gifts and even in magic. As medicines, spices have tremendous healing powers. Let us find more about their magic here.

Uses of Spices

Spices have numerous health benefits. They are used in treating various ailments like fever, malaria, oral cavity, infections, bringing down blood sugar etc. They are used in skin and hair care, to improve digestion and contribute to rejuvenation of the body.

Here we will discuss some common spices list and check out their medicinal benefits.

Spices for Health

Onion

Onion used commonly in Indian kitchens has antioxidant properties. It has great skin cure healing properties and acts as an excellent aid for tissue growth and repair. Onion is used as cough syrup, for relieving menstrual pains, to dissolve kidney stones, to improve blood circulation and also to cure piles.

Garlic

Loaded with flavonoids and sulfur compounds garlic has a wide variety of benefits. Migraine, joint pain, skin boils and itches can be cured with this pungent spice. It is also used in treatment of colic problems, diarrhea, diabetes, eye infections, asthma etc.

Coriander

Coriander seeds have digestive, health promoting and anti oxidant properties. The seeds are also abundant in vitamin B complex, vitamin C and dietary fiber. Coriander is used in treating rheumatism, acidity, heartburn, menstrual disorders, jaundice, stomach aches, ulcers etc.

Cumin

Cumin, a popular and one of the best spices in kitchen has digestive and antiseptic properties. It has a soothing effect in various digestive ailments like bloating, indigestion, intestinal worms, diarrhea, dysentery, gas etc. Along with digestive property it is also used as strengthening tonic, for lactation and also in treating piles. Urinary infections are also treated with cumin seeds.

Mango Ginger

 With the flavor of mango, this spice is used extensively in pickles and to flavor curries. It has significant anti inflammatory, antibacterial and antifungal properties. It is used to lower cholesterol, as an appetite inducer and also in treating worms and severe cough in kids.

Pepper

Known as king of spice, pepper has anti inflammatory, carminative, diaphoretic and diuretic properties. Pepper is a good source of vitamin A, Vitamin C, vitamin B complex and phyto nutrients. They are used in treating tooth problems, indigestion, coughs, asthma and eczema.

Turmeric

Turmeric needs no introduction. It is the most widely used spice in the kitchen and is known for its antibacterial, anti-inflammatory effects. Be it cold, cough, bronchitis or running nose turmeric with hot milk is the savior. Turmeric is also used to cure cuts, eczema and other inflammations of the skin.Turmeric also prevents blood clots and reduces cholesterol. Thus the benefits of turmeric are plenty.

Cardamom

Known as the queen of spices, cardamom is used against a number of ailments. It aids digestion banishing flatulence in the body. It is used against headaches, stomach pain, nausea etc.

The cardamom is also an excellent detoxifying agent and can ward off toxins from the body. It is also used as breath freshener and is an important ingredient for gargling.

Thus spices can be used in moderation in the kitchen to keep diseases at bay.