All about spices and their medicinal benefits

All about spices and their medicinal benefits

Ayurveda values many spices for their possible medicinal advantages which help maintain our overall health and immunity. That’s why using organic spices are important in Indian cuisine. They play an important role in Indian cooking providing not only flavour but also numerous health benefits. Using organic spices add depth and richness to dishes and each spice brings unique aroma, taste and gives specific health benefits.

Now let’s look deeper into the health benefits of spices which should be included in our diet. However they are useful when used in the right proportion and the right way. So it should be used considering the person’s prakruti, dosha, season, where the person is living, what type of food etc. The process of cooking is also very important.

Pepper:

It is considered as the king of spices and has many health benefits. It has anti-inflammatory properties, is good for digestion, aids in weight loss, has potent antioxidant properties, has cholesterol lowering effect, and may also promote gut health.

Ginger:

Ginger is used in numerous forms including fresh, dried, pickled, powdered or ground. It has antioxidant properties, anti-inflammatory effects, hypolipidemic effects, improves digestion, and alleviates nausea and vomiting. It’s widely used in Ayurvedic remedies for arthritis, aches, pain and to treat indigestion.

Turmeric:

It has been used in India for thousands of years as both a spice and a medicinal herb. The main active ingredient is curcumin, has powerful anti-inflammatory effects, has antioxidant property that can neutralize free radicals, helps to lower the risk of heart disease, it has been studied as a beneficial herb in cancer treatment, helps in reducing blood glucose level in diabetic patients, helps to heal wounds and lighten scars as a cosmetic, and is believed to play a role in anti-aging as well.

Garlic:

This spice has also been consumed since ancient times, it has hypolipidemic effect, antioxidants which reduce oxidative stress, boost your immune system, digestion, is useful in cough, asthma etc.

Coriander:

Coriander leaves are commonly used to enhance flavour whereas the seeds are used dried or ground. It’s rich in immune boosting antioxidants, is anti-inflammatory, acts as a diuretic, improves gut health, promotes healthy digestion, relieves excessive thirst and burning sensation and is useful in treating pittaja disease.

Mustard:

Mustard oil is used in many conditions like skin disease, rheumatoid arthritis and inflammatory condition of joints for external application; for oral use in treating infections and many more. It has carminative effect and is a compulsory item in all types of sambhar powders and even while seasoning dishes.

Cumin:

Jeeraka means ‘that which digests’. It is very good in treating digestive tract disorders, is a good appetizer, carminative, antispasmodic, relieves fatigue and thirst, is useful in dry cough, relieves burning sensation, is useful is  colicky pain, improves taste and promotes digestion. Cleanses and detoxifies the uterus, hence is widely used in postpartum care of the mother.

It is important to use chemical free, good quality spices. You can buy many spices at Brahmionline website https://www.brahmionline.com/general-products/organic-oils-and-foods  

 

Dr Mallika B.S.BAMS

Consulting Physician

Brahmionline, Bengaluru