Did you know that the spices we use daily in the kitchen also have therapeutic benefits and medicinal usages, making them the quick and instant solutions to common ailments?
Here are the 7 healing spices that are must-have in the kitchen to prevent ailments ranging from physical pain to indigestion to allergies.
Carom seeds
Carom seeds or ajwain are potent painkillers. Taking ajwain seeds is a quick remedy for relief from pain. It is also highly recommended for managing bloating, gas and constipation. Boil carom seeds in water and drink the water after cooling down. Add it in dishes as seeds, dry roasted or in powdered form to receive benefits for common gastric issues like bloating and gas.
Turmeric
With an amazing list of benefits, turmeric is a must-have in the kitchen. It helps boost immunity, benefits digestion by appetizing food and purifies the blood. As it helps improve complexion, turmeric is a common ingredient found in Ayurvedic beauty recipes and home remedies. The herb is also highly recommended for treating wounds. Turmeric can be added to almost all recipes. Mixing turmeric with milk or water and applying the paste on face before bath is beneficial for improving skin complexion. Make turmeric milk by boiling milk with half a teaspoon of turmeric powder and drink it for treating wounds and swelling.
Cumin seeds
Cumin helps digest the existing toxins in the body and also act as a great overall digestive aid which prevents most digestive disorders. Cumin seeds are particularly beneficial for diarrhoea and vomiting. It also helps purify breast milk for lactating mothers. Cumin seeds can be added to all savoury dishes. Roast the seeds, grind them into a powder and use it as a table spice by sprinkling on food.
Cardamom
Cardamom benefits hyperacidity. It also helps fight bad breath and one of its primary actions in the body is to cleanse the mouth. Another action of the spice is to reduce nausea. Chew one or two pods of cardamom and spit out the peels to use it as a mouth freshener. It can also be mixed with honey or lukewarm water and given to babies suffering from coughing and vomiting.
Nutmeg
Nutmeg is considered to benefit those with stress and psychological issues. It is also an anti-diarrheal and helps improve the smell of both breath and the stools. It is good for the voice and helps sleep like a baby. Add a pinch of freshly grated nutmeg to warm milk and drink it before bed for sound sleep.
Saffron
Saffron has both practical and spiritual applications in Indian culture. Placing saffron on a person’s forehead during spiritual rituals can be related to its action on the blood tissue of the body which prevents and treats headaches. Saffron is also used to reduce vomiting. It benefits the skin by improving the complexion and is a key ingredient in natural Ayurvedic beauty regimes. Drink milk boiled with a few strands of saffron before bed or in the morning for beauty benefits. Rub saffron strands with milk and apply the paste to reduce dark circles. It can also be added to rice dishes.
Rock salt
Rock salt is recommended for weight loss over common salt as it does not cause the water retention and weight gain that regular salt creates. Rock salt also has additional benefits which include kindling the digestive fire or Agni and prevention of burning and other skin conditions. Regular sea salt can be replaced with rock salt for cooking. Starting the meals with a small piece of fresh ginger and rock salt is beneficial for igniting the digestive fire.