Herbs And Spices Medicinal Values

By Suparna Chakaraborthy

Monday, October 25, 2010, 17:43

Croog, Karnataka, in India, is famous for it's wide spread of herbs and spice plantation. From Croog, spices travel not only across India but also to many other countries of the world. The American Spice Trade association report that the use of herbs and spices date back to 2300 BC. They were used by the Aryans.

Indian cuisines use the most number of herbs and spices. Every spice have their own essence, taste, flavour and medicinal values. The medicinal values of herbs and spices are widely used in Ayurvedic medicines. Lets look at some of the herbs and spices and their medicinal values -

1.Ginger – Ginger widely used in Indian dishes is a very good medicine for congestion and fever. This herb passes through the brain membrane and cures congestion. It also enhances the metabolism rate, cures nausea and loose motions.

2.Turmeric - Turmeric is a cure to many illnesses including cancer. The National Institute of Nutrition, Hyderabad, has reported that turmeric has anti-cancer agents. Turmeric is well known for it's antiseptic values. It kills bacterial growth and reduces the growth of fungus.

Turmeric is also used to reduce blood cholestrol level. It works wonders on cough and cold, pain etc. Regular intake of turmeric kills all the germs which are present in the blood stream and thus, results in glowing skin. Turmeric paste is often used to cure external skin rashes. In India, Turmeric is a major part of the wedding ceremony.

3.Fenugreek Seeds – Fenugreek seeds are very good source of Vitamin E, which enhances hair growth. It is also used by Diabetic patients to control the glucose level in the blood. These seeds stimulates the production of mucosal fluids and thus treat allergens and toxins. It is very good to treat cold and fever. THE fenugreek seeds kills bacteria and thus is a very good treatment for stomach disorders.

4.Asafoetida – Asafoetida is well known for curing digestive disorders. It cures respiratory disorders like asthma, bronchitis and whooping cough. The strong smell of Asafoetida is believed to kill bacteria's and other germs in the blood stream. It is a part of many Indian dishes.

5.Cumin Seeds – Cumin seeds are a part of almost every Indian cuisine. It helps in digestion, cure acidity and gas. Cumin seeds are a very good source of iron and manganese, thus prevents bloating of the body.

6.Cloves - Cloves, often used as a mouth freshener in India, is well known for it's anti bacterial values. Cloves oil works wonders in tooth ache and arthritis pain. The spice reduces congestion and enhances digestion.

These six types of herbs and spices are regularly used in Indian culinary. These spices are also used as medicine across India and have proved to have no side effects. The spices work on an illness as quickly as any other modern form of medicine. The only thing they demand is regularity.