Indian Spices : The Medical Kit in Our Kitchen

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Indian Spices The Medical Kit in Our Kitchen
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Turns out that the humble masala dabba, the box
which contains various Indian spices, proudly
carrying its badge of turmeric and chilli powder
stains, is no less a warrior than the medical bag
that the family doctor of old carried with him on
his home visits. Also turns out that Grandmas
old remedies maybe old but are of relevance and
importance in todays pill popping world. Lets
just look at a few of the occupants of the masala
dabba Turmeric not just vibrant
colour Turmeric powder is made from the boiled
and dried rhizome (stem) of the turmeric plant.
You cannot imagine Indian dishes without adding
at least a little of this deep yellow coloured
powder. I can still remember my grandma adding
haldi(turmeric) to warm water and making me sip
it to ease the colic that was the outcome of
eating one too many goodies on Diwali day.
Turmeric is good for digestion. This is probably
why it found its place in everyday use in Indian
and Asian kitchens.
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It has long been used by the Chinese to treat
depression. Turmeric is a great antibacterial and
antiseptic agent and it is 100 natural. Even
today a paste made of this spice and water is
used to cure cuts and burns. This is also the
reason that it is added to face packs and is a
good way to deal with acne. It is a potent
anti-inflammatory with none of the side effects
that the use of such drugs can cause you. This
makes turmeric useful in fighting arthritis and
rheumatoid arthritis. Turmeric is a natural way
to detoxify your liver. Research has also
indicated that the everyday use of turmeric in
Indian kitchens is probably the reason for the
low incidence of Alzheimers disease in India
less than one fourth of the USA for the people in
their 7th decade of life.
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Pepper up your life Black is the in colour in
your kitchen too. Pepper is the fruit of the
black pepper plant and is native to Kerala. It
has a tantalizing aroma never mind the sneezes!
The chemical piperine is what gives pepper its
spiciness. Black pepper is at its best when
ground afresh. Age old relief from colds and
coughs always meant a teaspoon of honey with
crushed pepper. Pepper powder added to hot water
and eucalyptus makes an effective inhalation for
de-congestion when you have a bout of the flu or
respiratory discomfort from the increasing levels
of pollution and allergies. It is rich in
manganese, iron, potassium, Vitamin C, Vitamin K
and dietary fiber. Also, stimulates digestion by
stimulating the secretions from the taste buds
which message the stomach to produce the
protein digesting hydrochloric acid. The goodness
of turmeric is enhanced if it is used in
combination with black pepper.
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A cinnamon stick will do the trick Youre barking
up the wrong tree if you think cinnamon is just
good for its appetizing smell and that dash of
pungency in your dish. This inner bark of some
species of this tree improves digestion. It also
soothes that irritated and tender stomach
following a bout of tummy trouble. Just mix a
little cinnamon powder with a tablespoon of
curd. Cinnamon is anti-bacterial and
anti-allergic and is, thus, a good preservative.
It is also anti- inflammatory. 1 tablespoon of
cinnamon contains about 1.4 mg of manganese this
is really helpful in preventing osteoporosis
especially in women. Research has also shown that
it aids in controlling heart disease and diabetes
because of its cinnemaldehyde and cinnamic acid
content. The aroma of this spice makes for a
great mood enhancer.No wonder that cinnamon bun
is no less upifting than that spicy aftershave!
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Cloves small buds, mammoth benefits The punch
that these little buds carry are what makes them
an indispensable ingredient when spice is what is
nice. In addition to being a must in exotic
oriental cooking, heres what cloves can
do Fight oral infections and relieve pain. This
is why clove oil is the central theme in many a
toothpaste advertisement. This antimicrobial
property also makes them great for the immune
system. In fact, they as antimicrobials, combat
serious disease like Cholera. Cloves and its
extracts are very effective in maintaining heart
health by containing LDL cholesterol levels and
preventing the formation of blood clots. The
eugenol in cloves is beneficial to the liver it
prevents the formation of a fatty liver and,
thus, enhances liver function. It arrests
cirrhosis which can be a precursor to cancer.
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Theres an old and wise saying You are what you
eat. So when you want to eat well, eat wisely
too. Include these common ingredients not just in
your kitchen but in your medical kit, to lead a
healthier drug-free life. When you cure
naturally, you benefit doubly because there are
no side effects.
Thank You...