Nine Spices To Ensure Health, Energy, Longevity

05-Nov-2010 by chockyfoodie

Spices are nothing but seeds, barks, roots, and fruits of certain plants that serve many purposes.

We all know that spices have been used to flavor and color our food since last many centuries. Many spices like turmeric, saffron are part of natural beauty treatments too. The spices not only induce warmth and taste to the food, but also offer various health benefits like boosting energy, and increasing immunity. Many of the spices like ginger, cloves are part of specialized medicinal treatments. Many spices are part of religious ceremonies, and are widely used in preparation of perfumes too. Here are the nine spices, which will ensure you health, energy, longetivity:

Ginger:  A complete aid for nausea, diarrhea, and aches

Ginger is the rhizome, which belongs to the zingiberacae family. It is rich in zingerone, gingerols, shogaols and volatile oils. The gingerol is antipyretic, sedative, antibacterial, and analgesic. That’s why Ginger may help in alleviating nausea, diarrhea, muscle soreness, headaches, and menstrual cramps. Dry ginger is expensive and is used in preparation of home remedies for alleviating cough.


Ginger goes well with all vegetables, sweets, and marinades. The gingered tea can be taken as a refreshing drink too. It is always best to use ginger within six months. The people who are taking medicines for specific health conditions should avoid taking ginger, without consulting with their physician. It is always best to use ginger within 6 months because its pungency and taste fades with time.

Garlic:  Eases down cholesterol and blood pressure

Garlic belongs to the onion family of Alliaceae. The Garlic is known for its antifungal, antibacterial, and antiviral properties. Garlic is helpful in curbing heart ailments and controls high cholesterol, atherosclerosis, and high blood pressure. Garlic was used by soldiers during world war to prevent gangrene. Other than the above mentioned uses garlic is also used in preparation of medicines to curb cough, mouth infections, fungal infections, and toxoplasmosis.

Cinnamon:  Improves digestions, insulin resistance, and curbs type 2 diabetes
Cinnamon belongs to the plant family of Cinnamomum. Cinnamon is known to cure digestive ailments such as diarrhea, indigestion, gas, and stomach upset. More recently the scientists have discovered that cinnamon possesses mild anti-inflammatory properties, which means it can be used to mellow down the spoiling of live matter. It is believed that ancient Egyptians used Cinnamon to embalm the tombs of Pharaohs. And you can use cinnamon to preserve foods too.

Anise:  A well known pain reliever
Anise belongs to the plant family of Apiaceae. It is rich in anethole, which imparts licorice like flavor to Anise. Star anise is a well known pain reliever, which aids in curbing rheumatism, and menstrual cramps. Indians use anise as the digestant.




Clove:  A well known anthelmintic
Clove belongs to the plant family of Myrtaceae. Cloves are well known anodyne. They have been extensively used by Indians and Chinese as carminative, and anodyne since last many centuries. Clove oils are used to cure hypotonic muscles.

Cumin:  Eases down digestive problems

Cumin belongs to the plant family of Apiaceae. Cumin aids in digestion, and improves liver functions. In South Asia, the cumin tea is used for treating false labor.

Cardamom:  Enhances energy

Cardamom belongs to the ginger family of Zingiberacae. Cardamom is known for its aromatic and resinous fragrance. Cardamom is used to treat: infectious gums, tuberculosis, and digestive disorders. Cardamom is also used in preparation of spiced teas.

Fennel:  Cures intestinal problems and is good for eyes

Fennel belongs to the plant family of Foeniculum. It is rich in anethole, and is well known for its carminative properties. The fennel water is used to alleviate flatulence in infants. Fennel is also a well known diuretic and is used to cure hypertension.

Asafoetida:  Is known for fighting flu

Asafoetida is a resin, which is mostly used in Asian food preparations. It aids in digestion and is a well known folk remedy for coughs. It is also known for its contraceptive properties.