Indian spice box : A Treasure box with magical healing powers.

Traditional Indian spice box has been in every Indian home for centuries including mine. Every time I cook, my kitchen is filled with the aroma of traditional Indian spices. We Indians love our spices not just for the flavor but for the healing properties they offer as Indian spices are the potent ayurvedic herbs that enhance digestion and improve metabolism to remove toxins and increase vitality. My pantry is like a mini pharmacy filled with aromatic Indian spices and in this blog, I am sharing the benefits of some of the spices from my pantry with the hope to inspire you to build your treasure box.

Turmeric –

This powerful golden herb is like powdered gold and is used in Indian and Asian cooking. Its active component is curcumin, which is highly anti-inflammatory and a powerful antioxidant. It purifies the blood, improves blood flow, reduces inflammation, improves immunity, and helps in joint health. It protects against heart disease, improves respiratory health, loosens mucus, heals wounds, and cures infections. An herb blend of milk thistle, dandelion root, and turmeric supports normal liver metabolic activity and function. It also offers antioxidant protection from free radicals. This powerful golden herb is like powdered gold and is used in Indian and Asian cooking.

Holy basil or Tulsi –

Indian home is incomplete with Tulsi plant in the front yard. This herb is an adaptogen with anti-inflammatory properties. It is antiarthritic, anticoagulant, antidiabetic, antimicrobial, and antioxidant. It reduces stress hormones, improves immunity, helps fight colds and flu, loosens mucus, decreases inflammation, improves brain function, improves GI function, stabilizes blood sugar levels, and promotes longevity.

Cardamom –

This herb is commonly used in Indian and Asian cooking and is well known for its fragrance. It is called the queen of spices and has been used in Ayurvedic medicine for ages. Research suggests it may help reduce blood pressure levels. This is a potent adaptogen that helps your body manage stress more effectively.

Cumin –

Cumin ignites the digestive fire, improves digestion, and boosts the activity of digestive enzymes. CCF Tea made from cumin, coriander, and fennel seeds is very effective in healing hyperacidity and heartburn.

Saffron –

Saffron is a powerful antioxidant. It is a great mood booster and reduces anxiety and depression, as well as reduces PMS symptoms. Research shows it may also reduce appetite and help with weight loss.

Ajwain or Carom Seeds –

Carom seeds have anti-inflammatory properties and powerful antibacterial and antifungal properties. They can improve cholesterol levels, lower blood pressure, relieve indigestion, and prevent coughing.

Mustard seeds –

As mustard seeds are rich in lutein and carotene, they can help slow down the aging process. They are also a good source of several vitamins, including vitamins C and K, thiamin, riboflavin, vitamin B6, and folic acid. They have a high percentage of dietary fiber and are a valuable source of several bioactive compounds such as antioxidants and polyunsaturated fatty acids. They can reduce cholesterol, improves digestion, and can balance access Kapha due to it’s heating properties.

Fennel and fennel seeds –

Highly nutritious, fennel and fennel seeds contain powerful antioxidants and potent plant compounds. Studies show that they have anti-inflammatory, anticancer, antioxidant, and antimicrobial properties. People who take a diet rich in fennel and fennel seeds have a lower risk of chronic conditions like heart disease, obesity, cancer, neurological diseases, and type 2 diabetes. They reduce inflammation, reduce appetite, aid in digestion, and have a cooling effect. They, in combination with cumin and coriander, help reduce excess pitta.

Ginger –

Ginger is a powerful antioxidant with excellent anti-inflammatory properties. It is also antimicrobial, like turmeric, holy basil, onion, and garlic. It has heating properties that help to ignite the digestive fire, improve digestion, loosen excess mucus, balance excess kapha, help in respiratory diseases, reduce nausea and vomiting, lower blood sugar levels, treat chronic indigestion, and reduce cholesterol levels. It may also help with weight loss.

Garlic –

Garlic is highly nutritious and low in calories. It is a potent antioxidant and helps to detoxify heavy metals in the body. It is also antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory. It helps reduce colds, flu, and cough symptoms, and it loosens mucus. It helps lower cholesterol, oxidative stress, and blood pressure.

Onion –

These are packed with antioxidants and are highly anti-inflammatory. They contain 25 different antioxidants. Onions can help reduce inflammation and decrease cholesterol and triglycerides. Reduces risk of heart disease, high blood pressure, cancer, and diabetes.

Chili peppers –

Rich in vitamins and minerals, along with other plant compounds, like capsaicin and antioxidant carotenoids. They improve digestive health and metabolism; reduce weight; alleviate migraines; may reduce risks of cancer; fight fungal infections, colds, and the flu; provides joint pain relief; fight inflammation; support cardiovascular health; may improve cognitive functions, and may improve longevity. They have heating properties, help to reduce excess Kapha, and can increase pitta dosha when consumed in excess.

Black pepper –

Black pepper is high in antioxidants and has anti-inflammatory properties. It may improve digestion, promote gut health, reduce nausea and vomiting, improve blood sugar levels, and decrease cholesterol levels.

Cinnamon –

This spice has antiviral, antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and antifungal properties. It is packed with antioxidants. It has prebiotic properties that can improve gut health. It may help reduce blood pressure, and blood sugar, and decrease the risk of type 2 diabetes. It also relieves digestive discomfort.

Clove –

It has anti-oxidant, anti-microbial, anti-fungal, anti-viral, anti-nociceptive, immunomodulatory, and anti-carcinogenic properties. It can help reduce your risk of developing heart disease, diabetes, and certain cancers. It promotes digestion by increasing metabolism and can aid weight loss. They can improve liver health, reduce blood sugar, promote bone health, and relieve gas and bloating. Clove oil can improve oral health and reduce toothache.

Fenugreek –

Rich in fiber and protein, bitter in taste. Helps balance excess Kapha. Highly anti-inflammatory, it may help reduce and balance blood sugar levels and LDL cholesterol. Helps in detoxification and appetite control.

Nutmeg –

Nutmeg can relieve pain, soothe indigestion, strengthen cognitive function, detoxify the body, boost skin health, alleviate oral conditions, reduce insomnia, increase immune system function, prevent leukemia, and improve blood circulation. It has a unique property to calm nerves so it helps improve sleep and also helps improve blood circulation to the reproductive organs.

Mace or Javitri -

It helps in regulating the digestive system and reduces gas, constipation, and bloating.

Star Anise –

Because of its anti-fungal, antibacterial, and anti-inflammatory properties, it can keep several illnesses at bay. It can help fight stomach ulcers, keep blood sugar levels in check and reduce symptoms of depression and menopause.

Bay Leaf –

Pungent and bitter in taste, this spice is a great source of vitamins A, C, and minerals. It can cure problems like indigestion, flatulence, bloating, and water retention as it is slightly diuretic. Bay leaves have antidiarrheal, anti-inflammatory, and antidiabetic properties. It helps control blood sugar levels and uric acid levels in the body.

Asafoetida (Hing) -

Asafoetida is an effective remedy for several diseases of the stomach and along with treating digestive disorders and irritable bowel syndrome, it may also help lower blood pressure and blood sugar. It is a great source of antioxidants and has antibacterial, antifungal, and antimicrobial properties.

Sesame seeds -

They are a good source of healthy fats, protein, B vitamins, minerals, fiber, and antioxidants. They may reduce inflammation, lower blood sugar, combat arthritis pain, and lower cholesterol. They can also help reduce anemia.