Herbs and spices are the main medicinal agents in Ayurveda. Many health issues can be alleviated by adjusting the balance of diet. Recent studies suggest that spices can be effective health remedies just like cinnamon being effective against diabetes and in improving lipid metabolism; turmeric fights against cancer; ginger is effective in the treatment of arthritis.
Below are a few home remedies with spices from your kitchen shelf.
Cinnamon
Halitosis and Toothache – mouth gargle with hot infusion of cinnamon twice daily
Diabetes – cinnamon tea twice daily
Cold and Cough – 1 cup hot cinnamon infusion mixed with 1 tsp ginger juice 3 to 4 times per day
Nausea and Vomiting – chew a small piece of cinnamon bark
Saffron
Painful menses and PMS – 5 to 8 strands can be taken with water on an empty stomach or before food
Nutmeg
Pimples and cracks in the feet – apply a paste of nutmeg and milk on the affected area
Insomnia – 1/4 tsp nutmeg powder is taken with warm milk at night
Clove
Urinary tract infection – cold infusion of clove 5-10 ml is ingested every 15 min
Anorexia and Vomiting during pregnancy – hot clove infusion is given every few hours
Cardamom
Low energy – cardamom milk or cardamom tea
Halitosis – chew a few cardamom deeds after each meal
Fresh Ginger
Anorexia, Indigestion – 1 tsp ginger juice mixed with salt taken before meals
Productive Cough – 1 tsp ginger juice with pinch of turmeric taken 3-4 times a day
Nausea, Vomiting, Gastritis – 1 tsp ginger uce with a pinch of rock salt and asafetida (hing)
Dry Ginger Powder
Acute stomachache – drink 1/2 tsp dry ginger mixed in warm water
Fenugreek
Post partum period – 1 tsp fenugreek powder mixed with jaggery is taken to cleanse the uterus and to enhance lactation
Spasmodic pain due to indigestion – 1 tsp fenugreek powder mixed with curd
Leucorrhoea – fenugreek seeds are boiled in water, filtered , and used as vaginal wash
Localized edema and pain – topical application with a mix of fenugreek powder and mustard oil
Coriander Seeds
Burning micturition – frequent intake of small quantities of cold infusion of coriander and cumin seeds
Swollen feet – hot infusion of coriander seeds taken 2-3 times per day
Ajwain
Bronchitis – ajwain added to steam inhalation enhances breathing
Recurrent cold – 1 tsp toasted ajwain seeds taken with warm water twic daily
Cumin
Indigestion, Abdominal distention – boil water with cumin, filter and drink 3-4 times daily
Anorexia – drink 1 glass buttermilk mixed with 1 tsp crushed cumin seeds or powder and a pinch of rock salt
Turmeric
External wounds and insect bites – apply a paste of turmeric powder and water on affected areas
Cold and Cough – 1/4 tsp turmeric powder in a glass of warm milk
Black Pepper
Cough and asthma – black pepper is taken with honey
Sore throat – gargling with warm water which was boiled with black pepper corns and rock salt
Fennel
Diarrhea – take 1 tsp fennel seed and 1/2 tsp ginger powder taken with warm water 2-3 times a day
Abdominal distention in infants – 5-6 drops of cold infusion of fennel seeds should be given before nursing to prevent abdominal distention and loose motions
Burning sensation and dryness in the throat, excessive thirst – fennel and coriander decoctin to be consumed 2-3 times a da