Healing Power Of Spices

You are on your honey moon at a remote location. Everything is perfect. While having fun at a party with your beloved, you eat a variety of mouth watering delicacies including seafood. Oops watch out!

 On the way home you are barely able to hold it in and reach the toilet just in time. Your spouse watches the volcanic eruption in a state of shock and helpless stupor. Your eyes swell up and you have difficulty breathing. Your allergic asthma is acting up and your lungs are fully congested. Some faint glimmer of recognition motivates your partner into action. He dashes to the breakfast table, mixes a concoction of honey and black pepper powder and forces you to take it before rushing out into the night to get the pharmacy for anti allergic medication and inhalers. Within the next fifteen minutes you cough up a lot of congestive mucus and by the time your husband returns your breathing is back to normal.

Does it sound like a big yarn? No, because I am the heroine of this story. This experience radically changed my way of thinking and I ended up investigating all the spices that I commonly stock up in my home for cooking Asian and Oriental cuisine.

The term ‘spices’ refers to the dried or desiccated parts of plants i.e. the seeds, flowers, leaves, bark or roots, although some may be used fresh.

Spices have a very long and colorful history. Traces have been found in sites as ancient as the Egyptian pyramids and even older civilizations used them. References to spices are available in various religious scriptures like the Old Testament, the Sanskrit Vedas and the Islamic Quran.

Once spices were ranked among the treasures of the world. They were associated with wealth and power. World exploration was undertaken for their discovery and wars were fought over them . A thriving spice trade existed. In fact spices played a pivotal role in shaping the world - the discovery of America being one example. A very famous incidence of spice reverence is the burning of Rome’s whole year’s supply of cinnamon by the emperor Nero in the year 54 a.d. at his wife’s funeral.

As colorful as their history , uses of spices are equally daunting. These range from cooking, medicine, aromatics and beauty care to the more exotic like superstition, witch craft and magic. 

Since their discovery, spices have been used by almost every civilization for treating medical conditions. Even though initially shunned by the practitioners of allopathic medicine, the modern medicine has finally come round to reluctantly admit some medicinal properties associated with spices. However debate as well as research still continues.

Healing properties of some commonly used  Cooking Spices are outlined :

Black Pepper:

 This aids in digestion and relieves lung congestion by warming bronchial passageways. Try black pepper powder mixed with honey for relief of congestion and soothing coughs. Also black pepper powder taken sprinkled over a hot half boiled egg is known to work wonders for head colds.

Cloves:

 These soothe tooth ache, serve as a breath freshener, relieve nausea and can also be taken for gastric upsets.

Cinnamon:

 This stimulates appetite, relieves stomach upsets and is good for colds, flu and sore throat. Try boiling a few black pepper, cloves, a small piece of cinnamon, green cardamom and a small piece of ginger with tea in any form (grains, leaves or teabags), drink the drained mixture hot just before going to bed for relief of cold and flu symptoms.

Coriander:

 This is a stomach relaxant and can be used externally to soothe symptoms hemorrhoids and joint pain.

Cardamom:

 This relieves nausea, settles upset stomachs, is effective against allergies caused by dairy products and is good for respiratory disorders. Try eating the seeds of green cardamom for very effective relief of nausea and may also be taken for relief of morning sickness during pregnancy.

Cumin:

 Stimulates appetite and is good for digestive problems.

Turmeric:

 Turmeric has strong antiseptic properties. It is good for skin disorders, stomach upsets and female menstrual and uterine problems. It can be taken both internally and externally. Try taking a teaspoon of turmeric powder with hot milk. Turmeric powder is commonly used in Indian Spice cooking.

Nigella:

 Nigella has a very broad spectrum of medicinal properties. Infact, in the Islamic religion it is considered to be a cure for all diseases except death. It is good for digestion, stomach problems, gynaecological problems and is excellent for treating stubborn coughs. It also assists in weight reduction. Try taking a teaspoon of Nigella powder mixed with honey and warmed slightly, first thing in the morning as a surefire cure for coughs.

Curry Leaf:

 These leaves are mixed as an infusion for constipation and colic.

Mustard:

 This is a good pain reliever. It is used in poultice or plaster form to ease rheumatic and muscular aches, also for headaches and colds.

Anise:

 This is good for circulation, digestive and respiratory problems.

Caraway:

 Used for indigestion, colic, intestinal and uterine cramps.

Ginger:

 Relieves nausea, stomach upsets, good for sore throats and colic. It also serves as an appetizer.

Nutmeg:

 This serves as a cure for head aches, lack of sleep, urinary problems, nausea, flatulence and improves digestion. This should be taken very sparingly as large doses could be harmful.

All Spice:

 This improves digestion and is beneficial for the nervous system.

Sesame:

 This is good for urinary problems, stomach ailments, hair loss, dizziness, headaches and osteoporosis.

Vanilla:

 Improves appetite and assists in digestion.

Saffron:

 This is good for colds, relieves drowsiness and aids in female menstruation.

Fennel:

 This aids in digestion, reduces inflammation and increases milk production in nursing mothers. Try drinking water boiled with fennel seeds, a little salt and sugar to alleviate dehydration and improve digestion during diarrhoea or vomiting.

Cooking With Herbs and Spices

All the spices outlined above are very commonly used in Indian , Chinese , oriental, Mediterranean and other cuisine . In most cases the seeds can be taken directly or eaten with food .  They can also be taken in various combinations . They are used in various ways - The herbs and spices may be boiled to create herbal teas and infusions; a few of the seeds of various spices may be lightly fried to create aromatic flavorings; together with various spice powders  that bring out  the great spicey taste in curries. Or the herbs and spices may be used as seasonings.

Spices are quite safe and effective when used sparingly . However as with all other food items and medications , exceeding doses or taking large amounts can be harmful .

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 Copyright [C] Shahnaz Rauf, www.snzeport.com 

The Author Shahnaz Rauf is a prolific writer with vast experience and interests.
 To find out more or contact her, use the contact information at her website http://www.snzeport.com

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