Spices and herbs have been used to enhance the flavour of food for centuries. Until about a decade ago, it was believed that spices were responsible for causing stomach ulcers and digestive issues. However, numerous scientific studies have now demonstrated that herbs and spices offer multiple health benefits for humans.
During and after the COVID-19 pandemic, there has been an emphasis on foods that boost immunity, with spices being considered for that purpose.
Turmeric, which provides yellow colour to curries and vegetables, is one of the widely used herbs. It is known to enhance immunity and prevent wear and tear of body cells. Thus, it slows changes with ageing and protects against cancer. It also has strong anti-inflammatory properties which help heal wounds and it reduces cough and cold.
Ginger is known to impart a pleasant pungent taste to juice, tea, or cooked food. Ginger aids in digestion, improves cold and cough, and prevents the clotting of blood, thus preventing clot-related problems like stroke or heart attack. It is also helpful in fighting nausea and prevents and cures motion sickness, (sickness which develops while travelling). It also relieves joint pain caused by ageing.
Pepper has been considered "harmful” for a long time, being implicated in causing stomach ulcers. But now, its benefits are being revealed by scientific studies. It is a rich source of vitamin C, which helps the body to fight infections and inflammation. It also contains an alkaloid, which is useful as a pain-relieving substance.
Research has proven that garlic is useful in reducing high blood pressure and high blood cholesterol and helps in keeping healthy lipids in the blood.
Mint helps in digestion and is a very good first-aid remedy for stomach aches, diarrhoea, and or vomiting.
Cumin aids digestion and reduces flatulence. It increases urine output in kidney problems. Sexual desire is also increased by cumin, as it functions as an aphrodisiac.
Carom is also good for digestion. Fenugreek is useful for improving digestion and is also known to lower and stabilise high blood sugar, thus it is beneficial for diabetic patients. It helps reduce painful menstrual cramps and treat polycystic ovarian syndrome. Fenugreek can also aid in reducing obesity.
If one has a dry cough, cloves serve as lozenges, relieving it. Clove paste or oil applied directly to painful gums eases inflammation and reduces pain. They are also helpful in curing foul-smelling breath.
Cardamom adds a delicious flavour to curries and desserts. It is good for digestion. Cinnamon is loaded with anti-oxidant properties which rejuvenate body cells. It prevents cancer, ageing, and heart problems. Due to its anti-inflammatory properties, it helps in the healing of infections. Cinnamon is also very useful in lowering high blood sugar.
The list of beneficial effects of various spices is very extensive. However, I have only mentioned the commonly known herbs and their main benefits. In different ways, they help to improve and maintain health and prevent diseases, both infectious as well as non-infectious. A strong immunity prevents the occurrence of infectious diseases, even if exposed to microbes. Good digestion ensures the smooth process of absorption of nutrients by the digestive system, thus ensuring the body gets the necessary nutrients and remains strong. Good digestion keeps the metabolism in good shape, thus making sure that all body functions are carried out smoothly.
These spices can be used raw or as decoction in hot water or tea or as an ingredient in dishes, depending on local cuisine, culture, and individual choice. A word of caution here; like any other medicine, any spice can cause allergy in a susceptible individual, and adverse effects can occur. Ginger can cause bleeding from any site in the body and can be harmful during pregnancy. Garlic can cause abdominal pain, a bloating sensation in abdomen, and a bad smell from the mouth.
It would be prudent to use small quantities of spices, every day. But excess use should be avoided.
Dr Rachna Pande is a specialist in internal medicine.