Include Spices in Your Food to Promote Health

14 August, 2014

Spices are defined as dried forms of various seeds, roots, fruits, bark, or vegetable across the world. Mainly spices are used to add color or flavor to food. But spices offer many health benefits. In fact, health experts recommend using more spices in your diet plan as a way to improve your overall health.


Spices are high in antioxidants that can protect you against heart disease, cancer and other diseases. Also spices are enriched with anti-inflammatory properties which can help to prevent many chronic diseases, such as heart disease, allergies, and Alzheimer's to name a few. Plus, spices boost metabolism, promote satiety and aid weight management. There are countless other health benefits of spices.

Let’s take a look at the most popular spices can contribute to our overall health!


Cinnamon is a health promoting spice that can reduce inflammation, eliminate pain, reduce excess gas, eliminate infections, improve heart health, manage blood sugar level, increase cognitive function, build strong bones, prevent cancer, and increase the health of the eyes and skin! Just half a teaspoon of cinnamon powder daily is enough to enjoy good health. You can add half to one teaspoon of cinnamon powder in your coffee or yogurt or smoothies. You can even sprinkle some on your salad or soup.


This bright yellow spice, commonly found in curry powder plays a key role in keeping you healthy year around. It has antiseptic, antibacterial, anti-inflammatory as well as antioxidant properties. Turmeric is used in the treatment of many health problems like common cold, cough, joint inflammation, arthritis, bruised skin, acne and so on. Plus, it is used in treating many types of cancer.


In addition to adding fiery flavor to any dish, cayenne can enhance metabolism, increase satiety and burn bat. It is often often to treat sinuses, eliminate harmful toxins from the body, prevent cancer, lower blood pressure, and regulate hormonal activity. When it comes to add cayenne pepper, make sure to use a little bit or it will set your tongue on fire.

Cumin Seeds

Being rich in anti inflammatory, carminative, antioxidant and anti-flatulent properties, cumin seeds also help a lot to keep you healthy. Cumin seeds can improve digestion, increase sperm count, build strong bones, improve eye sight, treat morning sickness, cure stomach pain, manage heart rate, heal sore throat, prevent insomnia, lower blood pressure, and prevent various types of cancer including colon and breast cancer. Simply chew a spoonful of cumin seeds once daily after taking your meal to enjoy good health.

Fennel Seeds

Often used as a breath freshener, fennel seeds are packed with many healthy promoting benefits. The heath benefits are due to its carminative, antispasmodic, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, expectorant, diuretic, depurative and antioxidant properties. It relieves water retention, protects against various types of cancer, aids digestion, promotes eye health, treats respirator problems, prevents cardiac problems, relives menstrual pain, beats bad breath, reduces obesity, reduces premature aging signs and improves memory and brain function.

Other spices that offer a wide range of health benefits are saffron, fenugreek Seeds, bay leaf, black pepper, caraway, cloves, cardamom, rosemary, sage, oregano and so on.

To sum up, using spices is a tasty way to boost your overall health.

Popular Herbs and Their Medicinal Uses

16 April, 2014

When it comes to natural or alternative medicines, herbs cannot be overlooked. Since ages, herbs have been used in various ways to treat common as well as deadly diseases. Even today, herbs are researched in great extent to highlight their medicinal properties.

Herbs are easy to use and affordable also. In fact, you can grow herbs in your own garden and use it during emergencies when seeking medical help is not possible. There are many herbs that have natural ability to promote health and prolong the life. 

Some of the herbs that you must have in your garden are:


This herb has antispasmodic, antiseptic and arteriosclerosis properties. It is often used as a brain tonic and helps to improve memory, concentration and mood. This herb also aids in digestion and perks up your immune system. You can enjoy rosemary tea or use this herb in poultry dishes and soups.

Lemon Balm

Being rich in anti-bacterial, anti-viral and anti-oxidant properties, lemon balm is often used in the treatment of different health problems like asthma, cold, anxiety, headache, herpes, fever, insomnia, wounds, herpes and insect bites. This herb is also very soothing for the digestive tract and helps to treat an upset stomach. It also speeds the healing of cold sores.


Often used in cooking, sage has excellent antibacterial, anti-inflammatory and astringent properties. It can help provide relief for mouth and throat inflammations and it also helps in digestion and any type of skin infections. It is also used to prevent the loss of mental function that comes with age.


This herb is usually known for its strong antiseptic properties. It has other medicinal properties like carminative, anti-microbial, anti-spasmodic, expectorant, astringent, anti-catarrhal and diaphoretic. It is often used in the treatment of coughs, congestion, indigestion, gas, headache and depression. Also it is used as an antiseptic wash for scabies, gout, rheumatism, insect bites and eczema.


Chamomile is rich in sedative, anti-inflammatory and antispasmodic properties. It also contains vitamin A, calcium and magnesium, potassium, iron, manganese and zinc. You can use this herb to treat indigestion, stomach cramps, anxiety, tension, muscular spasm, arthritis pain, skin inflammations and irritations.


The health benefits of basil come from its anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antibacterial and anti-aging properties. It is also a good source of vitamin K, manganese, copper, vitamin A, vitamin C, calcium, iron, folate, magnesium, and omega-3 fatty acids. It has the power to treat insect bites and stings, arthritis pain, common cold and flu, constipation, stomach cramps, depression, indigestion and earache.


The medicinal properties of lavender are carminative, anti-spasmodic, anti-septic, anti-depressant, and anti-emetic. You can enjoy a cup of lavender tea to treat headache due to stress. It is also used in the treatment of depression, congestion, insomnia, minor cuts and bruises.


Along with many anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties, parsley is also loaded with vitamin K and vitamin C as well as vitamin A, folate, and iron.  This herb helps with flatulence, gas, indigestion, bad breath, common cold, menstrual cramps, minor burns, cuts, bruises, and insect bites. Also it helps to maintain good vision and reduces the risk of diabetes and arteriosclerosis.


Peppermint is one of the most versatile herbs in Ayurveda due to its medicinal properties like carminative, anti-spasmodic, aromatic, anti-emetic, analgesic, anti-catarrhal and anti-microbial. It is also enriched with Vitamins like A and C along with manganese and iron. You can use this herb for treating upset stomach, fever, flatulence, indigestion, gas and heartburn. Additionally, peppermint support good vision and also cleanses the liver.


This herb is known for its anti-inflammatory, anti-cancer, anti-viral and antioxidant properties. Ginseng is used to control diabetes, improve blood pressure and heart action, reduce cholesterol levels, stimulate the immune system, inhibit tumor growth, and detoxify the liver. This root can also be used to treat nervous disorders.

To create a sustainable healthy lifestyle, you must grow these herbs in your garden.