All the spices used in our kitchen has some healing properties due to their medicinal properties. They are very effective for health problems and one can try these home remedies because no one knows to whom these herbs will do the wonders. If symptoms are severe then you must visit a doctor. Here are top 10 common spices remedies found in every kitchen.
Basil(Tulasi) Remedies
Tulsi leaves have hypocholesterolemic (lowering cholesterol), hypotriglyceridemic (lowering triglycerides), hepatoprotective (protecting liver), anti-inflammatory (preventing inflammation), and anti-oxidant effects.
- Coughs, cold, flu: Take 10-12 washed, crushed basil leaves and 1 tbsp finely chopped fresh ginger. Fry in a pan over a low heat until the ginger has browned. Add 1 cup of water and boil for several minutes. Strain, add 1 tbsp of honey and drink or Make a decoction by boiling 10-15 leaves in 2 cups of water or Drink warm. Extract the juice of 10-15 basil leaves, add 1 tsp of ginger juice and 1 tsp of honey or Mix and take in the morning and evening. Use the powder of dried basil leaves as a snuff to clear nasal congestion.
- Digestive problems: Boil 10–20 basil leaves in water and drink.
- Fever: Grind 7 basil leaves, 4 peppercorns and 2 tsp of raw sugar and mix with 1/3 cup water. Take on an empty stomach.
- Longevity or Loss of appetite: Chew 2–4 leaves on an empty stomach in the morning.
- Skin disorders: Make a paste with fresh leaves and water. Apply to the affected area and Take 1 tsp of juice daily.
Other general uses: Basil is a natural air freshener and insect repellent. It is used in cooking, especially Italian food, soups and pasta sauces. It is considered one of the most sacred plants in India, and is grown in most households. Orthodox Hindus worship a variety of basil known as Holy Tulasi by watering it daily, offering leaves to God and circumambulating the base of the plant.
Mint Remedies
Mint leaves has carminative, digestive, stomachic, diuretic, anti-spasmodic, stimulant, deodorant, antiseptic and contraceptive activities. The leaves are useful in skin diseases, wounds, cuts, halitosis, and ailments of digestive system.
- Bad breath: Mix 1 tbsp of mint juice in ½ cup of water. Use as a gargle. Chew mint leaves. Use dried mint powder to clean the mouth and teeth.
- Nausea: Mix 1 tsp dried mint, ½ tsp ginger, and ½ tsp of black pepper and 2 tsp of raw sugar with 1 cup of water. Boil and drink warm or Boil 1 tsp of dried mint and ½ tsp of cardamom in 1 cup of water. Pimples and acne:Put some mint paste on affected area. Leave overnight.
- Digestive disorders including indigestion, flatulence, nausea and diarrhoea: Wash a medium bunch of mint leaves. Shred into a bowl. Add a pinch of salt, 1–2 tsp of lemon juice and 1 tsp each of coriander and cumin seed powder. Add some water and grind to a paste. Take 1 tsp of this paste twice a day prior to meals, or with meals or Chew ¼ tsp of the seeds, swallow with water or Mix 1 tsp mint juice with 1 tsp of lime juice and 1 tbsp honey. Take 3 times a day. Or Drink mint tea (1 tbsp of leaves, 1 cup of water), or warm milk and mint.
Other General uses: Mint flavours many dishes. In India, mint chutney is used as an appetizer before meals. A traditional Indian recipe that is easy to make is mint yoghurt or Raita. To make mint yoghurt, take ½ cup of mint leaves and grind with a little water. Add 1 tbsp of this paste to one cup of natural yoghurt. Mix well. Add a pinch of salt and some roasted cumin seeds. Serve chilled with vegetables, bread or rice.
Clove Remedies
Cloves has several medicinal properties, it contain manganese which is essential for enzymes secretion, metabolism, stronger bones and proper absorption of vitamins. Cloves are excellent in treating digestive system related problems. These are helpful in relieving abdominal gas, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea and curing other digestive system related problems. Along with this cloves are expectorant and useful in curing cough. Here are some simple home remedies.
- Indigestion/nausea:Fry 2 tsp of cloves and add to 1 cup of boiling water. Steep for 30 minutes. Drink 1 tsp of this solution 3–4 times a day.
- Muscle cramps or Painful joints/back:Apply warm clove oil on the affected area and massage
- Sore gums/throat: Gargle an infusion made from cloves and warm water. or Chew 3–4 cloves. Toothache or Apply clove oil to the surrounding gum or tooth cavity.
- Vomiting: Fry ½ tsp of clove powder, mix with 1 tsp of honey and eat.
- Asthma: Mix 4–5 drops of clove oil with 1 tsp of honey and 1 clove of crushed garlic. Take before going to bed. Bad breath. or Chew 1–2 cloves twice a day.
- Fever: Add 3 crushed cloves, 2 cardamoms, 2 tsp of aniseed, 6–7 basil leaves and 1 tsp of cinnamon to 2 cups of water. Boil and allow to simmer until it has reduced to half. Drink this herbal decoction, once or twice a day.
Other uses Cloves are used to flavor foods, and are mixed with turmeric, cinnamon and chillies.In India, clove is also mixed with other herbs and eaten with betel leaf as a breath freshener and digestive aid.
Cinnamon Remedies
Cinnamon or dalchini is pungent, sweet and astringent. It is hot in potency. It increases Pitta but decreases vata and Kapha. It promotes digestion and cures indigestion. In Ayurveda, Cinnamon or Twak is considered kapha-Vata dosh har. Its oral intake reduces Kapha and vata;stimulates digestion;expels abdominal gas;and exhibits expectorant action. Cinnamon has carminative, antiseptic and astringent properties. Here are some simple home remedies.
- Mouth Freshner: Boil 1 tsp of cinnamon in 1 cup of water. Cool and use as a gargle. Mix equal parts (1 tsp) of cinnamon, cardamom and dried bay leaf in 1 cup of hot water and drink twice daily.
- Nervous tension: Take a pinch of cinnamon powder mixed with honey before bed.
- Skin disorders: Apply a paste of cinnamon and lime juice daily.
- Toothache: Put 1–2 drops of cinnamon oil on a cotton ball and press around the tooth.
- Vomiting/Nausea:Eat a pinch of cinnamon powder.
- Cough/bronchitis: Mix 1 tsp each of cinnamon, turmeric, ginger, black pepper, cardamom and clove. Add 3 tsp of raw sugar and grind together to make a fine powder. Take ½–1 tsp of this powder mixed with honey twice per day.
- Insomnia: Add ½ tsp of cinnamon powder and 1 tsp of honey to 1 cup of warm milk. Drink before going to bed.
- Cold/flu: Boil 1 tsp of cinnamon in 1 cup of water. Simmer until it is half the volume, strain, add honey and drink warm.
- Diarrhoea: Mix 1 tsp each of cinnamon, ginger and cumin powder with honey to make a paste. Take 1 tsp three times a day
Other uses: Cinnamon is used for flavoring cakes, breads, desserts, drinks and confectionary. It is also used for making incense and perfumes. Taking cinnamon once a day (mixed with warm water, milk or eaten directly) can assist in lactation for nursing mothers.
Cumin Remedies
Cumin seeds are antimicrobial, anti-diabetic, antiepileptic, antifertility, anticancer, antioxidant and immunomodulatory. These medicinal properties are due to presence of various chemical constituents such as volatile oil 2.5 to 4.5%, 10% fixed oil, proteins etc. The volatile oil mainly consists of 30 to 50% cuminaldehyde, small quantities of a-pinene, b-pinene, phellandrene, cuminic alcohol, hydrated cuminaldehyde and hydro cuminine. Here are some simple home remedies.
- Flatulence/Gas: Mix an equal quantity of crushed cumin seeds, black pepper and ginger. Make an infusion by mixing it in hot water. Drink warm twice a day, for several days.
- Lactation:To increase lactation, mix 1 tsp of cumin and sugar. Drink with warm milk each evening.
- Insomnia: Sprinkle 1 tsp of cumin on a sliced banana. Eat at night regularly.
- Prickly heat: Crush 1 tsp cumin seeds with coconut milk and apply frequently.
- Diarrhoea: Roast 2/3 tsp of cumin seeds and powder them. Add a pinch each of ginger powder, cinnamon powder and black pepper. Mix in 1 cup of yoghurt. Eat twice a day. or Mix 1 tsp each of cumin, ginger, cinnamon and honey. Eat ½ tsp 3 times a day.
- Digestive disorders: Boil 1 teaspoon of cumin in 1 cup of water. Add 1 teaspoon of juice from coriander leaves and a pinch of salt to taste. Drink after meals for several days.
- Fatigue: Add ½ tsp each of cumin, coriander, black pepper and lentils to 1 cup of water and boil. Add salt and drink.
- Other general uses: Cumin is used to flavor bread, pastries, cheese, pickles and chutneys. It is widely used in Indian cooking and is an ingredient in curry powder and mixed spice.
Turmeric Remedies
Turmeric(Haldi) is used in Ayurveda for various health problems such as arthritis pain, improvement of liver function, lowering cholesterol, mouth ulcers, cold, cough, fever, swelling and as fairness treatment medicine. It is full of medicinal properties and in India it is impossible to find any house without turmeric. Here are some simple home remedies.
- Pain: Mix 1 tsp of turmeric and 2 tsp of ginger with water to make a paste. Spread over a cloth, place on the affected area and bandage. or Add 1 tsp of turmeric to 1 cup of warm milk and drink before bed.
- Boil and sieve: 2–3 drops of this mixture may be used in each eye up to 3 times per day.
- Complexion: Apply a paste of turmeric on the skin before bed, and wash off after a few minutes. In the morning, remove any remaining yellow tinge with a paste of chickpea flour (besan) and oil.
- Asthma: Boil 1 cup of milk with 1 tsp of turmeric powder. Drink warm.
- Burns: Mix 1 tsp of turmeric with 1 tsp of aloe gel and apply to burnt area.
- Dental problems: Mix 1 tsp of turmeric with ½ tsp of salt. Add mustard oil to make a paste. Rub the teeth and gums with this paste twice daily.
- Diabetes:½–1 tsp of turmeric should be taken 3 times a day.
- Diarrhoea: Take ½ tsp of turmeric powder or juice in water, 3 times per day.
- Anemia: Everyday take a dose of 1 tsp of turmeric juice mixed with honey.
- Conjunctivitis: Mix 1 tbsp of crushed, raw turmeric in 1/3 cup of water.
Other general uses: In cooking, turmeric acts as a yellow coloring agent. It is an important herb in Hindu rituals. It is also an ingredient in cosmetics as it is beneficial for the skin. Burning turmeric can repel insects. Inhaling the smoke can assist in coughs, asthma and congested nasal passages.
Coriander Remedies
Coriander seeds have tridoshnasak, astringent, anti-inflammatory, anti-rheumatic, carminative, stimulant, stomachic, digestive, appetiser, diuretic, constipating, anti-pyretic, expectorant, anodyne, antibilious, laxative, anthelmintic activities. These have antifertility effects so it should not be taken in excess. Here are some simple home remedies.
- Coughs, cold, flu: Crush 2 tsp of coriander seeds and add to 2 tsp of chopped, peeled ginger. Put the mixture into a frying pan over a low heat. Stir to prevent the mixture from burning. Add 2 cups of water. Cover the pan to retain the fumes. Boil for a few minutes. Filter the liquid. Add 1 tbsp of honey for taste and drink warm.
- Sinus problems: Boil 2-3 tbsp of coriander seeds in 4 cups of water. Inhale.
- Nose bleeds: Put 5–6 drops of coriander oil or juice in each nostril.
- Pitta disorders: Add 1 tbsp of crushed seeds or leaves to 1 cup of water. Soak for at least 3–4 hours. Drink twice a day.
- Swellings: Apply a compress of damp;crushed coriander leaves to the swelling. Drink a coriander tea infusion made with 1 tsp of seeds and 1 cup of hot water.
- Conjunctivitis:Use 1–2 drops of diluted leaf juice to soothe the eyes.
- Headaches: Make a paste of dried coriander seeds and water - apply to forehead.
Other general uses: Coriander is used in cooking a variety of recipes. The powdered seeds can be added to vegetables while cooking. A paste or chutney containing coriander is used as an appetizer before meals. To make the chutney, grind a medium bunch of coriander leaves and a small bunch of mint leaves together with a little water, lemon or lime juice and a pinch of salt. For variations, add mango pulp, grated coconut, chopped nuts, natural yoghurt or sour cream. Serve as a sauce with vegetables.
Ginger Remedies
According to Ayurveda Ginger is warming in nature. Its oral intake reduces vata/wind, kapha/mucous and increases pitta/bile. It works on all tissues of body. It stimulates digestive system and kindles digestive fire. It has expectorant action. Its ayurvedic properties and action are given below. Here are some simple home remedies.
- Loss of appetite: Put 5 tbsp of chopped, fresh ginger in a glass jar. Cover ginger with lemon juice, add a pinch of salt and 1 tbsp of cumin seeds. Put jar in the sun for 2 days in summer, or 3–5 days in winter. Eat ½ tsp before meals.
- Nausea, flatulence: Mix ½ tsp of ginger juice, 1 tsp of lime-juice, 1 tsp of mint juice and 1 tbsp of honey. Take twice a day.
- Stomach ache: Boil 1 tsp of chopped ginger in 1 cup of water;add a pinch of salt and drink.
- Vata disorders: (Joint Pain, constipation, Nervous debility) Drink warm water mixed with ½ tsp of ginger powder and ½ tsp of turmeric.
- Arthritis:Mix 6 tsp of ginger powder with 6 tsp of caraway seeds and 3 tsp of black pepper. ½ tsp of this mixture taken twice a day is beneficial.
- Cough, cold: Mix ½ tsp of ginger powder with ½ tsp of turmeric and 1 tbsp of honey. Take twice a day. • Take 1 tsp of ginger juice mixed with 1 tsp honey 2–3 times a day. • Boil 1 tbsp chopped ginger in 1 cup water. Strain and add sugar or honey. Drink warm.
Other general uses: Fresh or powdered ginger is used in many recipes. In addition to flavouring vegetables, soups, pickles and chutneys it can be used in cakes, biscuits and drinks. To make a rice dish seasoned with ginger, cook 1 cup of rice. Put the cooked rice in a dish and add around 2 tbsp of butter or ghee and 1 tsp of salt. Mix and cool the rice. Before serving, mix through 1¼ cups of natural yoghurt and 1 tbsp of finely chopped fresh ginger.
Garlic Remedies
Garlic is used both internally and externally in Ayurvedic medicine system. Oral intake of garlic has good effect on whole body. The clove of garlic has alterative (restores health), antibiotic, anti-fungal, aphrodisiac, carminative (prevents and expels gas), diaphoretic (sweat causing), diuretic (stimulating urine), expectorant, hypoglycemic (sugar lowering), hypotensive (blood pressure lowering) properties. Garlic cloves exhibits activity against many types of bacterial diseases. Its oral intake prevents blood platelet aggregation. It is beneficial to eat garlic in many diseases such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol, arterosclerosis (deposition of fatty material on their inner walls), asthma, cold, cough, loose motions, diabetes and parasitic infestation. Here are some simple home remedies.
- Lactation: To increase lactation, mix 1 tsp of cumin with 1 tsp sugar and drink with warm milk each evening.
- Rejuvenation: Eat garlic cloves (1–3 per day), or use garlic regularly in food.
- Arthritis, Sciatica: Apply a paste made of crushed garlic cloves and water to the affected part, or rub a cut clove directly onto the area. or Fresh cloves may be eaten (1–3 per day).
- Asthma: Boil 3 cloves of chopped garlic in 1 cup of milk and drink before bed. or Peel and crush 1 clove of garlic. Boil in ½ cup of malt vinegar. Cool and strain. Take 1–2 tsp each evening.
- Sinusitis: Mix 1 tsp of crushed garlic and 1 tsp of turmeric with 2 tbsp of honey. Take 1 tsp daily.
- Skin problems: Eat 1–3 garlic cloves or take a garlic oil capsule daily.
- Insect bites: Dab garlic paste on the affected area and leave for 5–10 minutes. or Rub a cut clove or the paste directly onto the affected area several times a day.
- Fever: Mix 1 tbsp of crushed garlic with ¼ cup of finely chopped basil leaves. Add 1 cup of water and boil until only ½ a cup remains. Take 2 tsp twice a day.
- Digestive disorders: Crush 1–2 cloves of garlic and take with warm water or milk.
Other general uses: Garlic is mainly pungent but represents five tastes (all except sour). It is widely used in cooking, especially Mediterranean cuisine. Garlic is considered to be a natural aphrodisiac, and stimulates the reproductive system. Those devoted to spiritual growth usually avoid garlic for general consumption, as it is considered Rajasic/Tamasic.
Honey Remedies
Honey is sweet sticky food prepared by honey bees from flower nectar. Honey medicinal properties like anti bacterial, anti-viral and anti- fungal makes it very useful in treatment of various health problems. Here are some simple home remedies.
- Eyesight: Regular use of honey mixed with the carrot juice helps to improve the eyesight. It should be taken one hour before meals in the morning.
- Cough: Mixture of equal quantities of honey and ginger juice is a good expectorant. It gives immediate relief in symptoms like cold, cough, sore throat, congestion of chest and runny nose.
- Asthma: Mix half a gram of black pepper powder with honey and ginger juice mixture (equal quantity). Take this mixture at least three times a day. It helps to cure asthma.
- Blood Pressure: Take one teaspoonful of garlic juice mixed with two teaspoonful of honey. It can be taken twice a day in the morning and evening. Regular use of this mixture is beneficial for high blood pressure.
- Blood Purification and Fat Reduction: Take one glass of warm water and mix 1-2 teaspoonful of honey and one teaspoonful of lemon juice. Take this preparation daily before evacuation. It helps to purify the blood. It also helps to reduce fat and to clean the bowels.
- Heart Tonic: One teaspoonful of anise powder mixed with one or two teaspoonful of honey acts a very nice tonic for the heart. It strengthens the heart muscles and improves its functions.