Spices - Aarogya Samhita

Aniseed	Aniseed responds well for asthma, cataract, flatulence, gas formation, head lice, insomnia. Aniseed is one of the oldest spices. Aniseed has often been mistaken for fennel (sauf) or star anise.

Asafoetida	It is a dry latex or resinous gum. The latex or sap is harvested and allowed to dry into the hard resinous clumps known as asafetida / hing. This process is usually done before the plant flowers.

Bay Leaf	The dried leaves of the Turkish bay laurel, Laurelus nobilis, are the most commonplace variety in the kitchen. Turkey is the biggest bay leaf exporter.

Black Pepper	In Ayurvedic traditions, black pepper is named after the Sanskrit word for the sun. Black pepper contains very potent solar energy, and is a powerful digestive stimulant.

Black Seeds	It is native to the Mediterranean region through West Asia to northern India and has long been domesticated. It can be frequently found growing wild as a weed in cultivated crops. Black cumin is often confused with black caraway and caraway (Carum carvi).

Caraway Seeds	This perennial plant is found in the wild in North America, Europe, and Asia. Caraway is best known in Europe in the making of rye bread, where the addition of caraway seeds aids in the digestion of starch.

Cardamom	Cardamom is a well-known Indian condiment. With a divinely sensual flavor, cardamom, which belongs to the same family as ginger, stimulates the mind and arouses the senses.

Carom Seeds	Bishops weed resembles dill plant. Bishop’s weed has been cultivated in India from ancient times. Ajowan seeds is an effective herb in to help alleviate nasal stuffiness.

Charoli Seeds	Chironji is considered as one of India’s most delicious wild fruit. The seeds are eaten and considered as good substitute for almonds. It is used in sweet and bakery confectionery products.

Chia Seeds	Chia seeds are dark brown seeds are slightly flattened, and when crushed and moistened are oily and mucilaginous. It is one of the best known of all the food plants of the American Indians, grows on the plains, hills, and valleys over much of California and in northern Mexico.

Chilli	Chilies are long and oval in shape. It is dark green in color and turns red on riping. The pericap of chilli consist of parenchymatous cells which contains red oil. Small chilies are hot and pungent where as large capsicum are mild in taste. Cayenne is indigenous to warmer climates such as that in India.

Cinnamon Bark	Cinnamon is widely used as a flavoring in cooking although it also has a long tradition as a medicinal plant. Cinnamon is regarded as an effective cure for all types of colds, including malaria.

Cloves	This aromatic herbal spice which is hot, pungent, oily and sharp. Cloves have been used for flavoring for around 2,000 years and were known in Roman times as an exotic spice.

Coriander Seeds	Coriander seeds alleviates urinary infections, cystitis, rashes, hives, burns, digestive disorders, such as gas pains, vomiting, and indigestion. Coriander is beneficial for respiratory problems it eases allergies and hay fever.

Cumin	Cumin seed is a common cooking herb used as a remedy for indigestion, gas, digestive problems in children, and menstrual cramps. Cumin seeds makes a powerful tea either use ground or whole.

Dry Ginger	It is hot, light and dry in nature. It is dry form of ginger root. Dry ginger may be of benefit in cardiac disorders due to increasing circulation and potential blood thinning properties when used at a high dosage.

Fennel Seed	Fennel has been cultivated since Roman times for its thick bulbous stems which are eaten as a vegetable, as well as its feathery leaves, which are used for flavoring, and its seeds, which have medicinal benefits.

Fenugreek Seeds	Fenugreek has expectorant qualities. It is anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, and soothing. The soothing expectorant qualities aid in promoting menstruation, as well as easing coughs, sore throats, and digestion.

Linseed / Flaxseed	Flax seed is a rich source of protein and omega-3 oils. It also contains high levels of phytoestrogens – roughly 10 times more than other seeds, making it a key remedy for menopause. The seed may also be applied to the chest wall as a poultice to relieve congestive bronchitis.

Mustard	Mustard oil, boiled with henna leaves, is useful in healthy growth of hair. Mustard foot baths, an effective means of stimulating the circulation and digestive systems, are also a traditional remedy for colds and chills.

Nutmeg	Nutmeg is a tropical evergreen tree native to Indonesia. The brown, wrinkled fruit contains a kernel which is covered by a bright red membrane.

Poppy Seeds	The opium poppy has grayish-green leaves and flowers which range from white to various shades of red. It is grown in Indo-China, India, Turkey, Iran that is native of Asia Minor and indigenous to Mediterranean coastal region.

Saffron	Saffron is a small, perennial crocus with purple flowers cultivated in Spain, France, Sicily, Iran, and India. The plants are grown for their yellow-orange stigmas, which are picked by hand and then dried to be used as a spice in cooking.

Sesame Seeds	Sesame seeds are valuable in pneumonia. An infusion of the seeds, mixed with a tablespoon of linseed, a pinch of common salt and a desert spoon of honey, should be given in the treatment of this disease.

Turmeric	This powerful herb has long been used in Ayurvedic medicine to treat inflammation and promote healing. It is rich in antioxidants, which can help protect the body from free radical damage and reduce the risk of chronic diseases such as heart disease and cancer. A key component of curry mixtures, turmeric’s golden-yellow color is familiar to all who eat Indian food. Turmeric root has traditionally been taken to heal allergic and inflammatory conditions and research has established that it has extensive health benefits, due in particular to its strong antioxidant activity.