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Spices can be a seed, fruit, root, bark, or other plant substance and are used all over the world for flavoring or coloring food. Spices are distinguished from herbs, which are the leaves, flowers, or stems of plants used for flavoring or as a garnish. Spices are sometimes used in medicine, religious rituals, cosmetics or perfume production. Depending on their geographical origin, the native spices play a vital role in the cuisines and culture of that region.

Cloves were used in Mesopotamia by 1700 BC. The ancient Indian epic Ramayana mentions cloves. The Romans had cloves in the 1st century CE, as Pliny the Elder wrote about them. The Egyptians used herbs for mummification and their demand for exotic spices and herbs helped stimulate world trade.

The word spice comes from the Old French word espice, which became epice, and which came from the Latin root spec, the noun referring to “appearance, sort, kind”. Species has the same root.

The earliest written records of spices come from ancient Egyptian, Chinese, and Indian cultures. The Ebers Papyrus from Early Egyptians that dates from 1550 B.C.E. describes some eight hundred different medicinal remedies and numerous medicinal procedures.

Here are some basic spices found in every household along with their health benefits. Before rushing to the medicine closet, rush to the kitchen instead to give these a shot for basic ailments.

1. Turmeric

Known as the gold among spices, this spice’s reputation has shot up since COVID 19 for its decongestant, antibacterial and anti inflammatory properties. Turmeric is also packed with antioxidant, anti-viral, anti-fungal, anti-carcinogenic, and anti-mutagenic properties. It is good for your brain, relieves arthritis, prevents cancer and has healing properties. Rich in circumin, turmeric’s anti-inflammatory properties have been instrumental in treating osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis and other chronic pain conditions.

2. Star anise

Star nise is usually used for culinary purposes in Chinese, Indian, Malaysian and Indonesian cuisines. Star anise is a spice made from the fruit of the Chinese evergreen tree Illicium verum. It’s aptly named for the star-shaped pods from which the spice seeds are harvested and has a flavor that is reminiscent of licorice. It is a rich source of two important antioxidants namely linalool, an essential oil, and vitamin C that protects the body against cellular damage caused by environmental toxins. Some researches indicate that the antioxidant capacity of this spice may even possess anti-cancer properties, such as reducing tumor size

3. Mustard

Mustard has a spicy flavor and is native to the temperate areas of Europe. It helps reduce pain, stimulates appetite and relieves symptoms of arthritis. Including mustard oil in your regular diet could prove to be beneficial to your heart health as it is a rich source of MUFA, and lowers bad cholesterol in the body. In Maharashtra, mustea1e63ard oil is used for body massage during extreme winters, as it is thought to keep the body warm. Mustard seeds are a rich source of oil and protein. The seed has oil as high as 46-48%, and the whole seed meal has 43.6% protein.

4. Black Pepper

Black pepper, also known as the king of spices, promotes weight loss, helps relieve cold and cough, improves digestion, boosts metabolism and treats many skin problems. Add this fact to a glass of turmeric milk and it becomes much more therapeutic with a pinch of black pepper. Combined with honey, this is a great cure for throat irritations and coughs. In ancient medicine, black pepper was believed to cure several illnesses, such as constipation, insomnia, oral abscesses, sunburn, and toothaches, among others. One tablespoon of ground black pepper contains moderate amounts of vitamin K, iron and manganese with trace amounts of other essential nutrients, protein, and dietary fibre.

5. Cumin

It has the ability to aid digestion, improve immunity and treat skin disorders, insomnia, respiratory disorders, asthma, bronchitis and anemia. In India, most gravies are flavoured with cumin as it is a common remedy for digestive issues. The seeds are powdered and used in different forms like kashaya (decoction), arishta (fermented decoction), and vati (tablet/pills), and processed with ghee (a semifluid clarified butter). In traditional medicine practices of several countries, dried cumin seeds are believed to have medicinal purposes.

6. Clove

Clove oil is one of the richest sources of antioxidants. Cloves are antibacterial, antifungal and antiseptic. They are rich sources of minerals, omega-3 fatty acids, fiber and vitamins and minerals. In aromatherapy, it is used as an antiseptic and pain reliever especially for toothaches and stomach pain. It is often mixed with other oils to treat various disorders. Chewing on some clove buds can help reduce a coughing fit.

7. Cinnamon

Cinnamon has a large number of antioxidants which protects the body from body diseases and is anti-inflammatory in nature. Cinnamon forms a part of many exotic dishes and reduces bloating. This is the bark of the tree which is used as a spice and used in cookery as a condiment and flavouring material. It is known to lower total cholesterol and triglycerides. It is often used to fight insulin resistance for elevated insulin levels. Cinnamon has a long history of use in traditional medicine as a digestive system aide.

8. Cardamom

Also known as elaichi, cardamom hails from India, Bhutan, Nepal, and Indonesia. Green cardamom is one of the most expensive spices by weight but little is needed to impart flavour. It is best stored in the pod, as exposed or ground seeds quickly lose their flavor. A rich source of vitamin A and vitamin C, calcium, iron, and zinc, this spice promotes heart health, helps in digestion, enhances oral health, helps in diabetes, helps fight depression, fights asthma, prevents blood clots and treats skin infections. Individual seeds are sometimes chewed and used in much the same way as chewing gum as it helps to neutralize the breath odors.

9. Saffron

It comes from a flower’s stigma and styles. These are called threads, and collected and dried for use mainly as a seasoning and colouring agent in food. Saffron has long been the world’s most costly spice by weight and has a very distinctive aroma. It is often used in cooking to give its color and essence to the food. It helps manage asthma, aids in menstrual problems and soothes dry skin. Saffron has also been studied for its possible beneficial effect on cardiovascular risk factors, such as lipid profile, blood glucose, weight, and in erectile dysfunction. Saffron infused milk is usually consumed for flawless, bright skin tone abd is used in creams and lotions for this property.

10. Fenugreek

This spice has many medicinal uses. It improves digestion, is known to increase libido in men, promotes milk flow in mothers, helps those suffering from eating disorders and also reduces inflammation. Also used in traditional medicine, fenugreek can increase the risk for serious medical side effects, though its culinary use (in smaller quantities) is usually believed to be safe. Fenugreek dietary supplements are manufactured from powdered seeds into capsules, loose powders, teas, and liquid extracts in many countries. Powders may also be used as a topical medication or dressing for skin wounds or eczema.

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Are you on the brink of motherhood?

Excited about your journey as a first-time mom and eager to find more breastfeeding tips?

Breastfeeding is a magical process, but it’s a general misconception that it is a natural and easy process.

In reality, the journey of a breastfeeding mother is hard with many challenges and more pain.

Here are some insights for new mothers to prepare for one of the most beautiful — yet challenging — experiences that you’ll encounter as a mother.

Don’t miss the first milk (Colostrum) to your baby

Colostrum is the first thick liquid that comes from your breasts, in the first few days of breastfeeding. Do you know how precious it is? It is packed with proteins, salts, antibodies, nutrients and is the ideal nourishment for a newborn which cannot be reproduced or substituted.

It’s the perfect first meal for a newborn, that is invaluable to your child’s health, immune system, and development. So, the first milk goes a long way in your baby’s tiny tummy.

Even if you can’t breastfeed or choose not to, try to give your baby the greatest gift of colostrum.

Breastfeeding is not always easy

Breastfeeding could be incredibly painful and a pretty difficult skill that both you and your little one will have to get perfect.

You may feel the need to feed your baby every two to three hours, (in the worse cases every 15 minutes), around the clock during the first few weeks. Your nipples might get sore and painful. Nipple creams or nipple shields can help soothe and protect them.

You might feel it difficult to understand the comfortable position to feed your baby. Sometimes, lying down might not work or it might be the only position that works for you. It changes as the baby grows and there is no one right or wrong way. It takes a lot of patience and persistence, especially considering post-partum body discomforts.

Try all the positions and choose the one that you and your baby are comfortable with.

You need to use Breast Pumps!

Many women have no idea about breast pumps. Some even wonder what that is and what is it used for. You might face a situation when you need to extract the milk and feed it to the child using a feeding syringe or a bottle. Here comes the need to use breast pumps, the tools used to extract the milk from breasts.

Breast pumps are recommended when your baby is not sucking properly or your baby is premature and needs special care in the hospital or sometimes, you may not be able to feed your baby due to some complications.

Pumping might seem daunting at first, but once you get the knack of it.it gets easier.

Hot showers, heat pads, and massagers will help you maximize your milk output.

Milk letdown

When you are breastfeeding, you may notice that milk is dripping or leaking from the other breast that your baby is not breastfeeding on. You may notice a tingling sensation in and around your breasts and a feeling of fullness.

It’s a reflex that occurs when the nerves in your breasts are stimulated, usually as a result of your baby sucking and it’s normal.

Do what works best for you and your baby

Everyone says their opinions. But what worked for one mom may not work for you.

Trust your instincts. Seek help from someone who knows about breastfeeding.

It is completely normal if you hate breastfeeding and feel the need to stop it and it’s okay to feed until your baby wants to stop.

You can’t eat everything

If you are a first-time mom, you might probably have already got the advice from your mothers or elders, that you need to avoid some foods while breastfeeding.

Wondered why?

What you eat can cross into your breastmilk. For instance, garlic and other spices can tinge the taste of your breastmilk.

Certain foods can even lower your milk supply if consumed in large portions and some foods can cause gas in babies.

But not all types of food reactions are proven. So, unless you notice some adverse reactions in the baby, you are free to eat all the veggies and fruits.

You could get Pregnant

Don’t believe the myth that you can’t get pregnant while breastfeeding.

More pumping or breastfeeding results in the release of more prolactin levels and the chances you will ovulate are less.

So, don’t think of breastfeeding as a reliable form of birth control because you can still get pregnant while breastfeeding!

Don’t hesitate to ask for help

Breastfeeding challenges are common in the first couple of weeks, and most of them resolve with time and a little guidance.

Talk to your family members if you are struggling with breastfeeding or have any concerns. Ask your friends about their experiences. Consult a lactation specialist or nurses if there is a need.

However difficult breastfeeding might be in the beginning, it can be so wonderful after that initial challenging period and more rewarding than you expect. All you need after the hard days is the health and happiness of your baby.