The personal tips here have been passed on through many generations in Indian households, including mine.
1. Turmeric
This yellow spice not only brings a smile on your face with its bright colour, it is also one of the most versatile spices. Add it to your food or milk to boost immunity and get relief from cough and cold or sinus, put it on a wound and it acts as an anti-septic and anti-bacterial agent, or use its essential oils as an insect repellant.
Tip: Add 1/4th tablespoon of turmeric to a cup of warm milk and have it twice a week. It might take time for you to develop the taste for this rather simple turmeric latte, but the benefits of turmeric make a compelling case for it.
2. Cinnamon
With a very distinct aroma, Cinnamon is often found in bakery items, while some prefer to take it in their tea or coffee. It is rich in antioxidants and an excellent source of immunity for the body. It fights infections and is also good for digestion.
Tip: A pinch of cinnamon with warm water in the morning is a great way to start the day!
3. Black pepper
You might remember this spice as the one that makes you sneeze if you smell it. Happens to me all the time! It can be added to dishes for its antioxidant and antimicrobial properties.
Tip: Struggling with throat pain related to cough? Add a tiny pinch of black pepper powder to a tea spoon of honey and consume it for cough relief.
4. Clove
Another aromatic spice, cloves look like tiny flowers and have a very strong flavour. Clove is known for its anti-bacterial properties and is rich in antioxidants, making it a great immunity booster. Two cloves in a rice dish or vegetable/ chicken single serve dish should do the trick. I find them very warm for the body so over consumption of the spice should be avoided.
Tip: Clove is helpful in reducing tooth aches as they numb the gums temporarily without any side effects. Keep a piece of clove in your mouth on the area that hurts for instant relief till you reach the doctor.
5. Garlic
Anti-bacterial, anti-fungal, and a rich flavour. Garlic can be added to most dishes and is especially helpful when sliced or grated and eaten raw. It is also known to reduce blood pressure, cholesterol levels, and boosts immunity because of its abundance of benefits.
Tip: Add freshly chopped garlic to your food for best results.
6. Ginger
Cold and flu, ginger’s got you. Ginger is full of antioxidants that help fight infections and also protect the body against diseases for a healthier growth.
Tip: Two words. Ginger tea.
7. Neem
Neem water (boil a few leaves in water, let it cool, and use it) has been used for treating skin issues, and is consumed to flush out toxins from the body. It purifies the body with its medicinal properties to strengthen immunity.
Tip: Put a clean leaf of neem in your mouth for a few minutes in the morning on an empty stomach. It tastes bitter but purifies the blood.
8. Basil
Basil leaves are often used in fresh form as a garnish on pasta and basil water can also be added to dishes.
Tulsi, an auspicious plant in India, belongs to the same family as basil although its a different plant. It can be eaten raw in the morning, just like basil, for immunity.
Tip: Sprinkle the leave on salads for a refreshing treat.
9. Cumin
Cumin rice and cumin water are probably the most common ways of using cumin, apart from adding them to dishes for extra flavour. It also flushes out toxins from the body and improves digestion.
Tip: Boil cumin seeds in water and then strain the seeds out. This is miracle water in my opinion and so very effective for digestion.
10. Ashwagandha
Ashwagandha has been known for its many healing properties but it went viral during the pandemic, mainly because it is not easily found in every household unlike the other herbs and spices I spoke about above. It reduces stress in the body which helps our immune system respond to viral infections better.
Tip: Ashwagandha powder can be mixed with honey or water for consumption.
Take small quantities of these incredible herbs and spices over time and your body will be truly thankful!
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