Every week in the UK we consume 3 million curries that are created with some of the following spices that are ingredients in many Ayurvedic medicines. Here are some of the most commonly used Indian spices and their health benefits.

Turmeric

This is one of the essential ingredients in curry and contains a chemical called curcumin that is gaining a reputation in medicine as an anti-inflammatory that appears to work as good as the latest drugs on the market. Turmeric has one huge advantage - it has no side effects. In the fight against cancer it is a powerful antioxidant. In heart disease it lowers cholesterol reversing arteriosclerosis. Turmeric has been used for centuries in India for rheumatism, arthritis and liver problems.

Cardamom

This spice helps to clear mucous in the digestive system. Cardamom reduces the air and water elements increases appetite and soothes the mucous membranes. It relieves gas and heartburn caused by garlic and onion. A tea made from cardamom is valuable in headaches caused by indigestion. The powdered seeds mixed with juice will serve as an excellent diuretic for the treatment of gonorrhoea, cystitis, mephitis, burning urination and scanty urination.  Powdered seeds of cardamom boiled in water with tea can be used as a remedy for treating depression.  The herb is useful is sexual dysfunction like impotency and premature ejaculation.

Gargling with an infusion of cardamom and cinnamon cures pharyngitis, sore throats and hoarseness during the infective stages of influenza. Finally, the natural flavour in cardamom is a great breath freshener.

Ginger

Always known for its anti-nausea properties Ginger works well for travel sickness. Ginger contains chemical compounds (zingiberene, zingerone, boreal, bisabolene, and shagols) that are commonly used in systems of medicine in India for the treatment of inflammatory joint diseases, such as arthritis. Ginger can also be used as a hangover cure by mixing some freshly chopped ginger with fresh orange juice.

Curry Leaves

Fresh juice of curry leaves with lime juice and sugar is an excellent tonic for morning sickness, nausea and vomiting due to indigestion and excessive use of fats. Curry leaves have also been shown to be useful in diarrhoea, dysentery and piles. Liberal intake of curry leaves is considered beneficial in preventing premature greying of hair. These leaves have properties that nourish the hair root that become healthier with normal pigmentation. When the leaves are boiled in coconut oil until they are reduced to a black residue, that oil forms an excellent hair tonic to stimulate hair growth.

If you don’t fancy curry then you can get the health benefits of these herbs through drinking Chai tea that can be easily found in supermarkets. Basically it is black tea with ginger, lemongrass, pepper, cardamom, and cloves. A fantastic vitality tonic for all you tea drinkers!