Ten Spices and Medicinal Home Remedies

The spices, medicinal home remedies and seasonings you use can make all the difference in the dishes you prepare. Salt, pepper and, most importantly, different types of herbs and powders. But did you know that some of the spices we use for flavor and texture have other properties that should be more important? Some of these spices and herbs have medicinal properties and are often used to improve or treat certain ailments. Make sure you know their properties and have them stocked in your kitchen.

We tell you about some of them.

cardamom.

Cardamom is an aromatic spice, known as the queen of remedies against bad breath, and is an ally against all bacteria and problems of the mouth and salivary glands. As a spice, it is also an ally against digestive problems, as it favors digestion and prevents gas and abdominal pain when taken with food after meals or as an infusion. It is also a natural antiseptic and an excellent ally in the fight against various infections. Cardamom, like eucalyptus, is a powerful expectorant. It is used in decoction form as a natural remedy for coughs, asthma and other respiratory ailments.

turmeric.

For many, it is the "queen" of spices. Native to India, it is derived from the root of the turmeric plant, which has long leaves. Its anti-inflammatory properties are well known (your body will thank you for taking less ibuprofen and more turmeric). It is very effective against diseases with an inflammatory component, such as arthritis, various kidney diseases and depression, with no adverse effects, and can also help with serious diseases such as Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, cancer and heart disease. It is also an excellent antioxidant, neutralizing free radicals and promoting the production of its own antioxidants.

cinnamon.

a pinch (just a pinch!). If you haven't tried adding it, give it a try. Cinnamon, you don't know what you're missing. This versatile spice comes from the bark of the cinnamon tree. Cinnamon is excellent for fighting pathogens, combating bad breath, is a friend to insulin and pancreatic diseases, controls mixed blood sugar levels and is a powerful antioxidant.

There are two types of cinnamon: ceylon cinnamon and cinnamon bark (cinnamon is recommended, as cinnamon bark may contain toxic coumarins in high doses).

cayenne pepper.

Red chili peppers (also known as aji de color) are known for their natural analgesic properties and come from certain varieties of red chili peppers that are important ingredients in the Spanish table dish (papas a la riojana, papas bravas, also the chorizo...). but its properties as a medicinal spice are less known. Thanks to one of its components, lycopene (which is also found in other foods such as tomatoes), red chili peppers are rich in antioxidants and provide the body with essential vitamins and minerals (A, B, C, E, selenium and iron), which help stimulate blood circulation, control cholesterol levels and promote digestion.

rosemary.

This herb belongs to the mint family and has a very characteristic aroma. Rosemary is a common spice in all meat dishes and can be found in every store in the world. It has powerful medicinal properties and is often used to heal skin wounds (topically). Although it is an antioxidant spice, it is also an excellent analgesic and is very effective for inflammation and severe pain, such as that of menstrual cycles and dysmenorrhea (scientifically it is considered one of the most potent anti-inflammatory herbs). But that's not all: it also has other benefits. It is also used to improve memory, relieve digestive problems and for hair growth.

cloves.

Originally from Indonesia and commonly used in various Asian cuisines. Like other spices, it has powerful antiseptic properties and is used outside the kitchen as an ingredient in traditional medicines. Clove aids digestion (it also kills intestinal parasites of all kinds), regulates blood sugar levels, fights diabetes and reduces inflammation. Cloves are very rich in eugenol, which has long been attributed with healing properties in dentistry. It helps to cure people suffering from oral diseases such as ulcers, tooth decay and toothache (and prevents bad breath), relieves nausea, solves cardiovascular problems and provides the body with essential nutrients such as manganese, magnesium, vitamins (K and V), potassium, calcium and omega-3 fatty acids. When applied externally, it is effective against bacterial infections of the feet.

Saffron.

Saffron (also known as saffron or carrot) is native to the Middle East and is the most expensive spice in the world, given the number of plants (and their strands) needed to produce it, which by the way are only grown by farmers and are not found in the wild. It has many medicinal properties, especially for treating various digestive, kidney and nervous system problems. It is also a potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory, and is very effective in relieving pain and muscle spasms. Saffron is also an ally in the fight against urinary tract infections, as it relieves discomfort and eliminates the cause of the discomfort. In cooking, it acts as a natural colorant and contains various nutrients such as flavonoids, vitamins (B1 and B2), magnesium, copper and fatty acids that improve cardiovascular health.

cumin.

If you can't find cumin in your spice cabinet, buy it, because you will need it. This plant, native to the Mediterranean, is probably one of the most widely used spices in Europe. It is a strong ally to improve digestion (adding a pinch of cumin when cooking beans, in particular, helps to release gas), stimulate the production of enzymes in the pancreas, regulate glucose levels and prevent the deterioration of proteins in the body.

nutmeg.

Like cinnamon, adding a pinch of nutmeg to your coffee will give it a special flavor that you will love. Native to Indonesia, the fruit is a hard bean-like plant covered by a membrane. This bean is often used in cooking and has many health benefits. It is used to treat digestive problems (very effective for diarrhea, heartburn and flatulence), is an excellent nerve sedative, unmatched for insomnia, and to treat symptoms such as depression and anxiety. However, people prone to bacterial infections should consume nutmeg, as it has incredible antibacterial properties.

Ginger.

A very powerful root that you can find in any supermarket, but you may not realize it. You may know it as a natural remedy for nausea and vomiting, but did you know that ginger is one of the most powerful spices for fighting pathogens and infections? It is a powerful ally of the immune system and, according to some studies, it also improves memory and concentration. It appears frequently in traditional Asian medicine and East Asian diets (so it is often said) and is believed to help with digestive problems. If you are one of those who suffer from daily digestive pains, ginger can help by giving you relief. It regulates blood sugar levels, promotes fat absorption, is an ally in weight loss, improves typical menstrual cramps and can even be an ally against bacteria resistant to the strongest antibiotics.