Uses and Benefits of Turmeric, Cumin, and Cloves

Herbs and spices enriched with essential nutrients and medicinal properties

Indian dishes offer a symphony of different spices and herbs, offering diverse aromas and flavours besides their visual appeal and nutritional or medicinal properties. Indian food is spicy, with a nice blend of flavours and a variety of tastes from different regions across India. One of the characteristics of Indian food is its extensive use of various spices and herbs such as cumin seeds, chili powder, paprika, coriander powder, turmeric powder, cardamom, hot spices, ground spices and much more. Some of the popular Indian spices used in everyday Indian cooking include turmeric powder, coriander powder, chili powder, salt and hot spice (also known as garam masala). Below are some of the medicinal properties of the three most commonly used herbs and spices in Indian cuisine.

1. Turmeric powder-Turmeric powder is basically made out of dried up turmeric root and has anti-bacterial, anti-oxidant, and anti-inflammatory properties. You can even use it as a facial and mix it with milk, which helps in preventing acne and remedying dark spots and scars. Its regular use with milk is known to heal the body. For example, if you drink turmeric with milk, it helps to ease cough and cold, and even sore throat. Besides contributing to healthier, glowing, flawless skin, turmeric is quite effective against cancer and is a good blood tonic, as it purifies the blood.
2. Cumin-Cumin is an aromatic spice providing an Earthy flavour that enhances the taste or flavour of any cooked dish. Cumin seeds are all organic and non-irradiated, and cumin is one of the ingredients for healthy food. Furthermore, there are certain elements in cumin which stimulate the secretion of pancreatic enzymes, thereby aiding the digestion and absorption of nutrients.  Cumin enhances the detoxification process of the liver. It also helps in the milk production in lactating mothers as it stimulates gland secretion in them. Further, it increases blood circulation within the body, increasing metabolism.
3. Cloves-Cloves are loaded with manganese, vitamin K, vitamin C, magnesium, calcium and Omega-3. Cloves help the body use insulin more efficiently. They have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties; they also help with digestive issues and help fight infections such as colds or viruses. Their oil is used as an anodyne (pain killer) for dental emergencies and is also used in the preparation of toothpastes. Cloves may also reduce blood sugar levels. One of the most interesting things about cloves is that they also have breath-freshening capability.

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