Feeling a little under the weather? Try these Indian spices!

When it comes to spices, many of us think of them as flavour enhancers in food. While that’s of course true, most spices contain a ton of health benefits, too. In India, they have known this for centuries – and now science also supports many of those claims.

Especially, if you’re one who always catches a cold at this time of the year, you might want to seek a cure in the spice cupboard!

Ginger

Ginger can be described as superfood – or super spice! It has a very long history of use in traditional and alternative medicine. Ginger has been used to help digestion, reduce nausea and help fight the flu and common cold. The studies suggest that it can also reduce joint pain and stiffness, reduce the LDL cholesterol in the blood, and protect against age-related damage to the brain.

Turmeric

Turmeric has been used in traditional Indian cooking for thousands of years. In fact, Ayurvedic medicine considers it to be not just food but medicine.

Whenever you catch a cold, slice up some fresh turmeric and ginger to make yourself a cup of tea. Bring 3 or 4 cups of water to a boil, and add the sliced roots. Remove from stove and let sit for 10-15 minutes. Add honey, and lemon or orange juice for extra taste. Enjoy, and feel the cold melt away!

Or, do you prefer coffee for remedy? Grate some fresh turmeric and ginger, and blend it smooth in a blender with almond milk (or regular milk). You can add spices such as cinnamon, vanilla and cardamom, and honey for sweetness. Heat your golden milk up, and pour over espresso or dark roast coffee.

These magic potions are winners! Turmeric is said to not only to boost the immune system and reduce inflammation, but it also eases arthritis symptoms, and helps with Alzheimer’s disease and cancer.

Black pepper

Did you know that black pepper has its most ancient roots in India? We’re already adding black pepper to everything – and no need to reduce the use. As it happens, black pepper aids in digestion, congestion, and with an upset stomach. So, whenever you’re feeling under the weather, bring in some heat with extra black pepper – and perhaps with an addition of chilli.

Green cardamom

We love green cardamom in foods and drinks alike, especially in Chai. The spice blend doesn’t even require tea every time – only Chai, hot water and honey. They make for the perfect “silver tea”.

In order to get the full benefits of green cardamom, break the outer shell and expose the pods. Cardamom is said to reduce bloating and heartburn, and forming of gas. It can even treat bad breath! Chew away after a meal for a fresher feel. 

Cinnamon

Our favourite cinnamon comes from Sri Lanka. Cinnamon actually originates from there. In history, it was harvested by Arabian traders and ground to powder. Cinnamon might increase insulin action, so anyone wanting to prevent or treat type 2 diabetes could very well add cinnamon to the diet. Choose organic cinnamon whenever you can!

Cinnamon goes very well with both of our magic potions mentioned earlier. We also love to add cinnamon to almost all of our lamb dishes as well as some beef and vegetarian recipes, particularly the Greek, Moroccan and Mexican-inspired ones.