Caraway seeds (Ajwain, Ajowan, Caraway, Carom seed) is a popular aromatic spice which is used extensively in authentic Indian and South Asian cuisine. Greyish-brown in colour and tiny oval-shaped in appearance, caraway seeds have both a unique look and taste profile. With an essence somewhat similar to thyme, ajwain is quite strong and pungent flavour. The seeds are known to be hot and slightly bitter in flavour. Caraway seeds are commonly grown in India, Iran, Egypt and Afghanistan.

Caraway seeds are rarely consumed raw. Instead, they are either dry-roasted or fried in oil before they are added to foods. A staple ingredient in Indian cuisine, caraway is used in a variety of dishes, added to chutney and curries, used as a garnish, or added to fragrant drinks and tonics.

Medicinally, ajwain has long been used in traditional Ayervedic medicine. Caraway is most widely known as a natural digestive aid. The following are additional uses of caraway.

Traditional Medicinal Properties and Uses of Caraway Seeds

• Caraway is commonly used as a digestive aid. It is known to relieve abdominal discomfort.

• Caraway seeds are consumed to help stimulate appetite.

• Used as an antiseptic.

• Ajwain is used to treat stomach pains and many gastric conditions.

• Caraway is eaten to treat gas and indigestion.

• The aroma of ground caraway seeds is said to help alleviate migraines.

• Caraway is used to treat acidity and heartburn.

• Caraway seeds are said to provide relief from a toothache.

• Ajwain oil is used to treat earaches.

• Ajwain oil is massaged into the skin to treat arthritis, joint pain and inflammation.

• Ajwain seeds are chewed or ajwain tea is prepared to help treat and alleviate coughs.

Turmeric has a long ancient medicinal history, especially in Ayurvedic and ancient Indian medicine. Commonly referred to as haldi, turmeric is a staple ingredient in authentic Indian curries. Although a very aromatic spice with a deep rich colour surpassed by none, turmeric goes beyond a regular spice. The health benefits of turmeric are immense. In fact, the health benefits of turmeric have been confirmed in both eastern and western medicine.

Recently, there has been a lot of scientific research being conducted on the health properties of turmeric, especially the effects of the active compound curcumin. Some of the properties confirmed include being anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidant and natural antiseptic properties. Recent scientific literature also confirms the benefits of turmeric on the prevention of Alzheimer’s disease.

Turmeric is a source of dietary fiber, vitamin C, vitamin B6, niacin, iron, magnesium, potassium, manganese, omega 3 fatty acids, omega 6 fatty acids and phytosterols.
 

Turmeric and Cancer Prevention

Curcumin has been given much attention on its possible ability to help treat and fight cancer. Curcumin may directly help inhibit the growth of tumours present in the prostate, lung and breast. Curcumin may also be effective in its ability to prevent the formation of cancerous growths. If cancer is already present in the system, curcumin may help slow the growth and spread of the cancerous cells.
 

Turmeric and Alzheimer’s Disease

Many scientific studies indicate that turmeric plays a significant role in the treatment of Alzheimer’s disease. The credit primarily goes to the anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties of curcumin. Curcumin may help reduce amyloid levels and plaque burden. The active ingredients are curcuminoids, which help treat Alzheimer’s disease. Turmeric has also been shown to slow the progression of this neuro-degenerative disease.
 

Turmeric and Anti-inflammatory Properties

The powerful anti-inflammatory properties of turmeric have long been realised in ancient Indian and Ayurvedic medicine. Again, it is the presence of curcumin that gives turmeric the anti-inflammatory properties. Research on curcumin suggests that the anti-inflammatory potential of turmeric is on par to some of the potent inflammatory medicines out there on the market today. Turmeric may also be effective in the treatment of inflammatory bowel disease, as well as arthritis. However, much more evidence is still required.
 

Powerful Antioxidant Potential

Curcumin is what gives turmeric its antioxidant abilities. Antioxidants actively neutralize free radicals in the system, preventing cellular damage. Antioxidants act to protect the body from many chronic conditions, including heart disease, stroke, arthritis, atherosclerosis and inflammations.
 

Help Lower Cholesterol

The intake of turmeric may help lower cholesterol levels. Curcumin as the active agent, turmeric has been shown to reduce levels of LDL cholesterol on the system.
 

Traditional Uses of Turmeric:

• Turmeric is often consumed and used as a natural detox. It is believed that turmeric helps clean the system of dangerous toxins from the body buy improving liver function.

• Turmeric is a natural antiseptic. The powder is often places over cuts and bruises so to avoid infection.

• It is believed that adding a bit of turmeric to milk will boost and improve bone health.

• Turmeric pastes are often made and applied to the skin to even tone, improve complexion and reduce the appearance of stretch marks.

Mustard seeds and mustard oil are staple spice components in many international cuisines. Both the culinary and medicinal properties of mustard seeds have been explored for thousands of years. Mustard seeds come from the mustard plant, which actually belongs to the cruciferous family of vegetables. Mustard seeds are available in well over 50 varieties. However, three main varieties exist: black, white and brown mustard seeds.

Mustard seeds are extremely nutrient dense. Mustard seeds are a great source of protein, dietary fiber, Vitamin E, thiamin, riboflavin, niacin, Vitamin B6, calcium, iron, magnesium, phosphorus, zinc, manganese, selenium and Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids.
 

Anti-Inflammatory Properties

Mustard seeds and its oil have long been used to treat inflammations of the body. The natural anti-inflammatory properties of mustard seeds can be attributed to its nutrient profile. Mustard seeds contain a very high source of selenium, which directly helps reduce inflammation. Mustard seeds also contain Omega-3 fatty acids, which further help reduce inflammation and its accompanying secondary symptoms. Due to the anti-inflammatory potential of mustard seeds, mustard seeds and mustard oil have been used for centuries as a natural treatment of arthritis.
 

Protect Against Cancers

Mustard seed and mustard oil contain an abundance of phytonutrients that may help prevent and treat cancers. Mustard seeds contain glucosinolates and isothiocyanates, both active health promoting compounds. The presence of isothiocyanates in foods has been extensively studied for their anti-cancer potential. In various clinical studies, isothiocyanates have repeatedly shown to help reduce the risk of cancer formation.
 

Source of Selenium

Mustard seeds are a very rich source of selenium, which along with fiber, acts to help lower the risk of cancer formation. Selenium also works alongside Vitamin E to perform antioxidant activated in the body. The antioxidant potential of selenium helps protect the body from heart disease, atherosclerosis and stroke. Selenium also plays a role in protecting against inflammation and thus provides relief from the symptoms of arthritis.
 

Traditional Uses of Mustard Seeds

• Mustard oil is traditionally consumed to help lower blood pressure and help prevent heart disease.

• At the sign of a headache, mustard oil is often used to massage the temple region to help alleviate pain and tension.

• Mustard seeds and mustard oil are prescribed to help treat menopausal symptoms.

• Mustard seed and mustard oil consumption is said to stimulate appetite and improve gastric functioning.

Cinnamon, one of the oldest known spices, has been recognized for both its aromatic properties as well as its medicinal properties.

Since ancient times, cinnamon has been used in relieving anything from arthritis, repertory ailments, stomach problems, depression, cancers, mental concerns and heart disease. Scientific evidence today suggests even more health benefits from this spice and its essential oils.
 

Internal and External Cleanser

Since ancient times, cinnamon has been used as an internal cleanser due to its diuretic properties. Traditional healers have used cinnamon powder to help eliminate waste and toxic elements from the body. It is used in many external ointments to help clear the completion of skin.
 

Improve Brain Performance and Memory

The aroma of cinnamon alone is said to improve both brain function and memory. It has extensively been used to help combat anxiety and mental tension. Research is now being conducted to see the effects of cinnamon on neurological diseases such as Alzheimer’s.
 

Anti-Inflammatory

Traditionally, cinnamon has been recognized for its anti-clotting and anti-inflammatory properties. Research now shows that the active component is cinnamaldehyde, which actively acts to decrease inflammation the body. This property has made cinnamon used to combat arthritis and its associated muscle and joint pain.

These anti inflammatory properties can help prevent heart disease. Due to its anti-clotting factors cinnamon helps improve blood circulation within the body. Some studies even suggest that Cinnamon may help lower triglycerides, LDL and total cholesterol in the body. Add to this the anti-oxidant potential, and you may help reduce your heart disease risk.
 

Anti-Microbial and Anti-Fungal

Cinnamon has long been recognized as a potent anti-microbial. Many studies suggest that the essential oils in cinnamon act to stop the growth of bacteria and fungi. Cinnamon treatments have been used to combat Candida, which commonly manifests as yeast infections. This property has also been helpful in combating stomach ulcers.
 

Diabetes Management: Blood Sugar Control

Cinnamon is yet another spice that can help lower the glycemic index of foods. Adding cinnamon to your foods actually helps reduce the rise in blood sugar after a meal. Recent studies have shown that cinnamon significantly helps people with type 2 diabetes improve their response to insulin and the cells ability to utilize glucose.
 

A Traditional Warming Remedy

In addition to the active components in its essential oils and its nutrient composition, cinnamon has also been valued in energy-based medical systems, such as Traditional Chinese Medicine, for its warming qualities. In these traditions, cinnamon has been used to provide relief when faced with the onset of a cold or flu, especially when mixed in a tea with some fresh ginger.

Cloves, which are commonly referred to as long, are the dried unopened flower buds of the evergreen clove tree.

Cloves have long been recognized for their strong aromatic taste but also for their medicinal and nutritional properties. Most of their medicinal properties can be attributed to the presence of compounds within the essential oils of cloves.
 

A Nutrient-Dense Spice

Ground cloves contain many health promoting nutrients. Just one tablespoon of ground cloves spice is a source of dietary fiber, omega-3 fatty acids, omega 6 fatty acids, vitamin C, vitamin E, vitamin K, vitamin B6, folate, manganese, calcium, magnesium, and phytosterols.
 

Powerful Anti-Inflammatory

Eugenol is one of the compounds found in the essential oils contained in cloves. Traditionally, eugenol has been commonly used as a powerful anti-inflammatory. Current studies show that eugenol, along with other flavonoids and antioxidants contained in cloves, act to help lower inflammation. Eugenol is also an platelet inhibitor which inhibits the formation of blood clots.
 

Natural Anti-Fungal and Anti-Bacterial

Eugenol is a natural anti-fungal and works to stop the proliferation of bacteria such as T. mentagrophytes, M. canis dermatophytes, and Candida albicans.
 

Anaesthetic and Analgesic Properties

Eugenol extract as well as beta-caryophyllene are commonly used in many health related industries due to its natural local anaesthetic properties as well as for its analgesic properties. In traditional medicine, sucking on a clove was said to relieve a variety of ailments, including gastro-intestinal concerns and toothaches.