HERBAL MAGIC: 3 Magical Kitchen Herbs

We have a treasure chest of spices literally so because the spices we use in our daily cooking has lots of medicinal value. Our kitchen herbs work wonderfully well on few of the ailments.

TURMERIC

Turmeric powder is a bright yellow powder made by dry grinding of mature turmeric rhizomes. It is used in almost all curries and gravy dishes. It gives a rich color and a unique flavor to the food. Medicinal use: Turmeric is used as a remedy for the following common problems:

 

SKIN PROBLEMS:

• Reduces scars and heals wounds: Mix a pinch of turmeric with 1 teaspoon of besan or gram flour. Apply it on the affected areas and let the paste dry for at least 25 minutes. Wash with lukewarm water.
• Delays signs of ageing: Turmeric contains curcuminoid pigments which help the body in synthesizing antioxidants. These antioxidants protect the skin cells from free radical damage and can even slow down the signs of ageing like dark spots, fine lines and wrinkles.
• Treats dry and cracked skin: Mix some coconut oil with turmeric powder and apply this paste on your cracked heels or dry skin and then wash off after 15 minutes.
• Soothes burns: Mix a pinch of turmeric with some milk or cooling curd and apply it on the affected area. Let it dry and then wash off gently.
• Cures stretch marks: A mix of turmeric, saffron and lime juice can be used to get rid of stretch marks. Apply the paste on the area, let it sit for 15 minutes and then wash off.

 

DIGESTIVE AID:

When consumed raw while suffering from a digestive problem, turmeric can help treat the condition. The major components of the spice stimulate the gallbladder to produce bile, instantly making the digestive system more efficient. It is also known to reduce symptoms of bloating and gas.

 

LIVER PROTECTION:

Turmeric help in minimizing liver damages caused by taking excess alcohol regularly or using pain-killer.

 

ARTHRITIS:

Turmeric help relieve wound inflammation and in treating arthritis.

 

WOUND, BRUISES and SPRAIN:

Turmeric is used to treat any cut, burn or infection. Its natural antiseptic and anti-bacterial properties make it an effective disinfectant. The powder can be sprinkled on the affected area to help it heal faster.

 

GINGER

Ginger has been used for years to treat a variety of ailments. But the many health benefits of ginger are more than mere ancient remedies and folktale. Today, ginger is used to treat a wide range of health problems, which is backed by scientific research.

• Settles stomach issues:  Its carminative properties promote the elimination of intestinal gas to prevent bloating and flatulence, while its intestinal spasmolytic properties relax the gastrointestinal muscles to soothe an upset stomach.
• Reduces motion sickness and more: Ginger is very good at subsiding various types of nausea and vomiting, including morning sickness in pregnant women, motion sickness in travellers, and even nausea in chemotherapy patients.
• Reduces joint pain and relieves arthritis: Ginger helps cure arthritis as it acts as an anti-inflammatory agent that helps reduce swelling and inflammation in people suffering from thyroid or arthritis
• Successful in killing cancer cells: Ginger contains gingerol, a compound that is shown to have anti-metastatic properties and can help treat breast cancer and ovarian cancer
• Lowers blood sugar and increases insulin release: Ginger works on diabetes by increasing insulin release and sensitivity, inhibiting enzymes in carbohydrate metabolism, and improving lipid profiles.
• Effective in treating asthma: A mixture of fresh ginger juice and fenugreek is helpful in curing asthma
• Reduces coughs and colds: Ginger is one of the oldest cures for cold, nausea and flue as it has anti-viral and anti fungal properties. It cures cold and provides instant relief and also kills the bacteria that causes cold .

Garlic

Garlic is protective and wards off disease and evil. There’s a reason it’s thought to keep vampires at bay. Hang dried garlic from your ceiling. Cook with garlic to give your dishes a protective and healthy boost.

• Stabilizes Blood Pressure: Consuming garlic on a daily basis (in food or raw) helps to lower cholesterol levels because of the anti-oxidant properties of Allicin. It is also immensely beneficial to regulate blood pressure and blood sugar levels.
• Prevents Cardiovascular Diseases: Garlic has been widely recognized as both a preventative agent and treatment of many cardiovascular and metabolic diseases, including atherosclerosis, hyperlipidemia, thrombosis, hypertension and diabetes.
• Relieves Intestinal Ailments: Garlic clears up most intestinal problems like dysentery, diarrhea, and colitis. Its role in dispelling worms is phenomenal
• Prevents colds and flu: The antimicrobial and antioxidant properties in garlic can help fight against the cold and flu virus effectively