Spices are a significant part of every Indian meal. It wouldn’t be wrong to say that they can bring flavour and zest to even the simplest of dishes. A heavy boxes of spices are a common sight at every household. But keeping in sync with the Indian spirit, using these spices just to cook would be undermining our spirit of ‘jugaad’. A touch of that spice and a sprinkle of this one can make a world of difference and hence since time immemorial, every family has accumulated their own set of recipes and remedies. There are some remedies, however, which are tested and proven to be effective. These are methods that may not be known to all but they have been used much before the advent of medical treatment.
Nutmeg: You might have 99 problems, but a pimple is one you have to address immediately. Use a dash of nutmeg with a touch of honey to bid goodbye to your skin problems. Nutmeg comes with anti-bacterial and anti-fungal properties which helps in reducing inflammation and contributes to your skincare. Avoid infections and ensure flawless skin with just one simple spice. Additionally, nutmeg also helps in reducing cholesterol and stimulates blood circulation.
Black Pepper: Dealing with a bad throat infection? The King of spices is here to your rescue. Crush some black pepper in a glass of warm water and create a healthy concoction with a few teaspoons of honey. Black pepper acts as a strong antibiotic, which is a one-stop solution for throat infections. It also contains pepperine, which helps in digestion and reduces the feeling of bloating.
Addendum: If you are worried about your clothes fading, give them a wash with black pepper and find them as good as new.
Cardamom: Cardamom is a must when it comes to home remedies. Cardamom tea is a well-known antidote to cough and cold. Besides, cardamom pods are a staple mouth-freshener at the end of every Indian meal. It acts as an effective disinfectant to prevent toothaches and halitosis.
Cinnamon: Cinnamon is not only a valuable addition to Indian delicacies but it also plays an important role in reducing blood sugar, by increasing glucose sensitivity, if consumed in small amounts every day. Not just that, cinnamon proves effective if you want to speed up your metabolism. All you need to do is prepare a special drink with honey and a few teaspoons of cinnamon.
Rosemary: Battling dandruff and dry scalp? This is a recurring problem which no amount of shampoo has been able to solve. But we have a concrete solution, right at home. Brew a cup of tea with a strong rosemary flavour and cool it down for a few minutes. Find a long-lasting cure for your dermal problems.
Basil: Ever wondered why Italians add basil to every dish? It helps cut down the richness and helps in digestion. Adding half a teaspoon of dried basil leaves can help you avoid feeling full or overstuffed. What’s more? This herb can prove helpful, if you are down with a bad headache. A tablespoon of basil in two cups of hot water makes the perfect, homemade facial steam, which can help fight off your headache.
