10 Kitchen Ingredients That Work Like Medicines
1. Turmeric
Turmeric is one of the most common spices used in kitchen. It has got
antiseptic, antibacterial, anti-inflammatory as well as antioxidant
properties. You can use this spice to treat common cold, cough, joint
inflammation,arthritis, bruised skin, acne, pimples as well as various
stomach ailments. At the same time turmeric can also be used
to prevent Alzheimer’s disease, to minimize liver damages caused due to
excessive alcohol consumption or regular use of pain-killers and to
disinfect minor cuts and burns. It has also been proved that due to its
antibacterial properties, turmeric is beneficial in treating many types
of cancer, most noticeably breast cancer, colon cancer, lung cancer and
leukemia.
2. Ginger
Ginger has got anti-inflammatory,
antispasmodic, antifungal, antiseptic, antibacterial and antiviral
properties. At the same time it is also a powerful natural analgesic or
painkiller. Ginger is also a good source of potassium, manganese,
silicon, phosphorus, sodium, iron, zinc, calcium, beta-carotene and
vitamins A, C, E, B-complex. You can use ginger to treat an upset
stomach, indigestion, nausea, motion sickness, regular body pain,
arthritis pain, cold, cough or any other respiratory health problem,
fever, heartburnand menstrual cramps. It has also been proved that
ginger can be used to control ovarian cancer cells due to its ability to
slow down the growth of cancer cells.
3. Cinnamon
Cinnamon has
got anti-oxidant, anti-diabetic, anti-septic, anti-inflammatory,
carminative and anti-flatulent properties. At the same time this
particular spice is also an excellent source of minerals such as
potassium, calcium, manganese, iron, zinc and copper along with vitamin
A, niacin, and pyridoxine. Cinnamon is often used in the treatment of
common cold, flatulence, indigestion, heartburn, nausea, diarrhea,
arthritis pain and painful menstrual periods. It has also been found
that regular consumption of cinnamon can help people suffering from type
II diabetes to control their sugar level. It also helps to lower
cholesterol level and reduces the risk of various types of heart
diseases.
4. Garlic
Garlic is often referred to as a super food
due to its diaphoretic, diuretic, expectorant, stimulant, antibacterial,
antifungal, antiviral, antifungal and antiseptic properties. In
addition, garlic is also packed with vitamins and nutrients such as
protein, potassium, calcium, zinc and many others. Garlic can be used in
the treatment of asthma, hoarseness, cough, chronicbronchitis, ear
infection, scratchy throat infection, flatulence, menstrual cramps,
ringworm, stomach ache, colic, toothache, sinus, bug bites and
indigestion. It even helps to lower cholesterol level and prevents
strokes. Also this strong smelling herb reduces the risk of several
types of cancer and heart diseases.
5. Clove
Clove has got
antioxidant, anti-septic, anti-inflammatory, carminative and
anti-flatulent properties. At the same time it is also high in vitamins,
minerals and fiber. You can use clove in the treatment for various
health conditions such as athlete’s foot, minor burns, bruises, malaria,
cholera, flatulence, tooth ache, joint inflammation, oral ulcer, sore
gums, loose motions, muscle ache, body pain, indigestion, nausea,
gastric irritability andvomiting. Clove oil can be also used as an
inhalant for various respiratory problems such as cold, cough,
sinusitis, asthma, bronchitis and tuberculosis. Although clove is
generally considered safe, it may cause allergic reactions in some
individuals.
6. Cardamom
This aromatic spice is also known as
the ‘queen of spices’. It has got carminative, anti-oxidant,
therapeutic, antiseptic, antispasmodic, diuretic and expectorant
properties. At the same time cardamom is a good source of minerals such
as potassium, calcium, copper, iron and magnesium. Cardamom is used in
the treatment of stomach cramps, indigestion, flatulence, stomach gas,
asthma, bronchitis, heartburn, acidity, bad breath, mouth ulcer, nausea,
urinary tract infection and various kinds of respiratory allergies.
Also cardamom helps to increase appetite, reduce stress level and to
ease muscle tension. Although there are no known side effects of
cardamom, it should be avoided during pregnancy.
7. Cumin Seeds
Cumin seeds have got anti inflammatory, carminative, antioxidant and
anti-flatulent properties. The seeds are an excellent source of dietary
fiber along with various minerals such as iron, copper, calcium,
potassium, manganese, selenium and zinc. Cumin seeds are used in the
treatment of indigestion, flatulence, stomach pain, diarrhea, morning
sickness, nausea, acidity, common cold, cough, fever, sore throat, renal
colic, amnesia and insomnia. It also boosts the metabolic rate and
facilitates the absorption of nutrients throughout the body. Recent
research has revealed that cumin also supports healthy prenatal
development in pregnant women and slows down the growth of breast and
colon cancer cells.
8. Honey
Honey has got anti-viral,
anti-fungal, antiseptic, anti-microbial and anti-parasitic properties.
At the same time honey is also loaded with many essential vitamins and
minerals like magnesium, potassium, calcium, sodium chlorine, calcium,
copper, iron, manganese, sulphur, zinc and phosphate. Honey can be used
in the treatment of cough, throat irritation, urinary tract infection,
morning sickness, laryngitis, eczema, and stomach ulcer, canker sores,
bleeding gums, minor wound, minor burn, skin infection and bed wetting. A
great natural source of carbohydrate, honey can even instantly boost
the performance, endurance and reduce muscle fatigue of athletes. It
also reduces the risk of some cancers and heart disease. Raw honey is
also used as a medication for issues related to male impotence and
female infertility.
9. Onion
Onion has got outstanding
anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, antibiotic, carminative and antimicrobial
properties. It is also a very good source of vitamin C, B6, biotin,
chromium, calcium, dietary fiber, folic acid and vitamin B1 and K. Onion
is hugely effective in the treatment of pneumonia,chronic bronchitis,
insect bite, asthma, hay fever, diabetes, atherosclerosis, stomach
infections, nausea, diarrhea, common cold and cough. The diverse
anti-cancer powers present in onion play a significant role in reducing
the risk of various kinds of cancer. Also onion contains chromium, which
assists in regulating blood sugar level amongst people who suffer from
Type IIdiabetes.
10. Lemon
Lemon is known for its therapeutic,
antioxidant and anti-cancer properties along with immune-boosting
powers. It also has got many nourishing elements like vitamin C, vitamin
B, phosphorous, proteins, and carbohydrates. Lemon has a multitude of
medicinal uses and is often used in the treatment ofheadache, arthritis,
pneumonia, minor cut, throat infections, indigestion,constipation,
dental problems, fever, dandruff, internal bleeding, rheumatism, burns,
overweight, respiratory disorders, cholera, kidney stone and high blood
pressure. When consumed regularly, lemon also helps to prevent many
dangerous diseases like stroke, cardiovascular diseases and various
types of cancers
तुलसी का पौधा यूं ही हर घर-आंगन की शोभा नहीं बनता। घरों तथा मंदिरों में
तो इसका पौधा अनिवार्य माना जाता है। धार्मिक दृष्टि से तो इसकी उपयोगिता
है ही, स्वास्थ्य रक्षक के रूप में भी यह महत्वपूर्ण भूमिका निभाती है।
