🌶️ Common Spices – Benefits & Usages

1. Turmeric (Haldi)

• Benefits:
  • Contains curcumin, a powerful anti-inflammatory and antioxidant.
  • Supports joint health, boosts immunity, and aids in digestion.
• Usage:
  • Added to curries, soups, rice, and golden milk (turmeric latte).
  • Used in herbal remedies and face masks.

2. Cinnamon (Dalchini)

• Benefits:
  • Regulates blood sugar, improves heart health.
  • Antibacterial and antifungal properties.
• Usage:
  • Used in desserts, teas, oatmeal, and spice blends like garam masala.

3. Black Pepper (Kali Mirch)

• Benefits:
  • Enhances nutrient absorption (especially curcumin from turmeric).
  • Aids in digestion and has antioxidant properties.
• Usage:
  • Used in nearly all savory dishes, spice rubs, and sauces.

4. Cardamom (Elaichi)

• Benefits:
  • Helps with digestion and freshens breath.
  • Has antibacterial and anti-inflammatory effects.
• Usage:
  • Flavoring for tea, desserts, biryanis, and spice mixes.

5. Cloves (Laung)

• Benefits:
  • Natural pain reliever, especially for toothaches.
  • Antiseptic and improves digestion.
• Usage:
  • Used in masalas, rice dishes, teas, and sweets.

6. Cumin (Zeera)

• Benefits:
  • Improves digestion and reduces bloating.
  • Good source of iron.
• Usage:
  • Tempering for dals and curries, spice blends, soups.

7. Coriander Seeds (Dhania)

• Benefits:
  • Aids digestion and detoxifies the body.
  • Helps control blood sugar levels.
• Usage:
  • Ground into powder for curries, chutneys, and marinades.

8. Fennel Seeds (Saunf)

• Benefits:
  • Soothes digestion and reduces acidity.
  • Refreshes breath and has mild estrogenic properties.
• Usage:
  • Eaten raw after meals, used in desserts, teas, and pickles.

9. Fenugreek (Methi)

• Benefits:
  • Helps regulate blood sugar and boost milk production in lactating women.
  • Improves digestion and skin health.
• Usage:
  • Used in spice blends, curries, and pickles.

10. Mustard Seeds (Rai/Sarson)

• Benefits:
  • Boosts metabolism and aids digestion.
  • Rich in selenium and omega-3 fatty acids.
• Usage:
  • Used in tempering for Indian dishes, pickles, and spice pastes.

11. Ginger (Adrak) – Fresh or Dried

• Benefits:
  • Powerful anti-inflammatory, relieves nausea and colds.
  • Supports digestion and blood circulation.
• Usage:
  • Used fresh in curries, teas, soups, and stir-fries. Dried as a spice in baking and herbal remedies.

12. Nutmeg (Jaiphal)

• Benefits:
  • Aids sleep, digestion, and brain function.
  • Has antibacterial and calming properties.
• Usage:
  • Used in desserts, milk, spice blends, and savory stews.

🌿 General Uses of Spices

• Culinary: Enhances flavor, aroma, and color of food.
• Medicinal: Used in Ayurvedic and traditional remedies.
• Cosmetic: Some are used in skincare for their antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties.
• Beverages: Many spices are used in herbal teas and health drinks.