The medicinal properties of plants have been well understood, and used to varying degrees of success by cultures across the globe.
The most famous of these ancient remedies is Ayurveda, which originated in Vedic India, and persists even to this day. Plants owe their medicinal properties to their natural ability to synthesise numerous chemical compounds, which protect them from herbivores, insects, and fungi. Contrary to popular belief, even the most sophisticated modern medicines rely on plants to an astounding degree. This isn't quite as eating a root or tuber, but rather deriving chemical extracts synthesised in plants. In fact, 40% of all medicines commercially available today are of biogenic origin, out of which 25% are derived from plants. It is safe to say that most plants, with their untold potential to enhance the quality of human life are God sent and spices, which are a staple of Indian cuisine! Here are some of the medicinal properties of popular Indian spices:
Turmeric
Also known as haldi, turmeric is a member of the ginger family, and has a bright yellow hue. It is used topically for skin aliments like inflammation, infected wounds, and ringworm. It is highly effective in the treatment of arthritis, heartburn, and stomach infections like diarrhoea, intestinal gas, stomach bloating, and loss of appetite. It also helps in minimising liver damage caused by consuming excessive amounts of alcohol and the overuse of pain-killers. The most effective way to relieve the symptoms of cough and cold is a warm glass of turmeric mixed with milk. Turmeric is also believed to have anti-carcinogenic properties, making it effective in preventing cancer.
Black Pepper
This story is from the October 2018 edition of STAYFIT.
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This story is from the October 2018 edition of STAYFIT.
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