Black Pepper Health Benefits

Black Pepper is very famous spice among many spices and always a pinch of black pepper is added to almost evry type of recipe.Apart from being on table with salt and giving taste to dishes, Black Pepper also offers many health benefits to our body.It has been discovered more than 4,000 years back along the Malabar Coast of south India, now Kerala.It was very costly affair to use Black Pepper in cooking and only rich can afford this.After the Middle Ages, black pepper was exported to Europe, the Middle East, and North Africa from India.

Black pepper comes from the berries of the pepper plant. Black pepper, green pepper and white peppercorns are actually the same fruit (Piper nigrum); the difference in their color is a reflection of varying stages of development and processing methods. 

Black pepper have a strong pungent flavor that comes to them from volatile-oils, such as piperine. In case of ground peppercorns, these volatile oils may disappear because of evaporation of these compounds if kept open in the air for extended periods.Black pepper is an excellent source of manganese and vitamin K, a very good source of copper and dietary fiber, and a good source of iron, chromium, and calcium.

Freshly ground Black Pepper is always preferred on Salads or Soups.Many good Black Pepper Crusher are available in market , some are battery operated or some are wooden.Freshly Ground has all essential components in Black pepper and avoid from evaporation.

Health Benefits of Black Pepper

1.Helps in Digestion

The piperine content of black pepper causes it to be an excellent digestive. It energizes the taste buds to signal the stomach to create more hydrochloric acid. This particular acid is important to digest proteins along with other foods within the stomach.

2.Helps in weight Loss

It encourages sweating and urination and is also a powerful way to eliminate excessive water as well as harmful toxins through the body.Black  pepper is wonderful in helping the appropriate ingestion of food.

3.Helps in relieving Gas

Black pepper is excellent to ease discomfort brought on because of flatulence as well as colicky pain. Including pepper in your meals rather than chili powder may help reduce flatulence.

4.Controls Heart rate and Blood Pressure

Black peppercorns contain a good amount of minerals like potassium, calcium, zinc, manganese, iron, and magnesium. Potassium is an important component of cell and body fluids that helps controlling heart rate and blood pressure.

5.Cancer Protection

This spice also contains Vitamin C, Vitamin A, flavonoids, carotenes and other anti-oxidants that neutralize the harmful free radicals in your body thereby protect you from cancer.

6. Anti-depressant

Black pepper is actually a natural anti-depressant. Piperine contained in black pepper serves as an anti-depressant and energizes the nervous system. As a result of that, the cognitive capacity is improved

7.Antioxidant and antibacterial effects

The anti-bacterial property of black pepper helps you to combat infections as well as insect bites. An antioxidant just like pepper can easily avoid or even repair the damage brought on by the free radicals and therefore assist to avoid cancer, cardiovascular diseases as well as liver problems.

8.Clears Skin

Apart from a great way to help you sweat and release all the toxins from your skin, it acts a great exfoliant.

9.Clears up a stuffy nose

Due to its antibacterial properties, black pepper is an effective natural remedy to cure cough and cold. Additionally, the warm and spicy flavour of this spice helps loosen phlegm and relieves a stuffy nose.

Bay Leaf Health Benefits

Bay leaf , often used in Kitchen has lots of health benefits for diabetes,heart health and many more.Bay leaves are the leaves collected from the shrub. The leaves have been used as spice since ancient times. They are native to India and are widely found. They have spread to other parts of Asia and the Mediterranean region over time.True bay leaf is scientifically known as Laurus nobilis.However, bay leaves have been a part of culinary and medicinal culture for thousands of years, dating back at least to Roman times.

The uses of bay leaves including grinding the leaves into a spice to flavor soups and stews, but the leaves are most commonly added in whole form as a flavoring for certain Italian dishes and Indian Recipes.Although extracts of bay leaves have numerous medical applications for topical application. It is also a popular element of aromatherapy and herbal treatments for various skin and respiratory conditions.

Health Benefits of Bay Leaf

1.Bay leaves have a very strong effect on the gastrointestinal system, both stimulating urination as a diuretic, which decreases the toxicity of the body.

2.Researchers found new ways to traet treat cancer.The extract of Bay leaf may help kill cancer cells by assisting apoptosis, or programmed cell death.

3.The spice contains many notable plants derived compounds, minerals and vitamins that are essential for optimum health.

4.Take 10-15 leaves of fresh, washed briefly and then boiled in 3 cups water until the remaining 1 cup only. Once cool then strain the leaves boiled water and drink well at night. Do it regularly to cholesterol and diabetes speedy recovery.

5.When the essential oil of bay leaves is extracted, it can be mixed into a salve and applied to the chest to help alleviate various respiratory conditions.

6.Linalool is often associated with thyme and basil, but it is also present in bay leaves and can help to lower the level of stress hormones in the body, especially when used in aromatherapy.

7.Bay leaves have been directly connected with improved insulin receptor function and regulated blood sugar levels.

Satety Tip
“bay leaf” is a commonly used term that applies to many different plants around the world;to achieve all of the health benefits listed above you find true bay leaf, derived from the laurel tree, with the scientific name Laurus nobilis.Other varieties can actually be toxic when consumed, so be certain that you’re getting the real thing!

Basil Health Benefits

Basil herb is known as king of herbs.It is one of the ancient and popular herbal plants with many health benefits.It is said as holy herb in many cultures all around the world.Most commonly known as “Tulsi” in India, the basil plant is a leafy herb belonging to the mint family.The leaves of this plant are edible and are used as flavoring agents due to their rich fragrance.From busting stress to clearing your skin, this herb has some serious mind-body benefits.If a kitchen has only a few herbs in its possession , basil will likely be one of them. Its fragrant essence combines well with rosemary and thyme.Basil plants are easy to maintain indoors and out.

List of Indian Spices

Basil / Tulsi has great significance for mankind, not only because of its culinary uses but also due to its medicinal properties.Holy basil leaves have been widely used in Ayurveda since thousands of years. This herb is even mentioned in the “Charaka Samhita”, an ancient Ayurvedic text due to its excellent healing properties.Tulsi leaves considered as great remedy for cough.Throughout history, ancient cultures have used herbal remedies to prevent and treat illness and disease. Basil is just one example of the wide range of medicinal flora historically used in plant-based tinctures, compresses, syrups and ointments.

Basil is either an excellent or very good source of all of these nutrients and vitamins. There are many other nutrients, minerals and vitamins present in basil that are not listed here such as omega-3 fatty acid and vitamin C.

How to preserve Basil Leaves

To dry basil leaves, warm your oven to 140 degrees while placing a single layer of basil leaves on a baking sheet. Turn off the oven and pop in your pan for 20 minutes (you don't want them to actually bake). Remove the pan, cool the leaves, and store immediately in airtight bottles or zip-lock bags, away from sunlight.

Health Benefits of Basil

1.Basil leaves have antiseptic properties and hence, used in the treatment of ulcers, cuts and wounds.

2.The antibacterial nature of basil is linked to its volatile oils (essential oils) such as: estragole, linalool, cineole, eugenol, sabinene, myrcene, and limonene.Essential oil of basil, obtained from its leaves, has demonstrated the ability to inhibit several species of pathogenic bacteria that have become resistant to commonly used antibiotic drugs.

3.Being rich in phytonutrients and healing oil, basil leaves are effective in curing malarial and dengue fevers.

4.Basil leaves form good germicidal and a natural disinfectant that protects the body against all types of viral and bacterial infections.

5.Basil leaves are effective in alleviating coughing and colds. Chewing fresh leaves or drinking a tea of dried basil leaves can calm coughing and relieve cold and flu.

6.Vitamin K in basil is essential for production of clotting factors in the blood and plays a vital role in the bone strengthening and mineralization.

7.Basil leaves are an excellent source of iron. It fresh leaves carry 3.17 mg/100 g (about 26% of RDA) of iron. Iron, being a component of hemoglobin inside the red blood cells, is one of the chief determinants of oxygen-carrying capacity of the blood.

8.Basil also provides vitamin A, which contains  beta-carotenes, powerful antioxidants that protect the cells lining a number of numerous body structures, including the blood vessels, from free radical damage. This helps prevent cholesterol in  blood from oxidizing, helping to prevent atherosclerosis, heart attacks, and stroke.

9.Being rich in vitamin A, basil leaves play an important role in eye health. You can soak a few basil leaves in water and wash your eyes with them every morning and before going to bed to prevent conjunctivitis, swelling, inflammations, boils and other infections.

Asafetida Health benefits

Asafetida, is a dried gum obtained from the tap root of various species of Ferula.Asafetida has a strong pungent smell among all spices, but adds a subtle flavor to dishes when cooked with other spices.Asafetida health benefits can be obtained everyday when used in cooking. It can be mixed with virtually anything like vegetables, pulses, rice, meat, or fish.The pungent smell becomes lighter when added to hot oil. In addition, it holds importance in Jainism and Vaishnavism because Asafoetida adds a smooth flavor to vegetarian dishes that are prepared without using onion and garlic.You will never find a Indian household without this spice. 

Its many names are asafetida,Hing,Perungayam,Devil’s Dung, Food of the Gods, Stinking Gum, Giant Fennel, Yang, Kama-i-anguza, Hingu, Heeng.I always prefer to buy in blocks means whole Hing / Asafetida, as they remain fresh longer and I break it into small pieces, sun dry and store it.Grinding in mixer at home is easy and its smell and flavor remains fresh.

The herb originated in eastern Iran and western Afghanistan. It is chiefly cultivated in Afghanistan, Iran, and high-altitude areas of India and Pakistan. Asafoetida apart from being an important spice in our day to day cooking, occupies an important place in home remedies too. 

Health Benefits of Asafetida

1.Indigestion

Asafoetida is an ancient home remedy for indigestion. Asafoetida is an amazing spice to treat flatulence and expelling wind. Many suffer from gas when they consume lentils. Adding asafoetida in recipes prevents the problem and helps in quick digestion. A small pinch of asafoetida will go a long way and if you add too much, the dish will turn bitter.

2.For Menstrual pain

Asafetida is considered to be helpful for women with menstrual issues like menstrual cramps, irregular periods, and pain. It is also useful in the treatment of Dysmenorrhoea.

3.Cough and Cold

Asafetida is one of the oldest remedies which have been used in India for treating respiratory tract infections and cough. It is very useful to relieve chest congestion and release of the phlegm. Its powder can be mixed with honey and ginger to get relief from cough.

4.For Young Babies

For young babies, it is not advisable to give asafoetida internally. Even for toddlers, they will refuse to drink it as it has a very strong pungent smell. For treating young babies, we make a paste out of asafoetida and water and apply on the babies stomach. To know whether your baby is suffering from gas, touch their tummy, if it is tight and bloated than they are suffering from gas. Just apply asafoetida and they will be better in no time. 

5.Alleviates Toothaches

Due to its anti-inflammatory, antibacterial and antioxidant properties, asafetida helps alleviate tooth pain and fight infection. It can also help treat bleeding gums and dental caries.Simply place a very small piece of asafetida on the aching tooth to get quick relief from a toothache.

6.Eases Ear Aches

The anti-inflammatory and antibiotic properties of asafetida can help relieve an ear ache caused by an infection.Putting small piece of asafetida into boiling water, melts it.Use  2-3 drops of tis solution when it is lukewarm into the ear.

7.Soothes Headaches

Whether you have a headache due to a common cold or a migraine, asafetida can surely solve your problem. Due to its anti-inflammatory properties, asafetida can help reduce inflammation of the blood vessels in the head, which in turn will reduce headaches.

8.Cures Respiratory Disorders

Due to its anti inflammatory, antiviral and antibiotic effects, asafetida is often used to treat respiratory problems like asthma, bronchitis, dry cough, whooping cough and colds. Plus, it acts as a respiratory stimulant, which is very useful in relieving chest congestion and releasing phlegm.

Safety

Asafoetida can cause nausea and vomiting in some individuals. In addition, excessive intake of this herb can give rise to throat irritation, burping, swollen lips, stomach gas and diarrhea.

Aniseed Health Benefits

Throughout history, people have used Aniseed to treat a variety of ailments, a herb that relieves gas pains and bloating.Aniseed, also called Anise is the fruit or seed from the flowering plant, Pimpinella anisum. Aniseed is native to the eastern Mediterranean region and has been highly valued since ancient times. Sweet and very aromatic, anise can be used in tea, or in baking and cooking, the taste compliments cookies, cakes, and pasta dishes. Aniseed gives the Greek liqueur ouzo it's distinctive licorice taste.

In India,Saunf, anise, anis, anise seed from Spice List, the seeds are often chewed after a meal, both as a digestive and to sweeten the breath.There is only a slight difference between anise seed and fennel seed. Anise seed cums from star anise, fennel comes from fennel, they are totally different.Fennel seed is slightly sweeter and milder.Aniseed is Chote badishep and Aniseeds have a wide range of purposes. Not only is the aniseed spice a vital ingredient for various kinds of recipes but it has relevance in the bakery and confectioneries. Aniseed has numerous purported medicinal properties, mainly as a digestive aid.Anise oil has also been used in treating flatulence and colic in children.The Aniseed used in the form of seeds and essential oil.

Recipe for Anise Tea

Anise “tea” – which can be made from steeping anise leaves in boiling water for about 5-6 minutes, straining out the leaves and adding honey to taste – may be effective for digestion, sore throat and cough.

Health Benefits of Aniseed

1.The seeds have also been used to reduce flatulence, cure sleeplessness, aid nursing mothers with the production of milk and to stimulate appetite. 

2.A paste made from the seeds may be applied to the forehead, neck or temples to relieve headaches and migraines. A similar paste can be used to treat lice and scabies.

3.Exotic anise spice contains some of the important plants derived chemical compounds that are known to have been anti-oxidant, disease preventing, and health promoting properties.

4.Anise seed oil obtained from extraction of the seeds is found application in many traditional medicines as stomachic, anti-septic, anti-spasmodic, carminative, digestive, expectorant, stimulant and tonic. 

5.Anise has aphrodisiac properties that can increase libido. Drinking one glass of water infused with the crushed seeds each night can increase one's sex drive.

6.Gargling with a tea made of the seeds can also provide relief for sore throat, laryngitis or pharyngitis.

7.The spicy seeds are the great source of minerals like calcium, iron, copper, potassium, manganese, zinc and magnesium.

Safety Note

While the seed has many benefits, high doses of the essential oil are toxic due to its narcotic properties.Anise is safe to use in small doses, but ingesting large amounts of the seed can cause convulsions, narcosis, circulatory problems and coma. 

Coconut Water Benefits

Coconut Water is a very refreshing drink to beat tropical summer thirst.Coconut water is the liquid in the cavity of the coconut.Coconut water is considered as an alternative to water for dehydrating properties because it contains high doses of vitamins and minerals,low in calories and low in fat.In recent years, coconut water has been marketed as a natural energy or sports drink.

One coconut tree can yield 150-200 coconuts in one season.These trees grown around coastal region and the coconut tree also called “Tree of Life” as it has phenomenal healing properties.Tender coconuts are one of the richest sources of electrolytes, chlorides, potassium and magnesium, with some amount of sugar, sodium and protein as per source said in Wikipedia and WebMD. The potassium content benefits blood pressure and heart function. Coconut Water is also found to have dietary fiber, manganese, calcium, riboflavin and vitamin C.

Coconut Water is readily available in cans or bottles from many grocery stores or online retailers.There are many companies which has made available coconut water in all regions of world like Vita Coco, Biona, Harmless Harvest and many more.They use 100% natural coconut water.

This water is now popular all over the world for its refreshing taste along with Healthy Benefits.

Health Benefits of Coconut Water

1.Coconut water's rehydrating properties help to gain lost vitamins and minerals during physical activities.

2.It helps in Weight loss.Coconut water has absolutely no cholesterol and also boosts your metabolism.

3.It contains natural sugar, so there is no added sugar and helps in lowers blood sugar level for diabetic patients.

4.It has significant anti-ageing properties which helps to minimize skin aging, balances PH levels and keeps the connective tissue hydrated and strong.Coconut water is applied to affected skin areas with acne, spots, wrinkles, stretch marks, cellulite and eczema.

5.Coconut Water makes a wonderful energy drink because of abundant contents of vitamins,minerals and other nutrients.Coconut water has less sugar and sodium content compared to other sports drinks.

6.Coconut Water contains Lauric acid which helps fight against intestinal worms,parasites, lipid-coated viruses and other gastrointestinal tract infections in children and adults.For constipation, diarrhea and other common digestive problems drink one cup of Coconut Water twice daily. 

7.Coconut water keeps you hydrated, which increases your body’s metabolism and even increases sweating. Sweating keeps your body cool and helps in regulating the body temperature.

8.Coconut water is generally recommended during pregnancy as it helps in constipation, heart burn and slow digestion. It has has anti-fungal, anti-bacterial and anti-viral properties, which boost the body’s immune system.

9.Tender coconut water is very beneficial to a person with kidney stones due to its minerals, potassium and magnesium content. 

10. Individuals with high blood pressure usually have low potassium levels. Therefore, drinking coconut water on a regular basis can be quite effective at regulating blood pressure.

Coconut water can be considered as a healthy alternative to soft drinks to beat the summer heat! 

Nutmeg Health Benefits

Nutmeg has a warm, spicy sweet flavor among all spices . This hard brown seed has lots of Health Benefits.It has been said that in England, several hundred years ago, a few nutmeg nuts could be sold for enough money to enable financial independence for life. The first harvest of nutmeg trees takes place 7-9 years after planting, and the trees reach their full potential after 20 years. The History of Nutmeg can be found at Wikipedia and AsianHistory .

Nutmeg is considered as Sedative, stimulant, relaxant, anti inflammatory, antiseptic. Nutmeg contains trimyristin, myristicin, elemicin, eugenol and safrole as the major volatile oils.Nutmeg is very rich in copper, manganese and also contains good amounts of folates, thiamine, pyridoxine, calcium, iron, magnesium, phosphorus and zinc.It is rich in potassium and low in sodium.

Safety Rules - Nutmeg should be used in moderation—a pinch or two is considered safe.However, large doses can trigger an acute psychiatric disorder.Pregnant women and nursing mothers should avoid the use of nutmeg.

Nutmeg Health Benefits

1.Good For Acne

If you suffer from acne or have acne scars, try mixing a little with water or honey into a paste.  Apply it to the skin like a mask or use like a scrub and your skin will benefit.

Nutmeg has ant-inflammatory components that will help reduce the redness and puffiness associated with pimples. It will help remove blackheads, make scars less noticeable and make your skin smoother.

2.Liver And Kidney Detox

Detoxification is an important factor of good health.Pollution, Diet,stress, tobacco, medication and other external substances can lead to the build-up of toxins in your organs. 

As a tonic, nutmeg can clean your liver and kidney and remove toxins. If you are suffering from a liver disease then nutmeg can be beneficial.  The liver and kidney are two of the organs where this toxic build-up usually develops.

3.Brain Tonic

Nutmeg can effectively stimulate your brain, Roman and Greek civilizations used nutmeg as a type of brain tonic. If you are suffering from anxiety or depression, fatigue and stress , nutmeg may also be a good remedy. 

Nutmeg can also improve your concentration so you can become more efficient and focused at work or at school.

4.Indigestion Relief

Digestion-related problems like diarrhea, constipation, bloating, flatulence and so on, nutmeg can effectively provides relief. Nutmeg oil relieves stomachaches by removing the excess gas from your intestines. Nutmeg can also boost your appetite.

5.Pain Relief

This spice is also a mild sedative, anti-anxiety and pain-relieving benefits by virtue of its constituent compounds myristicin and elemicin.The Ancient Chinese used the spice to treat inflammation and abdominal pain. 

Use nutmeg if you are suffering from aching joints, muscle pain, arthritis, sores and other ailments. To relieve the pain, apply nutmeg oil to the affected areas.

How to Use Nutmeg for simple cures

1.To relieve diarrhea, drink a filtered mix of 1/4th teaspoon of ground nutmeg, 1 teaspoon of ground coffee in one cup of water.

2.To promote sleep, drink one cup of milk boiled with 1/4th teaspoon of ground nutmeg.

3.Nutmeg can help clear up congestion due to colds, this is the reason why it is used in many cough syrups.

4.Nutmeg oil helps in removing bad breath. It is also antiseptic in nature and is effective for toothaches and aching gums.

5.To soothe eczema , make a nutmeg paste by grinding nutmeg seeds with water and smear the paste over the scaly patches.

Personally, I always prefer Whole Nutmeg instead Ground Nutmeg.But sometimes, Ground nutmeg is very handy in urgent times.If we have Ground Nutmeg for large amount , it will lose its oil and flavor.So, I always use Nutmeg Grinder.It is very handy and we can grate nutmeg fresh to have its flavor and freshness.

Cinnamon Helps Weight Loss

Cinnamon is delicious and rich flavor spice , always sprinkled on coffee or sweets to have that delicious smell.Its smell can enhance our brain function.There are lots of health benefits of Cinnamon for us and most useful is for weight-loss.

Weight loss is one of the most popular topics in modern days.While there is no magic bullet or overnight cure, there are some foods, herbs and spices that can help assist you in your weight loss journey.One of these weight loss aids is Cinnamon.

In these recent times, it has been popularly used as weight loss remedy.It is used as a home remedy for many ailments that helps to boost both the physical and mental well-being especially aids for weight loss.

Cinnamon helps to lose the fat in your body especially the belly fat. It contains 5 times more anti-oxidants that help to lose weight and fat in the body than blueberries or pomegranate juice. It also increases insulin sensitivity that controls blood sugar to produce less insulin that makes your body not to pack it as fat. You can use this cinnamon to burn fat daily in your meals that helps to control your appetite and craving throughout the day and lose the body fat.'Natural Cinnamon and Honey' by Patricia Gardner is best book to read on Cinnamon and its benefits.

• It helps to burn fats and also prevents it further accumulation of fats in the body.
• It increases metabolism process to burn extra calories.
• It reduces cholesterol level and maintains body weight.
• It regulates the blood sugar levels by increasing the insulin action.
• It contains rich amounts of polyphenols that promotes weight loss in the body.
• It suppresses the appetite and makes you feel full even if you eat less food also.

Precautions while taking Cinnamon

According to US National Health Service, it claims that one should not take more than one teaspoon (5g) of cinnamon per day for 6 weeks or for lesser period of time. You can take it for about 5 days with a 2 days rest in a week and then repeat the cycle. 

Ceylon Cinnamon has little level of coumarin as that of cassia cinnamon.Ceylon Cinnamon is treated as true cinnamon.

How to Use Cinnamon for Weight loss

1.Cinnamon with Water

Take 1/2  tsp of cinnamon powder and add it to a cup of warm water.Consume this on daily basis.

2.Cinnamon with Honey in Water

Put 1 cup of water to boil and put 2 stick of Cinnamon ,let it boil for few seconds and cool the water.Once cool,strain water and add 1 tbsp of Honey and mix it well.Consume this to lose weight and regular intake of this water early in the morning and before going to bed will be more beneficial for weight loss.

3.Cinnamon in Banana and Oats Smoothie

Take a banana, a teaspoon of cinnamon powder, 1/4 cup of raw oats, 1/2 cup of skimmed milk,1 cup of plain yogurt and 2 tbsp brown sugar or Honey.Blend all of them to make smoothie.Sprinkle Cinnamon powder on top of this.

4.Cinnamon Tea

 In a cup, place 2 small sticks of cinnamon and put boiling water on that.Allow it to steep for 5 minutes and strain it into other cup.Drink this cinnamon Tea for Weight Loss.

5.Cinnamon with Apple and Water

Peel and cur apple pieces and mash them using pestle and mortar.Collect the juice of apple (If needed,strain through fine cloth.)Add this apple juice to the jug full of clear drinking chilled water.Slice some Apples with skin on, and put it into Jug.Add 1 tsp cinnamon powder and mix it well.Squeeze lemon juice also and drink this refreshing Apple juice with Cinnamon flavored drink.

Other common ways to add Cinnamon into diet

• Sprinkle a teaspoon on your oatmeal or breakfast cereal
• Mix cinnamon and honey into hot water to make a tea-like concoction
• Add to your regular tea or coffee
• Mix into butters, yogurt or cheese spreads to enhance flavor
• Add into fruit juices or ciders
• Mix into a protein shake
• Take a cinnamon capsule

Cinnamon With Health Benefits

Cinnamon is one of the delicious spice having very rich flavor and good medicinal properties.A well-used spice from Spice List in Indian Ayurveda medicine, recent research confirm its healing properties.Cinnamon is rich in manganese, iron, calcium and fiber. 

It has been used since medieval times to cure diarrhea, indigestion and bloating.The very famous use of cinnamon with Honey in a hot water , can make your weight loss.I am addicted to Cinnamon flavored coffee a lot.

Cinnamon is a spice that is made from the inner bark of trees called Cinnamomum. Cinnamon is made by cutting the stems of the cinnamomum tree. The inner bark is then extracted and the woody parts removed from it.When it dries, it forms strips that curl into rolls, called cinnamon sticks. The sticks can be ground to form cinnamon powder.There are two types of Cinnamon , Ceylon cinnamon and Cassia cinnamon.

Health Benefits of Cinnamon

• Antioxidants protect the body from oxidation damage caused by free radicals.Cinnamon is loaded with powerful Antioxidants like polyphenols.

• Cinnamon has Anti-inflammatory Properties because some studies show that the antioxidants in it have potent anti-inflammatory activity.

• Calcium and fiber improves colon health and it decreases levels of cholesterol.Thus reducing chances of Heart disease.

• Cinnamon used in Type 2 diabetes patients to control Blood sugar level.Cinnamon can reduce insulin resistance and cinnamon can lower blood sugar levels.

• Cinnamon is used in Neuro-degenerative Diseases like Alzheimer's disease and Parkinson's disease.It consists of compounds which helps buildup protein in brain and protect neurons and normalizing brain functions.

• Cinnamon's Scent Boosts Brain Function.Just half a teaspoon added to cakes, biscuits or puddings fills the kitchen with an intoxicating scent guaranteed to stimulate the appetite and raise the spirits.

• Cinnamon has been used in cancer prevention and treatment.It reduces the growth of cancer cells and the formation of blood vessels in tumors,causing cell death.

• Cinnamon oil has been shown to effective in treating Bacterial and Fungal Infections. Cinnamaldehyde, the main active component of cinnamon, may help fight various kinds of infection.

Tip -Just make sure to get Ceylon Cinnamon (true cinnamon), or stick to small doses (no more than 0.5-2 teaspoons a day) if you’re using the Cassia variety.

List of Indian Spices

Spice up your taste buds with healthy spices in your diet!
 

India is well known for wide variety of spices. In ancient times, other countries trade with India for spices. The merchants of spices were among the most popular traders in the ancient times. Spices come with a number of benefits other than making great dishes at the end of the day. Spices not only just excite your taste buds but are composed of an impressive list of phyto-nutrients, essential oils, antioxidants, minerals and vitamins that are essential for overall wellness.

Spices have been integral part of our food since centuries, and today, even become more relevant for us. Thanks to the Arab and European explorers, who spread them in rest of the world.

These spices not only add taste to your food but they possess immense health benefits. There are many spices that are curative and have disease prevention properties. These medicinal properties of spices have been studied in Ayurveda, the Indian Medicinal system that exists from Vedic times.

List of Indian Spices and Their Hindi Names

English Name	Hindi Name
Aniseed	Saunf
Asofatida	Hing
Basil	Tulsi
Bayleaf	Tej Patta
Black Pepper	Kali Mirch
Black Salt	Kala Namak
Caraway seeds	Shah Jeera
Cardamom	Elaichi
Carom Seeds	Ajwain
Chillies	Mirchi
Cinnamon	Dalcini
Cloves	Laung
Coriander Seeds	Dhania
Cumin Seeds	Jeera
Curry Leaves	Kadi Patta
Dry Fenugreek Leaves	Kasuri Methi
Dry Mango powder	Aamchur
Dry Ginger	Saunth
Dried Pumpkin Seeds	Magaz
Dill seeds	Sowa
Fennel Seeds	Saunf
Fenugreek	Methi
Garlic	Lehsun
Ginger	Adrak
Ginger powder	Adrak powder
Jaggery	Gur
Kokam	Bhirinda
Mace	Javitri
Mint	Pudina
Mustard seeds	Rai
Nutmeg	Jayphal
Peanuts	Mungphali
Pine nuts	Chilgoze
Pomegranate seeds	Anar Dana
Poppy seeds	Khas Khas
Raisins	Kismish
Red chili	Lal mirch
Rock salt	Sandha namak
Salt	Namak
Saffron	Kesar
Sesame Seeds	Til
Star Anise	Chakriful
Tamarind	Imli
Turmeric	Haldi



5 Soothing Tub Soaks

I loved bubble bath in my Canada stay and my kids just wanted it all the time. But slowly I came to know these chemical added bubble bath is not good for our body and skin making it so much dry. Then I moved on and found other ways to enjoy bath in tub with natural ingredients.

 

Who doesn't like to have spa in our own home , add some natural ingredients and enjoy their benefits for beatifying purpose and soothing effects.Straight from nature. No synthetic chemicals applied.

Here are 5 Simple and Soothing Tub Soaks for Home Spa
 

1.Sea Salt Bath

 

Dissolve Epsom salt/sea salts/Himalayan crystal salt and baking soda in hot water in a quart size jar and set aside. Fill tub with warm/hot water .Pour salt mixture in and soak until the water is cool to soothe itching.

 

Scientists have proven that your body actually soaks UP the magnesium in Epsom salts when you bathe in it. So taking a bath in them is akin to getting a good dose of magnesium.

2.Milk and Honey Bath

 

This kind of bath is very popular in Egyptians. The lactic acid in milk is very exfoliating, and honey is softening, moisturizing, and all-around beautifying. Pour 1-2 cups of milk and 1/2 cups honey in warm water. Soak yourself in milky way to enjoy benefits of milk and honey.

 

3.Oatmeal Bath

 

One cup uncooked oatmeal tied into an old stocking or muslin bag. Place it in your warm bath, with you, and squeeze it softly every so often to release the oatmeal “water.” Before leaving the bathtub, scrub your entire body lightly with the sock. Oatmeal contains unique antioxidants that soothe skin, plus they leave a protective coating on your skin that seals in moisture. Oatmeal is also great for acne skin, oily skin, and aging skin.

4.Essential Oil Bath

Bathing with essential oils must be one of the most relaxing ways to attend to your ablutions, and adding soft candlelight to soothe your frayed nerves at the end of a busy day, is a great way to unwind.

 

Add 7-8 drops of essential oil to carrier oil like Olive oil or Coconut oil or shampoo and them dilute with bath water. It helps for sensitive skin and avoid any rashes. You can use Chamomile, Lavender, Tea Tree and many more essential oils.

5.Lemon Squeeze Bath

Squeeze 5-6 drops of lemon into your running bath. Soak & relax. Lemon baths are especially refreshing in hot weather.  The healing agents in lemons will refresh & revive tired skin.  Lemons will also cool the skin, and help tighten large pores.