Spices, spices, spices! Who doesn’t love a good spice rack? Everyone you know has theirs scattered throughout their kitchen, and the variety constantly changes. And although herbs are common in just about every cuisine and grocery collection, not all have the same beneficial medicinal properties. Spices have become the secret ingredient in everything from cold and flu remedies to beauty products. If you’ve ever been curious about where these spices come from, their origins are as varied as the flavors they impart on food. Let us walk you through the top 8 must-have spices, their culinary perks, and their many medicinal benefits.
- Turmeric
Not only is this orange-hued powder a common addition to Indian curries, but it also has powerful anti-inflammatory properties that have been traditionally used to treat everything from digestive problems to skin conditions like psoriasis. Turmeric is also added to various Indian teas and recipes for its bright golden color. Turmeric’s anti-inflammatory properties make it a great addition to many Asian dishes, but the effects of turmeric can be felt even before you put anything in your mouth.
- Oregano
The taste of Italy and Greece isn’t just about fantastic food; it’s also about the aromatic herbs that make up their dishes. Oregano is the most common herb in Italian and Greek foods. This is because it has lovely anti-bacterial and anti-fungal properties, so when added to food, it not only adds flavor but can also fight off bacteria that may be present in your food. It is thought that the Greeks started using oregano as a medicine when soldiers noticed that wild oregano grew in places with little or no risk of bacterial contamination.
- Peppermint
When you think of peppermint, perhaps you think of that refreshing feeling after eating some ice cream or taking a bite out of a fresh peppermint patty. But did you know that the same herb used to flavor your desserts can also be used to soothe stomach issues? Peppermint is more than just a delicious flavoring present in everything from desserts to toothpaste. It has many medicinal uses as well. When it comes to digestion, peppermint is an excellent choice for so many reasons. Bad breath can make eating an unpleasant experience, but it’s also a symptom of impaired digestion. Peppermint can help with that. It not only freshens your breath but also removes odor-causing bacteria in your mouth and leaves you with a clean feeling that is more than welcome after any meal.
- Cinnamon
Cinnamon is one of the most common spices in the world. It is primarily harvested from a tree in India and Sri Lanka. This spice has been around since ancient times and has been used as a medicinal herb. Cinnamon’s medicinal properties are such that it was thought to ward off evil spirits, keep away insects and eliminate plagues. Its use in cooking has persisted for thousands of years, too. Blood pressure and heart rate are also regulated by cinnamon. Browse the Jamboshop catalog for the best prices on cinnamon.
- Basil
Basil is a spice used in practically every cuisine. Its sweet and woody taste is excellent for basil pesto, as it combines well with garlic and Parmesan cheese. You can also use basil to flavor curry dishes, snacks, or as a dip for vegetables. Basil leaves contain zeaxanthin and lutein, antioxidants linked with eye health, especially macular degeneration. In addition, basil is excellent for improving circulation and is sometimes used to lower cholesterol. Basil can be used in salads, pesto, and soups.
- Garlic
Garlic is the most intense of the onion family, and it has been used in foods as an additive or spice and flavoring throughout recorded history. Garlic’s health benefits are numerous; it can lower blood pressure, lower bad cholesterol and raise good cholesterol. It also has anti-viral and anti-bacterial properties and is said to help ward off heart disease and cancer. Our online grocery store offers numerous organically grown garlic and garlic-infused olive oils. So if you’re interested in getting the benefits of garlic for your family’s health, see our complete selection.
- Black Pepper
Black pepper has been used in foods for hundreds of years for flavoring and medicinal purposes. Today it is known to lower blood pressure and cholesterol levels and prevent high blood sugar levels. In addition, black pepper contains antioxidants such as polyphenols which have been shown to protect against DNA damage and cancer. However, since they are found in much lower quantities than other spices, they are still considered useful in general health.
- Ginger
Ginger is a spice obtained from the root of the ginger plant. It is famously used for flavoring drinks and beverages. It is a spice used in medicine for centuries to treat many diseases, including colds, coughs, and digestion problems. Stomach ulcers can be cured naturally with the help of ginger. It is also used for treating diarrhea. This natural spice also treats muscle pain, menstrual pains, and headaches. Ginger can treat the flu by taking some slices of ginger in hot water with honey. When the juice is extracted from fresh ginger, it has an anti-inflammatory effect on the body, which makes it suitable for treating arthritis, joint pain, and toothaches as well.
The Bottom Line
The spices listed here are not the only ones that may have medicinal and health benefits. There is a long list of other herbs used in different cultures and countries for thousands of years. Our online food store offers you to buy spices online in Nairobi and all over Kenya. Our wide range of natural spices will save you money. All our natural remedies are grown and harvested under strict regulations by licensed farmers and sourced from reputable vendors. Express your personality and enhance the taste of your meals with our great selection of spices. Shop for groceries online with Jamboshop and discover significant savings on our natural health products.