Take Ah Neh Spices to combat Flu

Top Indian Spices

* Cinnamon bark rolled into sticks (quills), or by crushing it into powder used as a condiment in making food and various drinks, but it is believed to be beneficial for our health. In China, cinnamon has been used for long time to treat various illnesses, such as diarrhea, menstrual pains, nausea, the common cold, and flatulence. Furthermore, cinnamon is thought to contain properties that boost strength, circulation, and stamina in humans. Interestingly, it is especially beneficial for those who suffer from cold feet. Indian traditional medicine also employs cinnamon to treat indigestion, colds and diabetes.

Scientific research has shown the existence of a possible link between cinnamon and better levels of blood sugar. In a study made public in 2003, it was shown that people suffering from diabetes who consumed cinnamon pills every day reduced their cholesterol, blood glucose and triglycerides levels considerably.

* Caraway (seed) - Carum carvi (Umbelliferae)
One of the oldest spices, and historically known as a cure-all, caraway contains the volatile oil limonene. Caraway boosts the immune system and soothes irritated skin. When combined with olive oil caraway relieves bronchitis, colds, toothache, eye infections, sore throat, and cancer. Caraway seeds freshen the breath, and caraway oil stimulates milk production in lactating mothers. Caraway has antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties.

* Cardamom (pods) - Elletaria cardamomum (Zingiberaceae)
Cardamom is called "the Queen of all spices" and contains the antioxidant cineole. Cardamom is another spice regarded as a cure-all. Cardamom detoxifies the liver, strengthens the immune system and calms the nerves. Cardamom is used to fight kidney and stomach cancer, and also to treat digestive problems, asthma, and urinary tract infections. Cardamom seeds freshen the breath.

* Clove - Eugenia caryophyllus (Myrtaceae)
Clove contains the volatile oil eugenol, an antioxidant that is commonly used as a topical pain reliever for toothaches. Also used as a sore throat spray, to treat joint pain, and to reduce skin inflammation, clove even helps fight stomach cancer. Clove has antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties.

* Fennel (seed) - Foeniculum vulgare (Umbelliferae)
Fennel seeds contain several important antioxidants including anethole, kaempferol, quercetin, and rutin. Fennel also contains fiber, folate, potassium and vitamin C. Fennel strengthens the immune system, helps treat colon cancer, and reduces blood pressure. Fennel helps combat the toxic effect of food additives. Fennel has antimicrobial, antibacterial, and anti-tumor properties.

* Turmeric (root) - Curcuma longa (Zingiberaceae)
Turmeric, also known as curcumin contains curcuma, the pigment providing the bright yellow/orange color and antioxidant. A natural pain killer, turmeric detoxifies the liver, treats arthritis, reduces nervous tension and fights depression. Also used for psoriasis, turmeric boosts metabolic function and reduces body fat. Turmeric is used to treat leukemia, multiple sclerosis, melanoma and Alzheimer's disease. When turmeric is combined with cauliflower it is believed to help prevent cancers of the pancreas, prostate, liver and lungs. Turmeric has antiseptic, antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties.

These top spices are used to prepare Indian Curry.