The way to a man’s heart, our people say, is through his stomach. A phrase often said to underscore the importance of good food in the sustainability of good relationships between couples. This is why women will do everything to spice -up their culinary with essential spices in order to spice-up the relationship.
Spices add colour and aroma to cooking. Such nice foods increase the level of affection and harmony in relationships. But there are more medicinal values that spices add to homes. Spices produces incredible health benefits to homes. Some of these spices like ginger, garlic, turmeric, etc. are actually being used as herbal remedy to mitigate COVID 19 pandemic. Such spices must be handy in the spice cabinet in the kitchen.
Here is a list of some essential spices; their usage and health benefits.
Allspice: Its a berry that has combined flavours of pepper and fruit. Add it to stews, soups, and desserts for depth of flavour.
Health benefits: Rheumatism; Toothache; Muscle aches; Digestive aid
Carom Seed Spice: is a seed similar to Caraway. Use in baked foods for depth of flavor.
Health benefits: Flatulence; Digestive aid; Nausea and vomiting; Anti-spasmodic; Colic
Anise Seed Spice: licorice flavored, flowering plant of the bean family. Use it with honey to make tasty baked foods.
Health Benefits: Indigestion; Sleeplessness; Coughs; Sore throat
Black Onion Spice: Sprinkle on a salad or combine with lemon for a savory sauce.
Health Benefits: Headache; Digestive aid; Flatulence; Toothache; Asthma; Allergies.
Black Pepper Spice: A berry distinctive spicy taste. Add it to nearly any savory meal for some subtle heat.
Health Benefits: Digestive aid; Laxative; Congestion relief
Caraway Seed Spice: Sweet flavor. Used in rye, breads.
Health Benefits: Digestive aid; Flatulence; Colic; Constipation relief; Irritable bowel syndrome; (IBS); Cholesterol reduction; Cramps.
Cardamom Spice: Spicy-sweet taste that works well with cinnamon and honey. Use only a little bit for a lot of flavour.
Health Benefits: Digestive aid; Respiratory conditions; Inflammatory conditions; Flatulence.
Cassia Spice: A member of Pea family. Use it like you would traditional cinnamon.
Health Benefits: Diarrhea; Anti-microbial; Antibacterial; Tonic; Nausea
Red Pepper Spice: Use it to add some kick to your meals.
Health Benefits: Pain relief; Arthritis; Ear infections; Scratching; Weight loss; Cluster headaches.
Celery Seeds Spice: A member of the parsley family. Use in soups and stews to add the celery flavor.
Health Benefits: Pain relief; Arthritis; Diuretic; Kidney tonic; Appetite loss
Chili Pepper Spice: There are numerous varieties of it. Always read the label to determine what type is going into your food. Most have varying degrees of spiciness
Health Benefits: Pain relief; Arthritis and neuropathies; Decongestant; Colds, bronchitis, sinusitis
Cinnamon Spice: It’s softer and sweeter than the Cassia variety. Use it in baked foods or beverages.
Health Benefits: Diabetes; Antibacterial; Diarrhea; Indigestion; Loss of appetite; Intestinal colic
Clove Spice: Sweet with a distinctive smell. Add to baked foods or to savory meats you wish to sweeten.
Health Benefits: Local anaesthetic; Nausea, vomiting; Indigestion; Tooth aches
Coriander Spicer: It is the seed portion of the Coriander plant, from which Cilantro is derived. It has a citrus-like flavor.
Health Benefits: Anti-microbial; Loss of appetite; Digestive aid; Headaches Diuretic; Diarrhea; Muscle spasms
Dill Spice: It’s a spicey herb that can be added fresh to salads or dried to stews and soups.
Health Benefits: Colic; Digestive aid; Mild bowel disorders; Promote milk production.
Fenugreek Spice: It has the taste of maple syrup. Use it in curry to add some sweetness to the meal.
Health Benefits: Loss of appetite; Diabetes; Fever; Lactation stimulant; Tuberculosis
Frankincense Spice: Its a sweet gum. Use it when making breads from rice as a flavorful binder.
Health benefits: Acne; Wounds and scars; Bacterial and fungal infections; Arthritis; Natural insecticide
Galangal Spice: It’s a root that has a taste reminiscent of both pine and citrus.
Health Benefits: Bowel spasms; Nausea; Antioxidant
Garlic Spice: It’s a bulb that can add flavor and potency to any meal.
Health Benefits: Antioxidant; Cancer prevention; High blood pressure; Respiratory conditions; Lower cholesterol
Ginger Spice: It’s a root that has a spicy flavor . Use it in stir-fries or add it to sweet dishes for a little kick.
Health Benefits: Digestive aid; Bowel colic; Carminative; Dyspepsia; Aphrodisiac