Spices and Herbs

Spices and herbs help preserve and improve the taste of food as they have antiviral and antibacterial properties. Most spices and herbs have more disease-fighting antioxidants than vegetables and fruits. Here are the health benefits of different spices and herbs that you may or may not be using at home. There is always a diversity in spices.

• Turmeric- Turmeric contains a cancer-fighting compound called Curcumin. It can help improve joints and reduce inflammation. Turmeric can be added to soups, sauces, baked foods and egg, and meat dishes. In most of the Indian families it is almost like a tradition to consume turmeric mixed in warm milk especially given to kids as it is high in antibacterial properties. It also helps to heal the injuries faster. Thus a little amount of it is used in almost every dish cooked in the Indian kitchen.
• Thyme - Thyme contains a potent antioxidant called thymol. You can add it to baked dishes. Thyme water or water boiled with thyme can be added to bathwater to treat wounds or used in a homemade spray cleaner. You can also swish thyme water around your mouth to treat gum infections or heal wounds from teeth extraction. Tea made with thyme can also help treat vaginal yeast infection and athlete’s foot. Thyme is a Mediterranean herb with dietary, medicinal, and ornamental uses. The flowers, leaves, and oil of thyme have been used to treat a range of symptoms and complaints like diarrhea, stomach ache, arthritis, and sore throat.
• Garlic- Powdered, granulated and minced garlic improve the flavor of foods. Fresh cloves, however, are the best. According to studies, two fresh cloves of garlic can help prevent cancer. Garlics are again anti-bacterial roots that can help to prevent common cold and cough and is also used for better digestion.
• Basil - Basil has antiviral and anti-inflammatory properties. It can be added to almost anything. You can sprinkle basil on baked vegetables or in soups. Basil is believed to have anti-cancer properties. It can help prevent osteoarthritis and treat digestive disorders. If you want to use dried basil, make sure that it’s freshly dried.
• Cinnamon- Cinnamon contains antioxidant and helps lower blood sugar levels as well as reduce inflammation. It can help burn fat, alleviate nausea and increase insulin sensitivity. Cinnamon also contains calcium, manganese, and iron. It has antimicrobial properties, which can help preserve foods. Cinnamon can be added to desserts, cookies, and muffins. It is also very effective herb when it comes to good skin and hair. It also helps control blood presser when consumed along with honey.
• Oregano- Oregano has antibacterial, antiviral, antibiotic and cancer-fighting properties. It’s a common ingredient in Greek and Italian foods. The leaves and oil of oregano can be used to treat fever, cough, and congestion. You can combine it with basil, thyme, rosemary, garlic, and marjoram to create a potent antibacterial, cancer-fighting, antiviral and antimicrobial seasoning blend.
• Cumin - Cumin has antimicrobial properties. It can help reduce flatulence. Cumin is often used in Spanish and Mexican dishes.
• Arrowroot - Arrowroot is highly digestible and soothing, so it’s often used to treat Irritable Bowel Syndrome. It can be used as the baking ingredient in biscuits that are gluten-free. Arrowroot can be added to dips, baked goods, and soups.
• Dill -Dill contains antibacterial properties and various nutrients. However, dill loses most of its nutrients when it’s heated to high temperatures. As such, it’s best used in foods that are cooked at low temperatures or in uncooked recipes.
• Cayenne - Cayenne helps boost the absorption of nutrients in foods. It also reduces the risk of heart problems and improves blood circulation. Cayenne can be added to almost any dish, sauce, meat or vegetable.

For the best quality NY Spice Shop offers a large selection of spices and herbs such as turmeric, lemongrass, and oregano. They source their spices and herbs from around the world and choose only the best ingredients. NY Spice Shop also offers nuts and seeds, herbal tea, snacks, and dried fruits. Read more about how to spice things up