Health Preserving Herbs  Herbs form an important part of our diet.Most are used to garnish food,or are mixed with the gravy to make it more tasty and nutritious.Several are also used in medicine,cosmetics and perfumes.Herbs are useful in gourmet cooking and also in protecting us from infectious diseases.Although herbal remedies give relief to minor ailments,without harmful side-effects,they are in no way an alternative to professional medical treatment,and in emergencies.A few herbs,found in every Indian home,and their curative properties are mentioned here: | Asafoetida:Commonly known as hing,in our country,is good for flatulence,whooping cough or asthma,when mixed with water or honey and consumed.It is powdered and mixed with ghee and rice and served to women after childbirth.It helps in relieving toothache. | | Bael Fruit:This fruit is cooling and a laxative.The unripe fruit helps in digestion and in the prevention of scurvy.A bael drink also helps in the cure of peptic ulcers. | | Betel leaves:The ordinary paan leaves have strong antiseptic properties.In many households,the betel leaf is warmed over fire,after soaking in mustard oil and put on the chest to relieve colds and chest congestion.It is also crushed and applied on a wound as a poultice.Paan is however mostly used as a mouth freshener. | | Thyme(Ajwain):It is used in the treatment of dysentry,colic,indigestion and dyspepsia.Inhaling the vapours,gives relief for a cold or migraine. | | Caraway Seeds(Shah Jeera):Drinking water in which caraway seeds(shah jeera) has been added,and boiled for 10 mins helps in removing flatulence,stomach worms and bad breath. | | Cardamom,cloves and cinnamon:These are very good mouth fresheners.Cloves are specially good for relieving toothache. | | Coriander:It helps in removing phlegm from bronchial tubes.It strengthens the stomach and helps in getting comfort from flatulence.When coriander seeds are boiled in water and the mixture consumed,cholesterol is lowered. | | Cumin Seeds:Drinking water in which cumin seeds have been added is very good for flatulence,dyspepsia,diarrhoea and cold.Cumin seed water mixed with 2 tsps of honey,helps to get rid of amnesia. | | Fenugreek(methi) seeds:Helps in colic,dysentry,flatulence and diabetes.Diabetics can find relief by taking 2 tsps of fenugreek seeds soaked in water first thing in the morning.Applying a paste of fenugreek seeds over the scalp helps cure dandruff. | | Curry leaves:Apart from adding flavour to dishes,these are very effective in the treatment of diarrhoea and indigestion. | | Garlic:Garlic is a wonder herb.It is used in the treatment of asthma, cough and reduces heart disease.It reduces blood pressure.The juice of garlic helps in curing whooping cough. | | Nutmeg:Nutmeg not only adds flavour to our cakes and curries,but also has certain therapeutic properties.It helps in rheumatism,when a paste made of nutmeg and til oil is applied on the affected area. | | Ginger:Ginger is the most widely used herb in Indian foods.The addition of ginger in foods is believed to help in digestion of food,flatulence and indigestion caused by eating non-vegetarian food.A decoction made from water and ginger helps in getting relief from cold.The juice of ginger mixed with honey relieves cough. | | Onion:Onions help in fighting colds.The juice of onion, mixed with honey,assists in healing colds,coughs,bronchitis and anaemia.For strong teeth,chew a raw onion. | | Parsley:It helps in purifying blood and easing flatulence.It also lowers blood cholesterol and is helping for high blood pressure. | | Tamarind:Being rich in vitamin C,it helps in getting relief from cold.A thin broth of tamarind pulp and pepper,boiled together,strained and runk hot,helps in colds,coughs and clearing nasal blockage. | | Pepper:Pepper cures flatulence and improves the condition of the stomach,when it is consumed with a little cumin seeds powder,mixed in a glass of buttermilk.Fry pepper powder in til oil and apply on the affected joints to get relief from rheumatism.Pepper and salt mixed together and rubbed on the gums and teeth help in keeping these strong and healthy. | | Fennel(saunf):Fennel helps in preventing bad breath,constipation and flatulence.A decoction of fennel and water helps in relieving colic in babies.It also aids in regulating menstrual irregularities. | | Turmeric:Turmeric or haldi is one of the most popular herbs that has innumerable medicinal properties.It is an antiseptic,which drunk after mixing in buttermilk,helps in relieving minor intestinal problem,including flatulence.Turmeric and honey together increases iron in blood.Asthma sufferers get relief by drinking a glass of milk in which a tsp of haldi has been mixed. | | Sandalwood:Sandalwood is found in all Indian homes.During summer,rubbing sandalwood paste all over the body,keeps the skin cool and free of prickly heat. | | Basil(Tulsi):Tulsi too has medicinal values.Chewing tulsi leaves helps in strengthening the nervous system and increasing memory powers.It helps in controlling and lowering blood cholesterol.It also helps in the prevention of stress,removes bad breath,and keeps teeth strong and healthy.Crush the leaves of the black tulsi and apply it on the forehead to lessen headaches. | There are several more herbs that help us in maintaining good health,naturally,without any harmful side effects.Here,only a list of common herbs found in our homes has been given.For any minor ailment,these herbs can be consumed to give immediate relief.But for major health problems,a regular medical practitioner's help is required. |
