For centuries now, herbs and spices have been used for both culinary and medicinal properties. Existing research evidence highlights that beyond adding flavours and seasoning to the food, they also offer anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, anticarcinogenic, and antitumorigenic properties. These spices and herbs are a great source of ample physiological and pharmacological benefits, regulating optimal bodily functions and overall enhanced health.

In this blog, we bring you a host of ancient herbs and spices that offer multiple health benefits and are used for the treatment of various ailments. Here are our top 6 herbs and spices with their science-backed properties and health benefits.

Top 6 Herbs and Spices That Offer Multiple Health Benefits

Ashwagandha

Also known as ‘Indian Ginseng’ and ‘Winter Cherry’, ashwagandha is a traditional spice used as medicinal remedy. The word ‘ashwagandha’ comes from Sanskrit, wherein Ashva means horse and Gandha means smell. Traditionally, it is believed to offer the strength and stamina of a horse. It has been used to nourish the nervous system and enhance reproductive health. Here are some of the health benefits of ashwagandha.

1. Research shows that ashwagandha reduces cortisol levels in the body and helps manage stress effectively.

2. Ashwagandha is an adaptogen that lowers anxiety levels and helps with sleep and anxiety disorders.

3. Ashwagandha enhances memory and cognitive function to offer an overall healthy nervous system

4. Studies show that ashwagandha improves male fertility by improving semen quality and managing testosterone levels.

5. Ashwagandha enhances muscle growth, muscle strength and recovery.

6. Ashwagandha is anti-inflammatory in nature, that wards off diseases and boosts immune system. It is also helpful in curing painful ailments like arthritis.

Cinnamon

Cinnamon is a spice obtained from the inner bark of the Cinnamomum tree species. It contains 1% essential oil with active compounds like cinnamaldehyde, cineole, and eugenol that contributes to its unique flavour. Cinnamon also possesses important chemical constituents like cinnamic acid and cinnamate that are antidiabetic, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-microbial in nature. Here are some of the major health benefits of cinnamon.

1. Regarded as antipyretic, cinnamon helps reduce body temperature and cure fever.

2. Cinnamon is antiseptic and fungicidal in nature and helps destroy unwanted bacteria and fungi growth in the body.

3. Cinnamon holds stomachic properties that aid digestion and circulation. It is best consumed with ginger to enhance the digestive system.

4. Cinnamon is also a stimulant that helps stay active.

5. It helps overcome headaches and infections

6. Cinnamon has been used traditionally as a folk remedy for tumors and indurations.

Guggul

Guggul is the sap or gum resin obtained from various plants. It contains an amalgamation of potent plant compounds like carbohydrates, flavonoids, essential oils, amino acids, and steroids. Guggul has been used for centuries to treat various health conditions like brain and heart abnormalities, obesity, arthritis, thyroid, diabetes, and other inflammatory and respiratory conditions. Here are some of the health benefits of guggul.

1. Guggul exhibits anti-obesity and cardioprotective activities that help maintain cardiovascular health with healthy weight management.

2. Its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties make it a great medicinal herb for skin health and warding off skin diseases like psoriasis and eczema. It also helps prevent bone diseases like arthritis and osteoarthritis and alleviates pain.

3. Guggul is a popular treatment for abnormally high triglyceride and cholesterol levels (hyperlipidemia) and helps maintain optimal cardiovascular health.

4. Guggul is an antidiabetic plant that possesses high potential to reduce complications of type 2 diabetes and manage metabolic disturbances.

5. Regular intake of guggul helps improve iodine uptake in the body, thereby improving thyroid gland function and avoiding hypothyroidism.

Shallaki

Scientifically known as Boswellia serrata, shallaki is an extract from the Boswellia serrata tree. For centuries, its resin has been used in Asian and African traditional medicine to treat several chronic health conditions and inflammatory diseases. Research shows that boswellic acid prevents the formation of leukotrienes, a certain type of molecules that cause inflammation. Its anti-inflammatory nature prevents the symptoms of asthma and other arthritic conditions. Here are its major health benefits.

1. Boswellia serrata or shallaki improves blood circulation in the joints and reduces swelling. It helps relieve the symptoms of arthritis, osteoarthritis, and rheumatoid arthritis.

2. Shallaki offers healing benefits for liver and gut ailments.

3. Shallaki is widely popular for its cardiovascular benefits to enhance heart health and reduce heart-related conditions.

4. It helps ease the airway passage and offers enhanced respiratory health.

5. Shallaki promotes immune system and provides relief from various conditions and disorders.

Giloy

Giloy is an essential herb that belongs to the Menispermaceae botanical family. Also known as ‘guduchi’ and ‘amrita’, giloy has been used since ancient times to treat a wide range of ailments. Its active compounds like alkaloids, lignans, steroids, and terpenoids support and maintain general wellness. Giloy possesses anti-toxin, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antiviral, anti-stressor, and immunity boosting properties. Here are the health benefits of giloy.

1. Giloy’s anti-inflammatory and anti-arthritic properties help reduce joint pain and joint-related diseases.

2. Giloy helps ease inflammation and improve respiratory health to offer comfortable breathing.

3. Giloy prevents oxidative stress and cell damage to reduce wrinkles, allergies, fine lines, and signs of ageing. It improves blood circulation to offer natural radiance to the skin.

4. Giloy has been used as a herbal remedy to reduce blood sugar levels, bad cholesterol levels, and blood pressure.

5. Giloy possesses calming properties, reduces anxiety and stress, and relaxes the mind and body.

6. Giloy releases toxins from the body, prevents allergies, and acts as a natural immunity booster.

Curcumin

Curcumin is a compound produced by the Cucuma longa species of plants, that belongs to the ginger plant family ofZingiberaceae. Turmeric is rich in this compound and works as a nutritional healing supplement. It has also been used as a natural beauty treatment since ancient times. It possesses antioxidant and anti-ageing properties, and reduces harmful chemical buildup in the brain. Here are the health benefits of curcumin.

1. Curcumin is a powerful immunity booster that improves immune mechanism and fights off infections.

2. Curcumin consists of powerful anti-inflammatory properties and relieves inflammation in bones, relieves swelling and joint pain.

3. Curcumin regulates blood sugar levels and blood metabolism to reduce diabetes-related complications.

4. Research shows that curcumin improves the function of blood vessels and protects the blood vessel lining from damage to regulate blood pressure and clotting. It promotes healthy heart function and prevents heart diseases.

5. Curcumin relieves lung congestion and sinus to offer optimal respiratory and lung health.

6. Studies show that curcumin’s anti-inflammatory compounds slow down the formation of cancerous tumour cells and prevents certain types of cancers.

Holistic Health with Herbs and Spices

Apart from their exceptional culinary benefits, herbs and spices have been used for their remedial properties since ancient times. They provide ample health benefits and promote optimal bodily functions. Along with general wellness, these natural components also help prevent and treat certain chronic ailments and health conditions.

Modern lifestyle doesn’t allow the intake of all these spices and herbs on a daily basis. Hence, consuming plant-based supplements could help in gaining their benefits on a regular basis. Satvam Nutrition offers everyday health supplements that are plant-based, chemical-free, and made from all-natural ingredients to offer optimal benefits and gain holistic wellbeing.