Deshi kitchens: A treasure trove of natural remedies

As Bangladeshis, our kitchens are stacked with all sorts of spices, sometimes a hundred different ones, to bring flavour to our favourite dishes. But while they sit there, adding magic to our curries, we often forget one thing. Spices do more than just add flavour. They can boost immunity, ease pain, improve digestion, and even fight off infections. 

To explore how everyday ingredients work as natural remedies, TBS spoke with Saheli Parvin, a botany graduate who works with herbal medicine and Ayurveda in a leading herbal pharmaceutical company. This conversation uncovered some surprising health benefits of the spices we use daily but often underestimate or are unaware of the wonderful benefits they can offer. 

Turmeric 

Turmeric contains an active compound called curcumin, which helps prevent and heal various diseases. Due to its curcumin content, turmeric has anti-inflammatory properties, making it effective in reducing inflammation, arthritis pain, joint pain, muscle soreness and stiffness. 

To get relief, mix one teaspoon of turmeric powder in a glass of warm milk, add a pinch of black pepper (black pepper helps absorb curcumin), and sweeten it with honey or jaggery. Drink this every night before bed. This soothing remedy, popularly known as 'Golden Milk,' is widely used for relieving joint pain.

Turmeric is also rich in antioxidants, which help eliminate harmful free radicals from the body, slow down aging, and prevent cancer. To enjoy these benefits, Saheli Parvin suggests mixing one teaspoon of turmeric powder in a glass of warm water, adding two to three drops of lemon juice, and a little honey. Drinking this on an empty stomach every morning can be highly beneficial.

Additionally, turmeric significantly improves metabolism and digestion and relieves cold, cough, and congestion.

Cumin

Cumin does not just add flavour to food. It is also packed with powerful health benefits. Rich in iron, antioxidants, fibre, calcium, and vitamins A, C, and E, this tiny spice plays a significant role in keeping the body healthy.

It also improves digestion by increasing the production of digestive enzymes, which is effective in relieving gas, indigestion, and acidity. A simple remedy is to soak one teaspoon of cumin seeds in a glass of water overnight and drink it on an empty stomach in the morning.

Parvin shares that it also aids in weight loss by boosting metabolism and helping the body burn fat more efficiently. Mixing a glass of cumin water with one teaspoon of honey and a few drops of lemon juice can help detox the body and support weight management.

Cumin is beneficial for controlling blood sugar levels as well. Improving insulin function helps regulate blood glucose, making it particularly useful for people with diabetes.

"Additionally, cumin is a great source of iron, making it effective in fighting anemia. It helps increase haemoglobin levels and is especially beneficial for pregnant women and those suffering from iron deficiency," she says. 

Cinnamon

Cinnamon helps control diabetes by regulating blood sugar levels. The compound cinnamaldehyde in cinnamon boosts insulin sensitivity, making it beneficial for people with type-2 diabetes. To use it, mix one teaspoon of cinnamon powder in a glass of warm water and drink it.

It also aids in weight loss by speeding up metabolism and burning fat. Cinnamon reduces hunger and helps control calorie intake. Parvin says, "To make it, boil a piece of cinnamon in a cup of hot water for 5-10 minutes. You can add honey and lemon juice for extra flavour and benefits."

Cinnamon has anti-inflammatory properties that reduce pain and swelling. Its cinnamaldehyde helps relieve arthritis, joint pain, headaches, muscle aches, and cold-related pain. Parvin adds, "To relieve pain, mix half a teaspoon of cinnamon powder in a glass of warm milk and drink it. This helps with better sleep and reduces joint pain."

It also improves digestion and reduces gas, bloating, and acidity. Cinnamon helps regulate gut bacteria, enhancing digestion and overall gut health.

Cinnamon's antimicrobial properties boost immunity. The compound eugenol helps fight infections, protecting against colds, coughs, and viral illnesses. For relief, mix half a teaspoon of cinnamon powder with one teaspoon of honey and consume it.

Packed with powerful antioxidants, such as proanthocyanidins, it protects cells from damage. These antioxidants help prevent skin aging and promote collagen production.

Black cumin (kalijira)

Black cumin is great for boosting immunity with its antioxidants and vitamins, helping protect the body from infections and diseases. It is especially effective against viruses and bacteria. Just half a teaspoon of black cumin daily can help strengthen your immune system.

It also helps manage diabetes by regulating blood sugar levels and improving insulin sensitivity, making it helpful for those with type-2 diabetes. Parvin says, "You can mix one teaspoon of black cumin oil with a glass of warm water to reap its benefits. Plus, it's good for weight loss and improving skin health."

Additionally, it is also great for your respiratory system. It helps relieve symptoms of asthma, coughs, and sore throats and can help clear the lungs. For stronger lungs, try mixing one teaspoon of black cumin powder with one teaspoon of honey.

Black cumin also works wonders in reducing inflammation and pain. Due to the presence of thymoquinone in black cumin, it helps ease arthritis, joint pain, and muscle soreness by blocking inflammatory enzymes. Its antioxidants help lower oxidative stress and reduce pain caused by inflammation.

It may also help prevent cancer. The thymoquinone can also slow the growth of cancer cells, lowering the risk of breast, colon, and liver cancers.

Cloves

Packed with eugenol, a powerful antioxidant, cloves help reduce oxidative stress in the body and protect your cells. The anti-inflammatory compounds, particularly flavonoids, are beneficial for easing arthritis and joint pain.

They also support better digestion. The oleoresins found in cloves help improve digestion by controlling stomach acidity and alleviating gas, indigestion, and stomach pain. 

For oral health, the antibacterial and antifungal properties of clove oil make it effective in relieving tooth pain, gum infections, and bad breath. Chewing 1-2 cloves every day can maintain fresh breath and overall oral hygiene.

Cloves boost immunity with their antimicrobial properties, helping the body ward off infections. They're also great for preventing colds and coughs. You can make tea by boiling 2-3 cloves in a cup of hot water for 5-10 minutes, which will soothe your throat and help relieve cold symptoms.

Parvin adds, "Research shows that cloves help regulate blood sugar levels and improve insulin sensitivity, making them beneficial for those managing diabetes."