Introduction:

Ajwain is a plant that produces small, seed-like fruits similar to caraway and cumin. It comes from a group of plants that includes celery, caraway, coriander, fennel, parsley, and parsnips. It goes by many other names, including carom seed, bishop’s weed, and ajowan caraway. 

Ajwain is common in Indian food. It has a strong, bitter taste with an aroma similar to thyme. The “seeds,” which are actually fruits, are typically dry-roasted or ground and used in spice mixtures. They are also used in Ayurvedic and Siddha medicine to help treat numerous issues.

Health Benefits:

Ajwain seeds have a small amount of oil in them known as ajwain oil. The oil contains thymol, a phenol that gives the fruit its thyme-like smell. Thymol is commonly used to treat digestive problems. It also has antifungal and antibacterial properties. 

Digestive Health

Active enzymes in ajwain improve the flow of stomach acids, which can help to relieve indigestion, bloating, and gas. The plant can also help to treat acidity and peptic ulcer disease as well as sores in the esophagus, stomach, and intestines.

Infection Prevention

Many of the essential oils in ajwain, most notably thymol and carvacrol, can help to fight the growth of bacteria and fungi. They may also help to fight bacteria like salmonella and E. coli, which can lead to food poisoning and other stomach issues.

Lower blood pressure

Research in rats indicates that thymol in ajwain might act to keep calcium from entering the blood vessels in your heart and thus helps to lower blood pressure. 

Cough and Congestion Relief

Ajwain can provide relief from coughing as well as clear mucus from your nose, both of which make breathing easier. It may also help to widen the bronchial tubes, which can help those with asthma and COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease).

Toothache Relief

Due to the anti-inflammatory properties of thymol and other essential oils, ajwain can help to reduce pain associated with toothaches. Thymol may also help to improve your oral health by fighting bacteria and fungi in the mouth.  

Arthritis Pain Relief

Ajwain can also help to soothe pain and swelling. Crushed fruit can be made into a paste and applied to the skin at the joints to treat arthritis pain. Alternatively, one can fill a tub with warm water and add a handful of seeds for a soothing bath.

Cholesterol-lowering and heart-protective

Animal studies demonstrate the positive effects of carom seeds on heart health. In addition, large doses of carom seed powder and extract may lower increased cholesterol. Similarly, carom seeds can affect triglyceride (TG) levels. Both elevated cholesterol and TG levels are risk factors for heart disease.

Prevents kidney stones

Studies show the effectiveness of carom seed extracts on urinary stones.  According to the findings of this study, carom seed extract treated kidney stones. Calcium oxalate, calcium oxalate/uric acid, and calcium-oxalate/hydroxyapatite stones were cured by 100%, 53%, and 31.25%, respectively.

Nutrients per Serving

A single serving (one teaspoon) of ajwain contains:

• Calories: 5
• Protein: less than 1 gram
• Fat: less than 1 gram
• Carbohydrates: 1 gram
• Fiber: 1 gram
• Sugar: 0 grams

It also contains:

• Potassium
• Calcium
• Iron
• Essential fatty acids

Conclusion:

Ajwain is a safe addition to most people’s diets, but it should be avoided by women who are pregnant or breastfeeding. Compounds in ajwain have been shown to potentially cause birth defects or miscarriage.

Introduction:

Mint is a popular ingredient in several foods and beverages, ranging from teas and alcoholic drinks to sauces, salads and desserts.

While eating the plant offers some health benefits, research shows that several of mint’s health benefits come from applying it to the skin, inhaling its aroma or taking it as a capsule.

Rich in Nutrients:

1/3 cup or half an ounce (14 grams) of spearmint contains (1):

• Calories: 6
• Fiber: 1 gram
• Vitamin A: 12% of the RDI
• Iron: 9% of the RDI
• Manganese: 8% of the RDI
• Folate: 4% of the RDI

Mint is a particularly good source of vitamin A that is critical for eye health and night vision.   It is also a potent source of antioxidants, especially when compared to other herbs and spices. Antioxidants help protect your body from oxidative stress, a type of damage to cells caused by free radicals.

Improves Irritable Bowel Syndrome:

(IBS) is a common digestive tract disorder. It is characterized by digestive symptoms like stomach pain, gas, bloating and changes in bowel habits.

Although treatment for IBS often includes dietary changes and taking medications, research shows that taking peppermint oil as an herbal remedy might also be helpful.

Peppermint oil contains a compound called menthol, which is thought to help alleviate IBS symptoms through its relaxing effects on the muscles of the digestive tract

May Help Relieve Indigestion

Mint may also be effective at relieving other digestive problems such as upset stomach and indigestion. Indigestion may occur when food sits in the stomach for too long before passing into the rest of the digestive tract.   Multiple studies have shown that food passes through the stomach quicker when people take peppermint oil with meals, which could relieve symptoms from this type of indigestion

Could Improve Brain Function;

In addition to ingesting mint, there are claims that inhaling the aroma of essential oils from the plant could provide health benefits, including improved brain function.

Smelling the aroma of peppermint oil for five minutes prior to testing produced significant improvements in memory

May Decrease Breastfeeding Pain

Breastfeeding mothers commonly experience sore and cracked nipples, which can make breastfeeding painful and difficult.  Studies have shown that applying mint to the skin can help relieve pain associated with breastfeeding.

Subjectively Improves Cold Symptoms

Many over-the-counter cold and flu treatments contain menthol, a primary compound in peppermint oil. Many people believe menthol is an effective nasal decongestant that can get rid of congestion and improve airflow and breathing.

May Mask Bad Breath

Mint-flavored chewing gum and breath mints are some of the first things people reach for when trying to prevent or get rid of bad breath.  Experts agree that most of these products can mask foul-smelling breath for a few hours. However, they only cover up bad breath and don’t reduce the bacteria or other compounds causing bad breath in the first place

Conclusion:

Mint makes a delicious and healthy addition to many foods and beverages. Although mint is easy to add to many dishes, research demonstrating its health benefits has mainly used mint taken in capsules, applied to the skin or inhaled via aromatherapy.

Mint’s health benefits range from improving brain function and digestive symptoms to relieving breastfeeding pain, cold symptoms and even bad breath.

Introduction:

Bay leaf is also known as tej patta, this culinary herb is also known for its age-old medicinal properties and various health benefits. Bay leaves are found to possess anticancer, anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties, all of which can help to manage certain health conditions. Even Ayurveda considers this herb as an effective home remedy to cure various ailments.

The health benefits of bay leaf:

Good for diabetes management

Bay leaves can lower your sugar levels and prove effective in dealing with type 2 diabetes. Along with that, it can also reduce your bad cholesterol levels. 

Improves digestion

Bay leaves may have an impact on the gastrointestinal system by preventing gastric damage and promoting urination. This helps release toxins in the body and aids in the health of the kidneys. Furthermore, the organic compounds found in bay leaves are very effective in helping with an upset stomach, soothing irritable bowel syndrome or even making it easy to digest food.

Treats respiratory conditions

Bay leaf is also a source of essential oil. The essential oil extracted from this leaf can be used to alleviate various respiratory conditions.

Fights against fungal infections

Bay leaf has been shown to provide antifungal properties, which can combat fungal conditions. These properties along with its vitamin C content can protect the skin from any kind of infection and irritation. 

Helps reduce stress and anxiety:

Bay leaves can lower the level of stress and anxiety in the body. It has natural soothing qualities which can help you calm down and can reduce the chances of depression too. 

Can control inflammation:

Bay leaf contains sesquiterpene lactones, which are known to fight inflammation by inhibiting the production of nitric oxide, which is one of the causes behind inflammation. 

Protects heart health:

The heart tends to perform better due to rutin and caffeic acid, both of which are found in bay leaves. These properties can strengthen the heart’s capillary walls and help in lowering bad cholesterol levels. 

Resolves hair issues:

Bay leaves are loaded with properties that can help hair growth. All you need to do is to steep bay leaves in water and then rub them on your scalp after shampoo to get rid of dandruff.

Anti-cancer properties:

The unique combination of antioxidants and organic compounds in bay leaves including phytonutrients, catechins, linalool, and parthenolide help to prevent your body from the effects of cancer-causing free radicals. 

Conclusion:

Bay leaf is a good source of vitamin A, vitamin B6, and vitamin C. These vitamins are all known to support a healthy immune system. Bay leaf tea can help ease bouts of upset stomach. The tea is also very aromatic, which can help relieve sinus pressure or stuffy nose.

Introduction:

Curry leaves not only impart flavor to food but have medicinal benefits too. Native to India, curry leaves are extensively used in South Indian and Sri Lankan cooking, especially in curries. Apart from adding a nice aroma to the curries, the leaves are said to be good for a number of ailments. The medicinal uses of curry leaves are well documented in ancient scriptures.

Health benefits of Curry leaves:

Aids in the growth of hair

Curry leaves help in hair growth and minimizing hair fall. When you eat curry leaves, not only is the hair root strengthened, premature graying is also prevented and sometimes cured.

Promotes faster healing of wounds

Curry leaves have excellent properties which are good for your skin. If you have small wounds, burns or any skin eruptions, a paste of curry leaves is all you need. For quick relief, apply a thick layer of a paste made of curry leaves.

Helps in weight loss

Trying to knock down a few kilos from your weight? Try curry leaves as it aids in weight loss. It also cleanses your body from harmful chemicals.

Cures an upset stomach

Have you tried having curry leaves on an empty stomach? Excellent for treating an upset stomach, having curry leaves early in the morning is good for various stomach-related issues. Just grind some dried curry leaves and add them to buttermilk. Drink this concoction first thing in the morning, on an empty stomach to deal with diarrhea, constipation and dysentery.

Boosts immunity:  Curry leaves are loaded with several vitamins and are a good source of iron and calcium. It helps build immunity and protects you and your family from diseases.

Treats gastric issues:  If you are suffering from an upset stomach, constipation or diarrhea, curry leaves can come to your rescue. Just mix some curry leaf powder in buttermilk and drink it on an empty stomach to find relief. It is also useful in relieving symptoms of morning sickness and nausea.

Battles infection: The antimicrobial, antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties of curry leaves help the body to fight against various diseases.

Boosts heart health: Its anti-oxidative properties help to regulate the level of LDL or bad cholesterol in the blood and increases HDL or good cholesterol level which is vital for good heart health.

Regulates blood sugar: Curry leaves are rich in fiber content. Dietary fiber helps to slow down digestion which ensures proper utilization of insulin and keeps the blood sugar level in check.

Improves eyesight: Curry leaves are a rich source of vitamin A which is beneficial for good vision and eye health.

Curry leaves (nutritional value per 100g)

• Energy 266 kj (kilojules)
• Protein 7.41g
• Fiber 16.83g
• Phosphorus 83.29mg
• Calcium 659mg
• Iron 8.67mg
• Magnesium 182mg
• Riboflavin 0.13mg
• Niacin 0.85mg

Conclusion:

We don’t need super foods for optimal health, simple, day-to-day ingredients like curry leaves can do wonders for our health. So the next time you want to throw out a curry leaf from your plate, think again.