Popular all round the world, black pepper (piper nigrum) is widely used as an adorable spice and medicine. In fact, it is often referred to as ‘black gold’ or ‘king of spice’ and is native to India where it is cultivated extensively.

It is also called gol mirch in Hindi, kaali or syaah mirch in Urdu, golmirich in Marathi, kurumilagu in Tamil, kurumulaku in Malayalam & alfilfil in Arabic.

The presence of a chemical substance which causes ground black pepper to get its spiciness is piperine. One of the black pepper side effects include sneezing that can go on for a while.

Uses of pepper or peppercorns as a food preservative due to its anti bacterial property are well known.

Get Health Benefits of Pepper

You may be surprised to know that black pepper is combined with similar healing foods and used as a home remedy to treat cough in the form of black pepper tea. The low calories in pepper have seen its use among dieticians increase manifold.

Here are some black pepper benefits:

• Black pepper is a rich source for vitamin C & K, iron, potassium, manganese, and dietary fiber. Black pepper has compounds that act as effective anti-inflammatory agent.
• A substance called curcumin in black pepper has antioxidant effects that increase cancer-fighting ability of this seed manifold.
• Besides curcumin, health benefits of pepper include its piperine content that helps increased absorption by the body of many nutrients such as beta-carotene, vitamin B & selenium.
• Black pepper oil helps you body get rid of excess unwanted fluids & promotes its elimination from your body. This is facilitated through sweating & urination.
• Uses of pepper include its consumption through daily diet to promote production of hydrochloric acid (digestive enzyme) that speeds up food digestion process in the intestines, which in turn prevents heartburn and constipation.
• Low amount of calories in pepper has made its use widespread among those on weight reduction diet.
• Piperine is thermogenic and is found in black pepper. Black pepper benefits include its thermogenic action that raises your body’s metabolism rate and helps burn increasing number of calories.

Nonetheless, besides all these benefits you should maintain due caution as overuse of this medicinal herb can cause black pepper side effects (sneezing) and is not advised for people having ulcers.

One of the most ancient types of oil seed known to mankind, sesame seeds have been widely used for their medicinal, curative and nutritive properties.

Sesame seeds are small sized, oblate shaped and possess a pleasant nut like flavor. They are prized for their high sesame oil content.

Sesame Seed Nutrition Facts for You

The seeds are rich in vitamin and mineral content. They are rich sources of B complex vitamins including folic acid, riboflavin, thiamin, pyridoxine & niacin.

Sesame Seeds Nutrition Value for 100 Grams:

• Protein: 9 gm
• Calories: 280
• Calcium: 580 mg
• Iron: 5.2 mg
• Niacin: 2.7 mg
• Fat: 24 gm
• Vitamin A: 15 I.U
• Vitamin B: 1.07 mg (Thiamine)
• Vitamin E: -
• Potassium: 360 mg
• Phosphorus: 308 mg
• Carbohydrates: 10 gm

All the minerals, vitamins and nutrients render excellent sesame seed benefit when consumed in appropriate amount.

Know Health Benefit of Sesame Seed

Sesame seeds are high in energy and contain healthy nutrients, vitamins, minerals, antioxidants that are essential for your health.

• Sesame seeds contain sesamolin & sesamin, these chemical agents are widely believed to help prevent high blood pressure and also protect against liver against damage.
• External application of sesame oil is effective in removing wrinkles and also helps treating other skin diseases.
• The seeds are also a rich source of vitamin E and provide benefit of sesame seed by way of strengthening your heart and keeping your nervous system healthy.
• Sesame oil is especially made use of to remove the milk-like envelope or crust that forms on the face & head of a newborn infant.
• As the seeds have high calorie content, sesame seed benefit can be availed by consuming substantial amounts of sesame seed regularly for putting on healthy weight.
• Hundred grams of sesame seeds contains three times more calcium compared to the same amount of whole milk.
• Among useful benefit of sesame seed is its curative properties that proves beneficial while treating a person for removal of intestinal worms.

The sesame seed benefits include its properties that play a role in removal of pus formation in the body.

Mustard seeds have been used as a spice and medicine since ancient times. It is a good preservative that is used for pickles and also to spice up foods and salads.

Black, yellow, white and brown mustard are the most common type of mustard seeds. These are commonly used in Asian cuisines.

Mustard seeds are also widely used in many health conditions for its anti inflammatory properties. Mustard hair oil gives immense benefit to your hair by making it blacker, thicker and lustrous.

Get Mustard Health Benefit

Because of its medicinal properties, mustard benefits your health in more ways than one. These health benefits can be easily availed by simply including mustard seeds in your daily diet.

• Mustard seeds are a rich source of selenium and magnesium. Selenium helps prevent cancer, lessens severity of asthma & help decrease symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis.
• Mustard Hair Oil is applied directly in cases of hair loss & thinning and is highly recommended for your hair problems.
• The seeds of mustard are good source of omega-3 fatty acids, dietary fiber, manganese, phosphorus, magnesium, protein, calcium, iron, zinc & niacin.
• Black mustard seeds have the most pungent & strong taste, while white mustard seeds are the most mild.
• Mustard oil is rich in mono saturated fatty acid, perfect for those with heart conditions and for the health conscious.
• Moreover, mustard sauce has therapeutic properties that are beneficial to people who cannot use regular sauce because of health reasons.
• Mustard plasters are effective for clearing sinuses & decongest your lungs. This is an important mustard health benefit.
• Yellow mustard seeds are a good appetizer and also contain digestive, laxative and stimulant properties.
• If you have a toothache, mix seven drops of mustard oil with a pinch of rock salt and massage on the aching tooth to get relief.
• Mustard seeds are also used as purgative. It’s used to induce vomiting in cases of accidental poisoning.
• Yellow mustard sauce is low in calories and is excellent for the health conscious dieter.
• Mustard seed oil is used for its anti-septic & antifungal properties and included in benefits of mustard oil.
• Mustard oil for hair improves the quality of your hair and also makes them strong due to beneficial nutrients.

Fenugreek is also known as Greek Hay. Uses of fenugreek seeds as herb and spice has been recorded since ancient times.

The seeds are yellow or amber in color and are available in whole or powdered form as well as an oil extract that is used for medicinal purposes.

Benefit of Fenugreek for You

The fenugreek seeds are widely used to prepare curry powders, pickles, pastes and the spice has a special place in Indian foods due to its health benefits.

As the seeds are high in dietary fiber content, consuming a few seeds with warm water before bedtime is beneficial for people suffering from diarrhea. In breast feeding women it is used to increase the flow of milk.

Induction of labor, treating reproductive disorders, reduction of menstrual pain & treating hormonal disorders are the other benefit of fenugreek.

Get Benefit of Fenugreek Seeds

Research has shown that fenugreek has many beneficial health properties that can be used to cure many illnesses & disease.

Here are Some Health Advantages of Fenugreek Seeds:

• You can use fenugreek seeds for hair too. Mix fenugreek seed paste with curd and stuff into your hair & scalp for removing dandruff.
• Fenugreek seed benefit includes consuming a few raw ones daily if you are a diabetic patient, as it will manage the disease.
• Add four grams of fenugreek while preparing food. This proves beneficial in lowering levels of cholesterol in your body besides lowering risk of heart attack.
• Fenugreek tea is useful in treating people who have excessive phlegm.
• Research has shown that fenugreek seed benefit people with skin ailments as the seeds contain agents that help cure skin problems such as abscesses, boils, eczema and burns.
• Fenugreek has mucilage and this makes it excellent for treatment of acid reflux & heartburn.
• Consume the seeds with a teaspoon of lemon juice & honey to remedy your fever.

For those who dislike its bitter taste benefit of fenugreek seeds can be availed through fenugreek capsules or pills.

Fenugreek Side Effect

Fenugreek is a very safe spice and reactions are rare. In some people gastrointestinal discomfort, nausea or skin irritations & rash can occur. But these are usually mild in effect and do not possess any threat to health.

During pregnancy use of fenugreek is not recommended. This is because the seeds have a potential of inducing labor.

Fenugreek means Greek Hay in Latin. Fenugreek leaves and seeds hold beneficial nutritional values. The seeds are popularly used both as herb and spice.

For those who dislike its bitter taste can try fenugreek capsules or pills. Normally, it is available as whole dried seeds or in powdered form (ground roasted seeds).

Health Benefit of Fenugreek

There are many healthy uses of fenugreek. Research has shown that the culinary spice can prove very beneficial to diabetes type 2 patients as it helps lower blood sugar levels in the body.

• Consuming at least ten seeds in raw form or taking fenugreek tea twice daily can help diabetic patients manage their disease. Tea made from fenugreek benefit those with phlegm.
• Intake of fenugreek seeds or capsules daily can help cure skin ailments. Research has shown that the seeds contain agents that help with skin problems such as eczema, boils, abscesses, burns & gout.
• Recent studies have also thrown light on other fenugreek benefit. Such benefit can be availed by adding three to four grams of fenugreek in a meal. This can help lower cholesterol levels and is also said to lower risk for heart attack.
• Fenugreek extract or paste or can also be mixed with curd and then applied to your hair & scalp. This can help cure dandruff and it also makes an effective natural hair conditioner.
• If you are not comfortable eating fenugreek raw, then you can get fenugreek capsules. Alternatively you can apply fenugreek paste on the affected area.
• Among other health benefit of fenugreek, one can consume it with a teaspoon of honey and lemon juice as a remedy for fever.
• Fenugreek contains mucilage in good proportion and is also an excellent treatment for heartburn and acid reflux

Side Effect of Fenugreek

Fenugreek is generally safe when used in moderation. Nonetheless, there can be minor side effects in some cases.

• Nausea, gastrointestinal discomfort skin irritations and rash are some of the common side effects that can occur that can possibly be some form of allergy to agents contained in the seed.
• Use of fenugreek during pregnancy, especially during the last trimester, is not recommended as it has potential to induce labor.

Additionally, there may be a rare side effect of fenugreek where long term or over consumption of fenugreek causes unpleasant body or urine odor.

The seeds of fennel are small and similar in shape and size to cumin seeds. They have a sweet aroma and flavor, rich in minerals such as magnesium and taste like licorice.

Besides its medicinal qualities fennel seeds are widely used as a spice in culinary cooking.

Digestive disorders respond very well to fennel seeds as these help in treating cramps, stomach gas and acids.

Nutritional value of fennel can be judged from the abundance of minerals and vitamins it contains.

Fennels contain calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, zinc, dietary fiber, carbohydrates, proteins and potassium.

There are a variety of vitamins including vitamin C, B1, B2, B3, B5, B6 and B9. Moreover, antioxidants and essential oils are other important content of fennel.

Fennel Tea Uses

Every part of the fennel including its leaves, flowers, stalk, root and bulbs are very much edible and can be used in various dishes and in treating illnesses.

A useful preparation of dried seeds of fennel is in preparing medicinal tea that is beneficial in treating a variety of health conditions.

Fennel seed tea is very useful in stimulating milk in breastfeeding mothers. Fennel tea is an effective remedy for curing constipation, dyspepsia, indigestion and vomiting.

The beneficial fennel tea has carminative properties and helps relieve flatulence or stomach gas.

Health Benefits of Fennel Seeds

• Fennel seed tea is used to get relief from diarrhea and get rid of intestinal worms.
• Fennel tea benefit includes relieving infant colic.
• Fennel helps in proper digestion of foods by promoting movement of your intestines.
• Fennel is a good source to remove or prevent bad breath.
• Health benefits of fennel seeds include its use in treatment of respiratory illnesses such as common cold, bronchitis, cough and asthma.
• As herbal remedy, fennel tea benefit includes its use in treatment for dysmenorrhea, menopausal symptoms and premenstrual syndrome.
• Eye diseases and infections such as sore eyes and conjunctivitis can be treated by using fennel seed tea.
• Fennel seeds tea is a powerful antioxidant that roots out free radicals that are unstable reactive molecules rendering damage to cells and causing cancer.
• Fennel has anti-inflammatory agents and can be effectively used as an analgesic.

Celery and ground anise can make a great substitute for fennel but will not give full benefits that are a part of fennel.

It is a dark small seed similar to anise or fennel seed with a distinct flavor and aroma. Besides its medicinal uses it is popularly used in seasoning for many dishes.

The little seeds of cumin contain over a hundred different chemicals that include a majority of essential fatty acids necessary for maintaining proper health.

Uses of cumin seeds include cuisine, medicine, seasoning and for vitality. Cumin strengthens your immune system and is also an effective anti bacterial and antioxidant.

Black Cumin Uses

The best black cumin seed are native to Egypt and are used to treat headaches and toothaches.

These seeds are very effective in fighting autoimmune disorders. When administered in prescribed dosage cumin seed render no side effects.

The most beneficial use of black cumin is in its use against allergy and asthma. A daily intake for six months gives quick results and helps root out these ailments.

A recent study concludes that black cumin oil is effective in fighting pancreatic cancer which is a very difficult cancer to treat.

Cumin Health Benefit for You

Cumin has been found to be very useful for diseases related to the respiratory tract, nausea and upset stomach. It is also very beneficial for remedies related to inflammatory diseases.

Here are Some Benefits of Cumin Seed:

• Cumin seed is used in treatment for diarrhea, colic, dyspepsia and flatulence.
• It increases lactation and also helps reduce nausea during pregnancy.
• Cumin seed are helpful in treatments for carpal tunnel syndrome.
• Cumin benefits include cumin powder that stimulates your appetite.
• The detoxifying properties of black cumin help boost your liver’s ability to rid your body of harmful toxins.
• Benefits of cumin include relieving symptoms of common cold as it has antiseptic properties.
• It can induce an increase in your body temperature and aid in the metabolism process more efficiently.
• Make cumin paste by mixing in water as it is a useful treatment for boils.
• Black cumin seed renders strength to the functions of your stomach and limits bleeding.
• For those with sleeping problems benefits of cumin seed include giving relief from symptoms of insomnia.
• Black cumin oil is widely used for treating toothaches and headaches.

Nonetheless, no side effects have been found if cumin is taken in moderation. However, its use is not recommended for pregnant women.

Coriander is a powerful leafy herb with many health benefits. Its name originates from the Greek word ‘Koris’ which means bedbug given for its offensive smell when not ripe.

Leaves of this herb are widely used in culinary dishes. In true sense, seeds of this herb are known as coriander and its leaves are known as cilantro.

Coriander leaf is an effective stimulant and tonic. The leaf of coriander contains vitamins A, C, K, thiamin, folic acid, riboflavin, magnesium, calcium, potassium and iron.

The coriander seeds are use whole or in powdered form and also help in alleviating heavy bleeding during menstruation cycle.

Coriander Seeds Use

Apart from being widely used in preparing dishes the coriander seeds are rich in mineral and vitamin content including iron, calcium, phosphorus, vitamin B & C .

It is a good alternative as a carminative for digestive disorders. Vitamin deficiency diseases can be easily overcome with regular intake of coriander powder or seeds.

In anorexic patients, it stimulates hunger and increases appetite. Diarrhea symptoms can be relieved by drinking a mixture of coriander seeds soaked in water and left overnight.

For relief in respiratory infections and cough, coriander powder used with dry ginger is an effective remedy.

Coriander Substitute for You

For simple reasons like distaste for coriander flavor or its unavailability, coriander substitute is sought after to compensate for its enhanced flavor or an alternative.

Fennel, cumin and caraway seeds a teaspoon of each can act as an effective coriander seeds substitute.

A similar flavor can be attained by using chopped tarragon, parsley and dil to substitute for coriander leaf.

Health Benefit of Coriander

Coriander rates high as a healing spice. To some, it is known as an anti diabetic plant, others use it for its anti inflammatory properties.

Look at other Healthy Benefits of Coriander:

• Beneficial for urinary tract infections
• Raises good cholesterol and lowers bad cholesterol
• Coriander helps protect against the Salmonella bacteria
• Effectively rids you of nausea
• Its anti inflammatory properties alleviate arthritis symptoms
• Works effectively as a natural chelation treatment
• Good for expulsion of stomach gases
• It is a rich source of dietary fiber, iron, magnesium and is rich in flavonoids and phyto nutrients
• Coriander is known for lowering blood sugar

Moreover, coriander benefits you during digestive disorders and relieves stomach pain besides preventing flatulence.

With a sweet and spicy fragrance, cinnamon is widely used in culinary dishes around the world. It is also a very effective preservative and stops or prevents food from spoiling for a considerable period.

Powdered cinnamon can also be used as a room freshener or to deodorize bad smelling environment.

Uses of Cinnamon Oils

Cinnamon bark oil possesses a sweet and spicy aroma and possesses antiseptic qualities that are effective in healing infections. Cinnamon oils are good analgesics and help in pain relief.

Its use as an effective aphrodisiac is well known. Carminative properties of this oil help in expelling gas from your stomach.

Stress, low blood pressure, common cold and constipation are some of the health conditions that can be safely treated with cinnamon oils.

Moreover, the analgesic, antibacterial, antifungal and anti clotting properties make it an important ingredient in Asian medicines. Its use in aromatherapy is widespread.

Cinnamon Health Benefit in Brief

One standard teaspoonful of cinnamon consists of thirty milligrams of calcium, one milligram of iron and one gram of fiber.

It is also a good source of carbohydrate, manganese and vitamin C & K. It is contains manganese, fiber, calcium & iron.

Let’s look at Health Benefit of Cinnamon:

Consuming half a teaspoonful of cinnamon daily results in lower cholesterol and is considered an effective cinnamon for health formula.

Traditional medicines have made use of powdered cinnamon and its oil for many dietary illnesses.

Smelling cinnamon helps boost memory and memory functions. A natural food preservative it inhibits bacterial growth and also prevents spoilage of food.

Cinnamon oil has the highest antioxidant content of any spice and is useful in prevention of many types of cancers.

Research has shown that cinnamon helps in regulation of blood sugar levels in your body and is used to treat patients of type II diabetes.

A single tablespoon of honey with half this amount of cinnamon powder mixed together and taken on an empty stomach helps reduce arthritis pain.

Another useful cinnamon health benefit is its property as an anti-clotting agent which can benefit patients with disease of the heart.

The brown bark from the cinnamon tree has been used since ancient times as spice and medicine. It is available as a bark, tubular quill and ground powder.

In addition it has a pungent aroma and is used in beverages, cosmetics, toiletries and perfumes.

Apart from its excellent healing properties cinnamon is also known to be an excellent preservative as it prevents spoiling of food.

Cinnamon Oil Properties

The oil obtained from cinnamon bark possesses a spicy scent and has antiseptic properties that help heal infections. Cinnamon oil is a proven analgesic and is effective in removing or reducing pain.

It is used as an aphrodisiac. The oil has carminative properties that help in expulsion of gas from your stomach.

Health conditions such as stress, low blood pressure, common cold and constipation can also be effectively treated with cinnamon oil.

It has antifungal, analgesic, antibacterial and anti clotting medical properties and is also used in aromatherapy.

Cinnamon Sticks Uses

Cinnamon is ground and the powder is used to form sticks that are used in culinary dishes and as medicine. Besides many other uses, cinnamon sticks are also used to deodorize foul smelling environment.

With a longer shelf life, cinnamon sticks are the first choice over its powdered version. The Italians called it canella meaning ‘little tube’.

Health Benefit of Cinnamon for You

A teaspoon of cinnamon gives around one milligram of iron, thirty milligrams of calcium, a gram of dietary fiber along with manganese, carbohydrate and vitamin C & K. It is also a great source of fiber, iron, manganese and calcium.

Let’s look at Some Benefits of Cinnamon:

Traditional medicines have made use of cinnamon for a variety of dietary ailments. Studies show that half a teaspoon of cinnamon daily can significantly lower LDL cholesterol.

Research suggests that cinnamon can help regulate healthy blood sugar levels and is beneficial for patients of Type 2 diabetes.

A broad based study has shown cinnamon to possess quality that stops medication-resistant yeast infections.

Benefits of cinnamon include its affectivity as an anti-clotting agent that is healthy for heart patients.

Half teaspoon cinnamon powder mixed in one tablespoon of honey before breakfast has significant effect on arthritis pain.

It is also a natural food preservative and has been long known to inhibit bacterial growth and prevent food from spoiling.

One study revealed a health benefit of cinnamon in that smelling cinnamon can boost cognitive functions and your memory as well.