Cardamom - A member of the ginger family, cardamom is an ancient spice, native to India. It is used worldwide in desserts, vegetables, curries and pilaf rice dishes. These aromatic seeds contain an oil that helps to stimulate digestion and relieve flatulence. To help relieve indigestion, mix a handful of crushed seeds in a half cup of water with some ginger root. Bring to a simmer, then add a little warm milk and honey.
Cinnamon - This warming spice is taken from the dried inner bark of a tropical tree to form the cinnamon sticks used in cooking. It is a common ingredient in toothpaste, mouthwashes and chewing gum. It is also found in traditional sweets, cakes and desserts as well as many savoury dishes. Cinnamon has health boosting compounds including eugenol, which is used to relieve pain and cinnamaldehyde which has sedative properties. It is also useful for improving the circulation and has anti-inflammatory and blood thinning properties. Research shows that it may also help to lower blood sugar levels and so may be useful in the treatment of type 2 diabetes. It is a delicious, fragrant spice.
Cloves - Cloves are the unopened buds of an evergreen tree. They are often used as a pickling spice but can also be added to syrups for poaching fruits or to drinks such as mulled wine. Clove oil is well known as a treatment for toothache, and its antiseptic properties make it an excellent mouthwash. The main ingredient in the oil is eugenol which is anti-inflammatory and can help ease the stiffness and pain associated with arthritis. It is a warming spice which can help reduce congestion and stimulate digestion. To drink this spice as a tea, pour a cup of boiling water on to 1 teaspoon of cloves and steep for 10 minutes.
Cumin - Cumin dates back to Old Testament times, originating in the Mediterranean but now grown in India, China, Indonesia and Japan. It is a member of the carrot family and looks and smells like caraway seed. It is traditionally used in Asian and Middle Eastern cooking for curries, chillis, stews and breads. It is a good source of iron and manganese and is thought to help digestion and bloating. Make cumin tea by steeping 1 teaspoon of seeds in 1 pint of boiling water.
Ginger - Dating back more than 5000 years, ginger is an essential ingredient in Asian and Indian cooking. It is also commonly used to flavour cakes, biscuits and desserts. Ginger contains antioxidants and so can help protect against disease. It can help calm spasms and reduce flatulence in the digestive system. It is an excellent treatment for nausea associated with travel sickness, pregnancy and hangovers. Ginger tea can be made by adding a few slices to hot water. Try chewing on a little piece of the root to help with digestive problems.
Turmeric - This spice gives curry powder and mustard their deep yellow colour. Rich in antioxidants, researchers have discovered that it may help in the fight against cancer as well as containing inflammation fighting compounds called curcuminoids. Studies show that these curcuminoids may help to prevent Alzheimer's disease and joint inflammation. Use in soups, curries and stews.
