Healing Properties of Garlic

Garlic carries many health benefits. Garlic is believed to help in the following:

• have antibacterial activity 
• prevent cancer (especially stomach and colon cancers) 
• have antiviral activity 
• prevent heart disease 
• have anti-fungal activity
• high blood pressure 
• reduce high cholesterol levels in the human body 
• regulate blood sugar levels 

Garlic History and Origin

The name garlic dates back to the time when Old English was spoken, and it is translated as spear leek. It is however known that garlic originates from Central Asia and from there made its way all over the world. Garlic dates as far back as 6000 years and was mainly used for medicinal and culinary purposes, even though some cultures perceived garlic as being spiritual with supernatural powers. It is also said that the Ancient Egyptians fed their slaves with garlic to increase their strength and ability to work harder.

Interestingly, garlic was almost exclusively found among ethnic minority cultures in the United States until the 1940's, where it suddenly gained in popularity and has since then been a major ingredient in many recipes.

Garlic Education

The names of garlic in different languages


Arabic: ثوم
Croatian: češnjak 
Czech: česnek kuchyňský 
Dutch: knoflook 
Finnish: valkosipuli
French: l'ail cultivé 
German: knoblauch 
Icelandic: hvítlaukur
Italian: l'aglio
Latin: allium sativum 
Russian: Чесно́к
Spanish: ajo
Swedish: vitlök

Healing Properties of Thyme

Thyme carries a significant number of healing properties. Thyme....

• is an anti-parasitical agent
• cures hangovers and stomach cramps
• helps against bronchitis and other coughs 
• cures a cold
• has anti-inflammatory properties
• is anti-septic 
• is an anti-fungal 

Thyme History and Origin

Thyme is a herb that can be traced back as far as to Ancient Egypt where it was used in the process of embalming. Its name comes from the Greek word thymos which means spirit and/or smoke. In Ancient Greece, people put thyme in their bath and burned it as incense because they believed thyme was a sign of courage. Similarly, the Romans took a bath in thyme water before battle to gain courage and strength. It is said that many knights of the Middle Ages had a sprig of thyme embroidered on their scarves by their loved  one as a sign of bravery. 

It is said in Northern European folklore that wild thyme is the favorite place of fairies, and therefore also the easiest place to spot them. 

Thyme Education

The names of thyme in different languages 

Czech: mateřídouška 
Croatian: timijan
Danish: timian
Finnish: timjam
French: thym
German: thymiane
Italian: timo
Latin: thymus
Portuguese: tomilho
Russian: Тимья́н
Swedish: timjan

Healing Properties of Garden Sage

Garden sage has throughout history been highly regarded due to its medicinal properties. Garden sage has:

• anti-inflammatory properties (recommended for people with inflammatory conditions such as bronchial asthma and atherosclerosis
• antioxidants
• healing properties to sooth a sore throat 
• healing properties to help treat mouth problems such as bleeding gums
• characteristics that promotes a healthy brain function 

Garden Sage History and Origin

Garden sage is native to the countries surrounding the Mediterranean Sea. It is said that the Romans introduced garden sage in fresh, dried and powdered form to Europe where it became very popular and pricey due to its healing properties. Garden sage was one of the ingredients of the "Four Thieves of Vinegar", a mix of various herbs that was supposed to ward off the plague that killed a significant number of Europeans during the Middle Ages. 


Garden sage has also been used as a preservative for meat among the Greeks and Romans until the invention of the refrigerator. 


The Latin word for garden sage is Salvia Officinalis, and derives from the Latin word salvere and means "to be saved"

Garden Sage Education

The names of garden sage in different languages

Croatian: Kadulja
Danish: Læge-Salvie
Finnish:Ryytisalvia
French: La sauge officinale
German: Echte Salbe
Latin: Salvia officinalis
Portuguese: Salva - comum
Spanish: Salvia
Swedish: Kryddsalvia

Healing Properties of Fenugreek

Fenugreek is known to:

• promote milk flow in breastfeeding women
• lower cholesterol 
• be a uterine stimulant
• carry anti-inflammatory properties 
• aid digestion
• help balancing the female hormones
• to control blood sugar levels
• ease abdominal cramps 

Fenugreek Origin and History

Fenugreek is native North Africa, but has also been widely cultivated in India. The name fenugreek comes from the latin word for "Greek hay" because it essentially was used for cattle food.  Other names include Goat’s Horn and Bird’s Foot.  In Ancient Greece,  the spice was considered to be a valuable soothing herb, but also a remedy for gynecological problems.

Fenugreek can also be traced back to traditional Chinese medicine where it was used to promote healthy kidneys, and to cure a cold or the flu.

Fenugreek Education

The names of fenugreek in different languages 


French: Fenugrec
German:Bockshornklee 
Italian: Fieno greco
Latin: Trigonella foenum-graecum
Portuguese: Feno-grego 
Russian: Па́житник сенно́й
Spanish: Fenogreco
Swedish: Bockhornsklöver
Turkish: Çemen otu

Healing Properties of Wasabi (Japanese Horseradish)

Wasabi carries medicinal qualities such as:

• anticancer properties
• antimicrobial properties (ex: kills off bacteria that causes food poisoning)
• anti-inflammatory properties
• anti- heart attack/ stroke properties

Traditionally, wasabi has been used to: 

Wasabi powder

• aid digestion
• relieve cough symptoms
• prevent blood clots
• remove toxins from the body 
• treat fungal infections 
• prevent coagulation 

History and Origin of Wasabi (Japanese Horseradish)

Wasabi is native to Japan, and was according to a Japanese legend discovered several hundred years ago. It is also said that before its discovery, the spice used to grow wild in the valleys of the Japanese mountains. The survivors of the defeated Heike clan (in the battle of Dannoura, year 1185) who settled in the mountains used to collect wild wasabi for culinary and medicinal purposes. After its discovery wasabi started to spread to other parts of Asia such as China and Taiwan, and furthermore to remaining parts of the world.

Even though the Western world most commonly recognizes wasabi as the green, spicy paste one gets together with sushi, the Japanese preferably grate fresh wasabi root to kill off various bacteria and odors of raw fish dishes.

Education on Wasabi (Japanese Horseradish)

The names of wasabi in different languages


Chinese (Mandarin): 山葵 (Shan kui)

Wasabi Paste

Danish: Japansk Peberrod
Finnish: Japaninpiparjuuri
French: Raifort du Japon
German: Japanischer Kren
Japanese (Kanji): 山葵 (Wasabi)
Latin: Wasabia japonica 
Portuguese: Rabanete-japonês
Russian: Васаби
Swedish: Japansk pepparrot

Health Benefits Nutmeg

Nutmeg is known to be a healing spice. Studies suggests that nutmeg:

• lowers blood pressure 
• eases stomach cramps and gets rid of gas
• stimulates brain activity and relieves stress 
• carries anti inflammatory properties to treat joint and muscle pain 
• helps dissolving kidney stones
• encourages appetite

NOTE: It is very important to acknowledge that one should only consume nutmeg in low doses. In fact,  nutmeg in very large doses can cause nausea, dehydration and body pain. Never consume more the 30 grams of nutmeg / day (approximately 5 tablespoons).

History and Origin of Nutmeg

The nutmeg tree belongs to the Myristicaceae family, and native to the Banda Islands that are part of the larger Molucca Islands of Indonesia, also called the "Spice Islands". The Molucca Islands are also the home of cloves, a spice you can read about in a few posts below. The islands were something of a spice paradise for colonists and European and Arabic spice traders. During the 16th and 17th century, nutmeg was believed to keep off the plague and was therefore a very pricey spice, and high in demand.

The state of Connecticut has sometimes been called the "nutmeg state" because of some Connecticut traders who fooled people into buying what they believed to be nutmeg, but in reality it was nothing but carved woods looking like the spice. 

Education on Nutmeg

The names of nutmeg in different languages


Arabic: جوزة الطيب
French: Muscadier
German: Muskatnussbaum
Icelandic: Múskat
Latin: Myristica fragrans
Portuguese: Noz-moscada
Russian: Мускатный орех
Swedish: Muskot
Turkish: Küçük Hindistan cevizi

Healing Properties of the Mustard Seed

Mustard has a great variety of health benefits:

• Hair growth stimulant
• Digestive and laxative properties
• Salivation stimulant to increase appetite 
• Contains sulphur to treat skin diseases
• Antiseptic properties to clear sinuses and the lungs. 

Mustard does also contain:

• Essential B-complex vitamins that the body needs to properly work the nervous system and to regulate metabolism. 
• Minerals such as iron, calcium, copper and zinc.
• Antioxidants such as carotenes, zeaxanthin and lutein (to help get rid of toxins in the body)

Mustard Seed History and Origin

Today, mustard is a spice most commonly used for culinary purposes, but that has not always been the case. In fact, history tells us mustard was actually used for medicinal purposes rather than for cooking. Mustard is native to Asia, but has throughout history been globally dispersed due to the Spanish explorations and world trade. Ancient Greek philosopher Pythagoras used mustard as a remedy for scorpion stings. The Romans prepared mustard by grinding it into a paste to fully bring out its aroma and taste, but one can also roast it until it pops (which is very common to India). 

The mustard seed is referred to as a model of the kingdom of God in the Bible (New Testament). Jewish texts uses the spice as an example to demonstrate the expansion of the universe after its creation, which at one point after that was no bigger than the size of a mustard seed.  

Mustard Seed Education

Yellow Mustard Seeds

The names of mustard in different languages:

Czech: hořčice
French: moutarde
German: senfkorn
Italian: senape 
Icelandic: sinnep
Portuguese: mostarda
Spanish: granos de mostaza
Swedish: senap 

Health Benefits Cumin

Cumin is very rich in iron, an essential component in the making of hemoglobin, the protein needed to carry oxygen throughout the body. Besides from that, other health benefits of cumin may include:

• Digestion: cumin is known to be extremely good for the digestion, but also help against digestive disorders such as morning sickness, diarrhea, nausea, and indigestion.
• Colds: cumin's antiseptic properties help to fight off common cold symptoms such as a runny nose, fever, sore throat etc. 
• Skin: cumin contains a lot of vitamin E, which is known to be good for the skin. Combined with its antiseptic properties, cumin promotes healthy and clear skin, and prevents skin diseases. 
• Cancer prevention

History and Origin of Cumin

Cumin is a spice that originates from a geographical region spreading from the Mediterranean to east of India. The history of cumin goes back over 5000 years to ancient Egypt where it was used it as a spice in foods as well as in the mummification process. Cumin can also be traced back to ancient Greece and Rome. Interestingly, people believed that cumin kept chickens and lovers from wandering. The myth also says that a happy life awaited the loving couple who brought cumin to their wedding ceremony.  

Cumin Education

The names of Cumin in different languages

Arabic: كمون
Latin: Cuminum cyminum
French: Cumin
German: Kreuzkümmel
Italian: Cumino
Russian: Зира́
Portuguese: Cominho
Spanish: Comino
Swedish: Kummin

Health Benefits Clove

• Anti-inflammatory properties to ease respiratory disorders including coughs, colds, bronchitis, asthma, sinusitis, and tuberculosis
• Relieves dental pain, sore gums and mouth ulcers
• Improves acne 
• Stress reliever 
• Reduces nausea and pregnancy related vomiting 
• Blood purification 

Clove is rich in minerals such as potassium, calcium, iron, sodium and phosphorus + vitamin A and vitamin C. 

History and Origin of Cloves

Cloves are in fact dried flower buds of a tree in the Myrtle family. Cloves originate from Molucca Islands that of contemporary time belong to Indonesia. The legend says the natives of the islands planted a tree every time a child was born because they believed that the fate of the tree was linked to the fate of the child. 

Interestingly, archeologists found traces of cloves in a ceramic vessel dated as far back as 1721 BC in Syria. Hence, its geographical dispersal throughout history suggests that cloves were one of the first spices to be traded. In 226 BC, the Chinese took advantage of its pungent aroma and taste to reduce bad breath. It is said that every time someone approached the emperor, one had to chew a few cloves as a sign of respect.   

Cloves were one of the most treasured spices during the 16th and 17th century, and has been a key factor in East-West exchanges. 

Clove Education

The names of clove in different languages

Dutch: Kruidnagel

French: Giroflier

German: Gewürznelken

Italian: Eugenia caryophyllata

Latin: Syzygium aromaticum

Portuguese:  Cravo-da-índia

Spanish: Clavo de olor

Swedish: Kryddnejlika

Scientific Research on Cinnamon

1.             Raza A, Movahed A: Current concepts of cardiovascular diseases in diabetes mellitus. Int J Cardiol 89:123–134


2.             Khan A, Bryden NA, Polansky MM, Anderson RA: Insulin potentiating factor and chromium content of selected foods and spices. Bio Trace Element Res 24:183–188


3.             Broadhurst CL, Polansky MM, Anderson RA: Insulin-like biological activity of culinary and medicinal plant aqueous extracts in vitro. J Agric Food Chem 48:849–852


4.             Bailey CJ, Day C: Traditional plant medicines as treatments for diabetes. Diabetes Care 12:553–564


5.             Shapiro K, Gong WC: Natural products used for diabetes. J Am Pharm Assoc 42:217–226


6.             Rashwan AA: Effects of dietary additions of anise, fenugreek and caraway on reproductive and productive performance of New Zealand White rabbit does. Egypt J Rabbit Sci 8:157–167


7.             Khan BA, Abraham A, Leelamma S: Biochemical response in rats to the addition of curry leaf (Murraya koenigii) and mustard seeds (Brassica juncea) to the diet. Plant Foods Hum Nutr 49:295–299


8.             Khan BA, Abraham A, Leelamma S: Influence of spices—Murraya koenigii and Brassica juncea—on rats fed atherogenic diet. J Food Sci 


9.             Chithra V, Leelamma S: Hypolipidemic effect of coriander seeds (Coriandrum sativum): mechanism of action. Plant Foods Hum Nutr 51:16


10.         Zhang WL, Liu DW, Wo XD, Zhang YH, Jin MM, Ding ZS: Effects of Curcuma longa on proliferation of cultured bovine smooth muscle cells and on expression of low-density lipoprotein receptor in cells. Chinese Med J 112:308


11.         Imparl-Radosevich J, Deas S, Polansky MM, Baedke DA, Ingebrutsen TS, Anderson RA, Graves DJ: Regulation of phosphorylase phosphatase (PTP-1) and insulin receptor kinase by fractions from cinnamon: implications for cinnamon regulation of insulin signaling. Horm Res 50:177–182


12.         Jarvill-Taylor KJ, Anderson RA, Graves DJ: A hydroxychalcone derived from cinnamon functions as a mimetic for insulin in 3T3–L1 adipocytes. J Am Coll Nutr 20:327–336


13.         Werner M, Gabrielson DG, Eastman G: Ultramicrodeterminations of serum triglycerides by bioluminescent assay. Clin Chem 21:268


14.         Allain CC, Poon LS, Chon CSG, Richmond U, Fu PC: Enzymatic determination of total serum cholesterol. Clin Chem 20:470–475


15.         Lopes-Virella MF, Stone P, Ellis S, Coldwell JA: Cholesterol determinations in high density liproproteins separated by three methods. Clin Chem 23:882–884


16.         Friedewald WT, Levy RI, Fredrickson DS: Estimation of the concentration of low density lipoprotein cholesterol in plasma without the use of the preparative ultracentrifuge. Clin Chem 18:499–502


17.         Freed RD: MSTAT-C With MGRAPH. Version 2.00. East Lansing, MI, Michigan State Univer


18.         Cline GW, Oetersen KF, Krssak M, Shen J, Hundal RS, Trajanoski Z, Inzucchi S, Dresner A, Rothman DL, Shulman GI: Impaired glucose transport as a cause of decreased insulin-stimulated muscle glycogen synthesis in type 2 diabetes. N Engl J Med 341:240–245


19.         Begum N, Sussman KE, Draznin B: Differential effects of diabetes on adipocyte and liver phosphotyrosine and phosphoserine phosphatase activities. Diabetes 40:1620


20.         Nadiv O, Shinitzke M, Manu H, Hecht D, Roberts CT, LeRoith D, Zick Y: Elevated protein tyrosine phosphatase activity and increased membrane viscosity are associated with impaired activation of the insulin receptor kinase in old rats. Biochem J 298:446


21.         Eldar-Finkelman H, Krebs EG: Phosphorylation of insulin receptor substrate-1 by glycogen synthase kinase 3 impairs insulin action. Proc Natl Acad Sci 94:9660–9664


Dhuley JN: Antioxidant effects of cinnamon (Cinnamomum verum) bark and greater cardamom (Amomum sabulatum) seeds in rats fed high fat diet. Indian J Exp Biol 37:238–242

University of Maryland - Scientific Medicinal Studies on GINGER

Ali BH, Blunden G, Tanira MO, Nemmar A. Some phytochemical, pharmacological and toxicological properties of ginger (Zingiber officinale Roscoe): a review of recent research. Food Chem Toxicol. 2008;46(2):409-20.
Altman RD, Marcussen KC. Effects of a ginger extract on knee pain in patients with osteoarthritis. Arthritis Rheum. 2001;44(11):2531-2538.
Apariman S, Ratchanon S, Wiriyasirivej B. Effectiveness of ginger for prevention of nausea and vomiting after gynecological laparoscopy. J Med Assoc Thai. 2006;89(12):2003-9.
Awang DVC. Ginger. Can Pharma J. 1992:309–311.
Bertolucci LE, DiDario B. Efficacy of a portable acustimulation device in controlling seasickness. Aviat Space Environ Med. 1995;66(12):1155-1158.
Bhandari U, Sharma JN, Zafar R. The protective action of ethanolic ginger (Zingiber officinale) extract in cholesterol fed rabbits. J Ethnopharm. 1998;61(2):167-171.
Bliddal H, Rosetzsky A, Schlichting P, et al. A randomized, placebo-controlled, cross-over study of ginger extracts and ibuprofen in osteoarthritis. Osteoarthritis Cartilage. 2000;8:9-12.
Blumenthal M, Goldberg A, Brinckmann J. Herbal Medicine: Expanded Commission E Monographs. Boston, Mass: Integrative Medicine Communications; 2000;153-159.
Bone ME, Wilkinson DJ, Young JR, McNeil J, Charlton S. Ginger root--a new antiemetic. The effect of ginger root on postoperative nausea and vomiting after major gynaecological surgery. Anaesthesia. 1990;45(8):669-71.
Bordia A, Verma SK, Srivastava KC. Effect of ginger (Zingiber officinale Rosc.) and fenugreek (Trigonella foenumgraecum L.) on blood lipids, blood sugar, and platelet aggregation ion patients with coronary heart disease. Prostaglandins Leukot Essent Fatty Acids. 1997;56(5):379-384.
Brinker F. Herb Contraindications and Drug Interactions. 2nd ed. Sandy, OR: Eclectic Medical Publications; 1998:75-76.
Chaiyakunapruk N. The efficacy of ginger for the prevention of postoperative nausea and vomiting: a meta-analysis. Am J Obstet Gynecol. 2006;194(1):95-9.
Eberhart LH, Mayer R, Betz O, et al. Ginger does not prevent postoperative nausea and vomiting after laparoscopic surgery. Anesth Analg. 2003;96(4):995-8, table.
Ernst E, Pittler MH. Efficacy of ginger for nausea and vomiting: a systematic review of randomized clinical trials. B J Anaesth. 2000;84(3):367-371.
Fischer-Rasmussen W, Kjaer SK, Dahl C, Asping U. Ginger treatment of hyperemesis gravidarum. Eur J Obstet Gynecol Reprod Biol. 1991 Jan 4;38(1):19-24.
Fuhrman B, Rosenblat M, Hayek T, Coleman R, Aviram M. Ginger extract consumption reduces plasma cholesterol, inhibits LDL oxidation, and attenuates development of atherosclerosis in atherosclerotic, apolipoprotein E-deficient mice. J Nutr. 2000;130(5):1124-1131.
Gonlachanvit S, Chen YH, Hasler WL, et al. Ginger reduces hyperglycemia-evoked gastric dysrhythmias in healthy humans: possible role of endogenous prostaglandins. J Pharmacol Exp Ther. 2003;307(3):1098-1103.
Grontved A, Brask T, Kambskard J, Hentzer E. Ginger root against seasickness: a controlled trial on the open sea. Acta Otolaryngol. 1988;105:45-49.
Heck AM, DeWitt BA, Lukes AL. Potential interactions between alternative therapies and warfarin. Am J Health Syst Pharm. 2000;57(13):1221-1227.
Kruth P, Brosi E, Fux R, et al. Ginger-associated overanticoagulation by phenprocoumon. Ann Pharmacother. 2004;38(2):257-260.
Langner E, Greifenberg S, Gruenwald J. Ginger: history and use. Adv Ther. 1998;15(1):25-44.
Larkin M. Surgery patients at risk for herb-anaesthesia interactions. Lancet. 1999;354(9187):1362.
LaValle JB, Krinsky DL, Hawkins EB, et al. Natural Therapeutics Pocket Guide. Hudson, OH: LexiComp; 2000:440-441.
Lee SH, Cekanova M, Baek SJ. Multiple mechanisms are involved in 6-gingerol-induced cell growth arrest and apoptosis in human colorectal cancer cells. Mol Carcinog. 2008;47(3):197-208.
Mahady GB, Pendland SL, Yun GS, et al. Ginger (Zingiber officinale Roscoe) and the gingerols inhibit the growth of Cag A+ strains of Helicobacter pylori. Anticancer Res. 2003;23(5A):3699-3702.
Nurtjahja-Tjendraputra E, Ammit AJ, Roufogalis BD, et al. Effective anti-platelet and COX-1 enzyme inhibitors from pungent constituents of ginger. Thromb Res. 2003;111(4-5):259-265.
Phillips S, Ruggier R, Hutchinson SE. Zingiber officinale (ginger)--an antiemetic for day case surgery. Anaesthesia. 1993;48(8):715-717.
Portnoi G, Chng LA, Karimi-Tabesh L, et al. Prospective comparative study of the safety and effectiveness of ginger for the treatment of nausea and vomiting in pregnancy. Am J Obstet Gynecol. 2003;189(5):1374-1377.
Sripramote M, Lekhyananda N. A randomized comparison of ginger and vitamin B6 in the treatment of nausea and vomiting of pregnancy. J Med Assoc Thai. 2003;86(9):846-853.
Srivastava KC, Mustafa T. Ginger (Zingiber officinale) in rheumatism and musculoskeletal disorders. Medical Hypotheses. 1992;39:343-348.
Thomson M, Al Qattan KK, Al Sawan SM, et al. The use of ginger (Zingiber officinale Rosc.) as a potential anti-inflammatory and antithrombotic agent. Prostaglandins Leukot Essent Fatty Acids. 2002;67(6):475-478.
Vaes LP, Chyka PA. Interactions of warfarin with garlic, ginger, ginkgo, or ginseng: nature of the evidence. Ann Pharmacother. 2000;34(12):1478-1482.
Vutyavanich T, Kraisarin T, Ruangsri R. Ginger for nausea and vomiting in pregnancy: randomized, double-masked, placebo-controlled trial. Obstet Gynecol. 2001;97(4):577-582.
Wang CC, Chen LG, Lee LT, et al. Effects of 6-gingerol, an antioxidant from ginger, on inducing apoptosis in human leukemic HL-60 cells. In Vivo. 2003;17(6):641-645.
White B. Ginger: an overview. Am Fam Physician. 2007;75(11):1689-91.
Wigler I, Grotto I, Caspi D, et al. The effects of Zintona EC (a ginger extract) on symptomatic gonarthritis. Osteoarthritis Cartilage. 2003;11(11):783-789.
Willetts KE, Ekangaki A, Eden JA. Effect of a ginger extract on pregnancy-induced nausea: a randomised controlled trial. Aust N Z J Obstet Gynaecol. 2003;43(2):139-144.
Yamahara J, Rong HQ, Naitohh Y, et al. Inhibition of cytotoxic drug-induced vomiting in suncus by a ginger constituent. J Ethnopharmacol. 1989;27:535–536.

Health Properties of Chai

 Due to its complex herbal composition, Chai has a great variety of components that promote common health in various ways. Chai is known to:

• Lower cholesterol and blood pressure
• Strengthen and heal the digestive system 
• Possibly reduce the symptoms of Alzheimer's Disease 
• Fight off colds and flus
• Stimulate the mind and give clarity 

Also, Chai contains powerful antioxidants that prevent cellular damage commonly recognized as:

• Cancer
• Aging of the human body

The History and Origin of Chai

The conceptualization of Chai is predominantly traced back to India, a country located in South Asia. It is presumed that the health promoting features of Chai were recognized several thousands years ago because of its usage in the Ancient Hindu art of medicine and prolonging life. On the other hand, it is also important to recognize other stories told about the birth of Chai. Some stories claim Chai was invented by an Indian king in the Ancient times to cure health related issues of the royal court.

Education on Chai - the Hindi Word for "Tea"

A personal blend of Chai

As indicated in the title, Chai is not just one spice, but an abundance of mixed spices combined in to a rich blend of flavors brewed as a strong black tea. Since there is not set recipe, Chai mixtures vary in flavor and strength depending on the composition of spices. Anyhow, most commonly used spices in making chai are ginger, cardamom, and cinnamon: three incredible spices with unique health promoting properties as earlier mentioned in past blog posts.  Other spices added to the mixture of chai may include:

• Chocolate
• Lemongrass
• Peppercorns
• Coriander 
• Bay leaves
• Vanilla
• Cloves
• Nutmeg 

Healing Properties of Cardamom

Cardamom is a flavorful, warm  spice that not only lends its aroma and taste to curries and chai, but also has numerous of health benefits.

• Induces the circulation of the body 
• Anti-septic benefits 
• Enhances appetite
• Cleanses kidneys and the bladder
• Prevents throat problems
• Aphrodisiac 
• Neutralizes insect bites 

Cardamom also works as a detoxifier that promotes general healthy living.

Cardamom Origin/ History

Just like ginger, cardamom belongs to the Zingiberaceae family and is mostly used in cooking and for medicinal properties. Cardamom plants grow wild in the monsoon forests of southern India, called Western Ghats. However, the prosperous growth in the Western Ghats has instead made the area known as the "Cardamom Hills".  Many historical texts recognizes cardamom for its anti-iflammatory properties. Cardamom was used in traditional medicine to treat, and prevent throat problems such as bad breath congestion of the lungs.  

The global trade made cardamum spread worldwide, and can as a matter of fact be traced back to the times of Ancient Egypt. It is said that cardamom was Cleopatara's favorite perfume due to its distinct and strong scent. Amazing isn't it?