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? 

Cardamom Education

The names of Cardamom in different languages


Latin: Lettaria cardamomum
English: Cardamom
French: Cardamome
German: Grüner Kardamom
Italian: Cardamomo
Russian: Кардамон
Spanish: Cardamomo
Swedish: Kardemumma 

Healing Properties of Chili Pepper

• Aids circulation and blood flow
• Reduces the risk of blood clots
• Metabolic booster / enhancer of the digestive system 
• induces the body to burn excess fat
• Migraine/head ache prevention

History Chili Pepper

Cayenne pepper is one of many natural spices that cured health related problems among people when modern medicine did not exist.

Cayenne Pepper is known for its enormous health benefits, and has been used throughout time for a variety of diseases including heartburn, nausea, fever, sore throat, tonsillitis, gout, and scarlet fever.  Its anti-irritant properties are commonly used to ease an upset stomach, or reduce an irritating cough.

The use of chili peppers can be traced several thousand years back in time to South- and Central America, but it wasn’t until the 15-16^th centuries Cayenne, and other chili peppers were introduced to the rest of the world as Christopher Columbus encountered them on his voyages of exploration. From Europe, the Cayenne pepper dispersed thousands of miles worldwide and are now grown everywhere. 

Chili Pepper Education

The names of Cayenne pepper in different languages

Latin: Capsicum annuum

English: Cayenne pepper

French: Piment de Cayenne 

German: Cayennepfeffer

Italian: Cayenna 
Portuguese: Pimenta-caiena

Spanish: Pimienta roja 

Swedish: Cayenne peppar 

Health Benefits of Turmeric

 Turmeric has been said to help the following conditions:

Sun rays
Diarrhea
Fever
Colds,
Parasitic Worms,
Leprosy
Bladder Inflammation
Kidney Inflammation
Bronchitis

History and Origin of Turmeric

Turmeric is a relative to the spice known as ginger. It has been found to have been used in ancient China, India, Malaysia early as the seventh century AD for its rich color which can be used in art and fabric, but also as a medicine.  It was also found to be used by ancient Hawaiians. In the Hindu religion turmeric is used as a powerful dye agent. Turmeric used along with lime juice to create the bright red forehead mark seen in many of their religious followers.  Buddhist and Hindus associate the yellow-orange coloring dye with both the solar plexus chakra and sacral chakra. It is interesting to note that Marco Polo referred to turmeric as Indian saffron used for dying cloth. The ancient Greeks also used turmeric for its orange-yellow dye properties.

Turmeric Education

Names for Turmeric:

Latin:        Curcuma Domestica  Curcuma Rotunda
English:    Indian Saffron
French:     Curcuma
German:    Gelbwurz

History and Origin of Peppermint

Peppermint has found its origins from the Mediterranean and Egypt.  In ancient Egypt, peppermint was used in the preparation of the body for burial.  It was also use as incense and in many perfumes by the Egyptians. Also, in ancient times the Greeks and the Romans would use peppermint in their feasts. They would put it in wines, sauces and even use it in the creation of decorative head pieces. There is a story from Greek mythology that finds the nymph, Mentha (Peppermint), was lusted after by Pluto. Persephone, Pluto's wife was jealous of the beauty and turned her into a herb. That is why we find the a sweet smell in the plant.

Health Benefits of Peppermint

Peppermint has been said to help in the following ailments:


Flatulence
Gallbladder
IBS
Stomach Cramps
Tension Headaches
Constipation
Diarrea 
Indigestion
Hiccups
Coughing

Peppermint Education

Names for Peppermint:

Latin                 Puledium, Puleium
Swedish            Pepparmynta
Italian                Menta piperita
China                Pak hom ho
Greek               Minthe, Hedyosmon
French              Menthe poivrée