COMMON NAMES: Commonly known as turmeric, turmeric and curcumin. LATIN NAME: Curcumae Longae HISTORY: This root is highly revered in Ayurvedic medicine, as well as general South Asian cuisine. Native to Southern Asia, the name curcuma comes from the Arabic word “kurkum”, or “saffron”, and is an indication of its relationship to the vibrant orange … Read more
Ginger (Zingiber officinale) is known in India as the ‘king of spices.’ Its delicious pungency and powerful curative properties have earned ginger the reputation in Ayurveda as the universal medicine. Ginger has been used since ancient times to aid digestion and treat stomach upset. The ginger plant grows to almost a meter high, but it … Read more
The Healing Grocery By Swaha Devi Hot spiced cider simmering on the stove…cinnamon and ginger treats emerging from the oven…These and other smells are a quintessential part of the holiday season’s festivities. The spices responsible for sending these satisfying aromas wafting through the house not only stimulate our appetites, but also stimulate the body and … Read more
By Kristin Bjornsen Athletes often joke about relying on “vitamin I,” aka ibuprofen, to get through the aches and pains of training. But they’re not the only ones who depend on nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) for pain relief. Every day, more than 30 million Americans take NSAIDs like ibuprofen, aspirin, and naproxen for everything from … Read more
By Nina Zolotow What Denzel Washington is to bad guys, spices like cinnamon, turmeric, and cardamom are to inflammation: They can stop it dead in its tracks. Good thing, too, since chronic low levels of inflammation set the stage for a host of diseases, including arthritis, cancer, and heart disease. Medical researchers haven’t completely unraveled … Read more
By Laird Harrison The Simmons family was in trouble. Dan and Natalie were both at least 20 pounds overweight, and so were their teenage son and daughter. Their two elementary-school-age girls were slowly heading in the same direction, and several close relatives suffered from heart disease, arthritis, cancer, and diabetes. Facing these dangers, the Manti, … Read more
By Lorie Parch It’s one of those happy coincidences: Many of the flavors we love best come from herbs and spices that are also good for our health. And these everyday herbs can affect more than just everyday health problems. Oregano, for example, is an effective bacteria fighter. And turmeric, which adds punch to Indian … Read more
By Vicky Uhland There’s good reason to season: Doctors and dietitians agree that your spice rack can be just as essential as your medicine cabinet when it comes to preventing and treating disease. Research consistently shows that many spices and herbs have medicinal qualities and can help prevent everything from cancer to the common cold. … Read more
It’s one of those happy coincidences: Many of the flavors we love best come from herbs and spices that are also good for our health. And these everyday herbs can affect more than just everyday health problems. Oregano, for example, is an effective bacteria fighter. And turmeric, which adds punch to Indian food, may ease … Read more