The power of Ayurvedic spices: Health Secrets from Acient India

By Dr. Smitha Devi Chandran, Dr. Smitha Devi Das and Karin Schweizer

"When diet is wrong, medicine is of no use. When diet is correct, medicine is of no need." Ayurvedic Proverb
Ayurveda is an ancient health care system from India which has been practiced all over India for the last 5000 years. From India this knowledge has travelled to numerous countries like Nepal, China and even to Europe. In times gone by India was the greatest exporter of herbs and spices to many countries around the world.
More than 3000 herbs, minerals and animal products are explained in Ayurveda, together with their physical description, pharmacological activities and role in both preventive and curative aspects for all diseases.
The role of herbs and spices in preventive aspects of disease is emphasized in Ayurveda, we all know that prevention is better than cure. As herbs and spices play such a pivotal role in preventing both communicable and non-communicable diseases, their use was fused in Indian cuisine in such a way to ensure that everyone consumes an ample dose of them daily.
Another advantage of using herbs and spices is that it adds to the nutritional value, flavour and aroma of foods and enhances the bioavailability of nutrients and minerals from the food. They also help to prevent and contain unwanted microbial growth.

• Language: English
• Publisher: bel Verlag
• Release date: May 20, 2020
• ISBN: 9783947159550

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Cinnamon

Sanskrit - Twak

Botanical - Cinnamonum verum

Cinnamon is a spice obtained from the bark of the Cinnamomum trees. Among the two main types of Cinnamon, Ceylon cinnamon is known as „True Cinnamon". It is obtained by cutting the stem of Cinnamon trees and taking out the inner bark. When the bark dries it forms strips that curl in to rolls which are called Cinnamon sticks. The peculiar smell and flavour of Cinnamon is due to the essential oil present in it.

Usage

Cinnamon boasts anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial properties. It may cut the risk of heart disease by reducing bad cholesterol and excess fat in the blood (triglycerides). It can lower blood sugar levels and improve insulin resistance, so it can also be used as support-ive therapy in type 2 diabetes. It has been shown to have some positive and protective effect against Alzheimer’s and Parkinson‘s