Traditional Use of Spices , An Overview

MOLECULAR TARGETS AND THERAPEUTIC USES OF SPICES - Modern Uses for Ancient Medicine© World Scientific Publishing Co. Pte. Ltd.http://www.worldscibooks.com/lifesci/7150.html

1Traditional Uses of Spices:

An Overview

Ajaikumar B. Kunnumakkara, Cemile Koca, Sanjit Dey, Prashasnika Gehlot,Supachi Yodkeeree, Divya Danda, Bokyung Sung and Bharat B. Aggarwal*

From ancient times, spices have played a major role in the lifestyle of

people from certain parts of the world. They have served numerous roles

through history, including as coloring agents, flavoring agents, preserv-

atives, food additives and medicine. The active phytochemicals derived

from these spices have provided the molecular basis for these actions.

This chapter reviews the traditional uses of selected spices.

INTRODUCTION

A spice is a dried seed, fruit, root, bark or flower of a plant or a herb usedin small quantities for flavor, color or as a preservative. Many of thesesubstances are also used in traditional medicines. Globalization has madethese spices easily available, and increasing their popularity. This chapterreviews the traditional uses of selected spices.

BLACK PEPPER

Black pepper (Piper nigrum Linn.) is the world’s most common spice andknown as the “King of Spices.” The word “pepper” is derived from the

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*Corresponding author.

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Sanskrit pippali, the word for long pepper, via the Latin piper, which wasused by the Romans to refer both to pepper and long pepper (as theRomans erroneously believed that both of these spices were derived fromthe same plant). The English word for pepper is derived from the OldEnglish “pipor.” The Latin word is also the source of German pfeffer,French poivre, Dutch peper, and other similar forms. “Pepper” was usedin a figurative sense to mean “spirit” or “energy” at least as far back asthe 1840s; in the early 20th century, this was shortened to pep. Pepper isa perennial vine and a native of South India. In its dried form, the fruit isoften referred to as peppercorns. Peppercorns, and the powdered pepperderived from grinding them, may be described as black pepper, whitepepper, red/pink pepper, and green pepper. The sole use of black pepperis in the seasoning of food owing to its aroma and pungency. In tradi-tional medicines, this spice is also reported to have digestive power, toimprove appetite, and to cure cold, cough, dyspnea, diseases of the throat,intermittent fever, colic, dysentery, worms and piles (Fig. 1).1 The uses of

2 A. B. Kunnumakkara et al.

Constipation

Diarrhea

Earache

GangreneHeart disease

Hernia

Indigestion

Insect bites

Insomnia

Joint pain

Liver disorders

Lung diseases

Oral abscesses

Sunburn

Toothdecay

Abdominal

tumors

Epilepsy

Pyretic

Fig. 1. Traditional uses of black pepper.



black pepper in traditional medicine as an antipyretic and anti-inflammatoryare supported by modern science.2,3 In folk medicine, black pepper is alsoused against epilepsy and snake bite.4 The 5th century Syriac Book ofMedicines prescribes pepper (or perhaps long pepper) for such illnesses asconstipation, diarrhea, earache, gangrene, heart disease, hernia, hoarseness,indigestion, insect bites, insomnia, joint pain, liver problems, lung disease,oral abscesses, sunburn, tooth decay, and toothaches. Pepper root, in theform of ghees, powders, enemas and balms, is a folk remedy for abdominaltumors. Chinese use the spice for urinary calculus. An electuary preparedfrom the seed is said to help hard tumors, while a salve prepared from theseed is said to help eye indurations and internal tumors.5

CARDAMOM

Cardamom consists of two genera of the ginger family Zingiberaceae,namely Elettaria and Amomum. In South Asia green cardamom is calledelaichi in Marathi, Hindi and Urdu. It is called elakkaay in Telugu andelam in Tamil. All these cardamom species are used as cooking spices.Medically, cardamom is used for flatulent indigestion and to stimulate theappetite in people with anorexia (Fig. 2). Moreover, in Ayurvedic medi-cine it is used as a carminative, diuretic, stomachic and digestive, and forcough, colds and cardiac stimulation. Cardamom has been used in tradi-tional medicine against kidney and urinary disorders,6 and as agastrointestinal protective.7 Cardamom oil has reported anti-inflamma-tory8 and antibacterial uses.9 In India, green cardamom (A. subulatum) isbroadly used to treat infections of the teeth and gums, to prevent and treatthroat trouble, congestion of the lungs and pulmonary tuberculosis,asthma, heart disease, inflammation of the eyelids and digestive disorders.When mixed with neem and camphor, cardamom is used as a nasal prepa-ration to treat colds. An infusion of cardamom can be used as a gargle torelieve sore throats, which has led to its use in cough sweets. Cardamomis also reportedly used as an antidote for both snake and scorpion venomand for food poisoning. In traditional Chinese medicine it is used to treatstomachache, constipation, dysentery, and other digestion problems.Cardamom pods, fried and mixed with mastic and milk, are used for blad-der problems. The seeds are popularly believed to be an aphrodisiac.10

Traditional Uses of Spices: An Overview 3



CINNAMON

Cinnamon (Cinnamomum verum or C. zeylanicum) is native to India,Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, and Nepal. The name “cinnamon” comes fromGreek kinnámōmon, itself ultimately from Phoenician. The botanicalname for the spice, Cinnamomum zeylanicum, is derived from Sri Lanka’sformer (colonial) name, Ceylon. In sinhala (Sri Lanka), it is known askurundu, Sanskrit as tvak or da-rusita-, Hindi as dalchini, and in Gujarati astaj. In Malayalam cinnamon is called karuva or elavarngam. The dried skin(karuvappatta/elavarngappatta) of karuva is an important part of spicy cur-ries. This spice is regarded as antipyretic, antiseptic, astringent, balsamic,carminative, diaphoretic, fungicidal, stimulant, and stomachic (Fig. 3).The powdered bark of this spice in water is applied to alleviate headachesand neuralgia. Cinnamon is often combined with ginger to stimulate cir-culation and digestion. In addition, among people of Kashmiri origin,cinnamon is used to treat infectious diseases. It has been regarded as a folk


Teeth

infection

Urinary

diseases

Kidney

diseasesHeart disease

Constipation

Scorpion

bite

Colds

Eyelid

inflammation

Bladder

diseases

Asthma

Pulmonary

tuberculosis

Food

poisoning

Bacterial

infection

Sore throats

Digestive

disorders

Snake bite

Fig. 2. Traditional uses of cardamom.



remedy for indurations (of spleen, breast, uterus, liver and stomach) andtumors (especially of the abdomen, liver and sinews).11–14

CLOVES

Cloves (Syzygium aromaticum, or Eugenia aromaticum or Eugenia caryo-phyllata) are the aromatic dried flower buds of a tree in the Myrtaceaefamily. Cloves are native to Indonesia and are used as a spice in cuisine allover the world. The name derives from the French “clou,” (meaning “nail”)as the buds vaguely resemble small irregular nails in shape. The spice isused in Ayurveda, Chinese medicine and Western herbalism and dentistry,where the essential oil is used as an anodyne (painkiller) for dental emer-gencies (Fig. 4). It has been reported as analgesic, anesthetic, antibacterial,antiparasitic, antidotal, antioxidant, antiperspirant, antiseptic, carminative,deodorant, digestive, rubefacient, stimulant, stomachic, tonic and ver-mifugal.15 Cloves are used as a carminative to increase hydrochloric acid


Headache

Tumors

Organ

indurations

Diaphoresis

Stomachic

Bacterial

infection

Neuralgia

Astringent

Fungal

infection

Sore throats

Spasms

Fig. 3. Traditional uses of cinnamon.



in the stomach and to improve peristalsis. Cloves are also said to be anatural antihelmintic.16 The essential oil is used in aromatherapy, espe-cially for digestive problems. Topical application of this spice over thestomach or abdomen will warm the digestive tract. In Chinese medicinecloves are considered acrid, warm and aromatic, entering the kidney,spleen and stomach meridians, and are notable in their ability to warmthe middle, direct stomach qi (energy flow) downward, treat hiccoughand fortify the kidney.17 Because the herb is so warming, it is con-traindicated in any persons with fire symptoms. As such it is used informulas for impotence or clear vaginal discharge, for morning sicknesstogether with ginseng and patchouli, and for vomiting and diarrhea dueto spleen and stomach coldness.18 Clove oil is used in various skin dis-orders like acne and pimples, to treat severe burns and skin irritations,and to reduce the sensitiveness of the skin. Cloves are used for the treat-ment of dog and cat ear problems in British Columbia, Canada. Theessential oil extracted from cloves is used as an ointment to relieve pain


Parasite

infection

Sepsis

Acne, pimplesSkin irritations

Morning

sickness

Pain killer

Stimulant

Antiperspirant

Stomachic

Analgesic

Poisoning

Anesthetic

Bacterial

infection

Rubefacient

Carminative

Vermifuge

Fig. 4. Traditional uses of cloves.



and promote healing in herbal medicine. Cloves are also employed as afragrance in flavoring industries.

CORIANDER

Coriandrum sativum L. Apiaceae (Umbelliferae) (coriander, alsoknown as cilantro, cilantrillo, Arab parsley, Chinese parsley, Mexicanparsley, Dhania and Yuen sai), is native to southwestern Asia andregions west to north Africa. The name “coriander” derives from theFrench coriandre through Latin coriandrum and in turn from Greekκορíαννον.19 John Chadwick notes the Mycenaean Greek form of theword, koriadnon, “has a pattern curiously similar to the name of Minos’(Minos became a judge of the dead in Hades in Greek mythology)daughter Ariadne,” and this explains how the word might have beencorrupted later to koriannon or koriandron.20 It is an annual herb com-monly used in Middle Eastern, Mediterranean, Indian, Latin American,African and Southeast Asian cuisine. Coriander leaves are referred to ascilantro (United States and Canada, from the Spanish name for theplant), dhania (Indian subcontinent, and increasingly in Britain),kindza (in Georgia), Chinese parsley or Mexican parsley. All parts ofthe plant are edible, but the fresh leaves and the dried seeds are themost common parts used in cooking.21 As heat diminishes their flavorquickly, coriander leaves are often used raw or added to the dish rightbefore serving.

In Indian traditional medicine, coriander is used in the disorders ofdigestive, respiratory and urinary systems as it has diaphoretic, diuretic,carminative and stimulant activities (Fig. 5). The plant is recommended forrelief of anxiety and insomnia in Iranian folk medicine,22 and it is a commonplant included in the Mexican diet, usually consumed uncooked, the oilbeing used as an antimicrobial agent and as a natural fragrance.23 It is alsorecommended for urethritis, cystitis, urinary tract infection, urticaria, rash,burns, sore throat, vomiting, indigestion, nosebleed, cough, allergies, hayfever, dizziness and amebic dysentery.24 Locally known as “Maadnouss” inMorocco, coriander has been documented as a traditional treatment for dia-betes, indigestion, flatulence, insomnia, renal disorders and loss of appetite,and as a diuretic.25




FENUGREEK

Fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graecum) is commonly known as maithray(Bangla, Gujarati), methi or mithi (Hindi, Nepali, Marathi, Urdu andSanskrit), menthyada soppu (Kannada), ventayam (Tamil), menthulu(Telugu), hilbeh (Arabic), ulluva (Malayalam) and shambalîleh (Persian).The name “fenugreek” or foenum-graecum is from Latin for “Greek hay.”In traditional medicines it is used as an aphrodisiac, astringent, demulcent,carminative, stomachic, diuretic, emmenagogue, emollient, expectorant,lactogogue, restorative, and tonic (Fig. 6).26 Fenugreek is used for a varietyof health conditions, including digestive problems, bronchitis, tuberculosis,fevers, sore throats, wounds, arthritis, abscesses, swollen glands, skin irrita-tions, diabetes, loss of appetite, ulcers and menopausal symptoms, as wellas in the treatment of cancer. An infusion of the leaves is used as a garglefor recurrent mouth ulcers. As an emollient it is used in poultices for boils,cysts and other complaints. It is used to reduce blood sugar level and to


Cystitis

Respiratory

disorders

Digestive

disordersRenal

disorders

Loss of

appetite

Insomnia

Allergies

Vomiting

Hay fever

Rashes

Burns

Sore throat

Urinary

disorders

Cough

Nosebleed

Dizziness

Fig. 5. Traditional uses of corriander.



lower blood pressure. Fenugreek has been demonstrated to relieve conges-tion, reduce inflammation and fight infection. Fenugreek is used for treatingsinus and lung congestion, and loosens and removes excess mucus andphlegm. The Chinese use the seed for abdominal pain, chilblains, cholecy-tosis, fever, hernia, impotence, hypogastrosis, nephrosis, and rheumatism.26

GARLIC

Garlic (Allium sativum L.) is a species in the onion family, Alliaceae. One ofthe oldest dietary vegetables, it has been used as early as 3000 BC for thetreatment of intestinal disorders and is now known for its fibrinolytic activ-ity and its possible role in lowering blood cholesterol.27 Dietary patterns inthe Mediterranean characterized by high consumption of fruits and vegeta-bles, especially garlic, are believed to be beneficial to the regional patternsof atherosclerotic disease (Fig. 7).28 The spice has also been used in folkmedicine for the treatment of diabetes29 and inflammation.30 A well-known


Sore throats

Tuberculosis

BronchitisMenopausal

symptoms

Loss of

appetite

Impotence

Sinus

problems

Diabetes

Hernia

Arthritis

Nephrosis

Skin irritations

Fever

Cholecytosis

Cancer

Hypogastrosis

Fig. 6. Traditional uses of fenugreek.



remedy for local pain is to crush garlic bulbs, apply the crushed garlic to thesite of pain and then put a bandage over it. This practice is done by “naturo-pathic physicians” worldwide and as part of traditional “Arabic Medicine” inthe Middle East.27 In Nepal, East Asia and the Middle East it has been usedto treat all manner of illnesses including fevers, diabetes, rheumatism, intes-tinal worms, colic, flatulence, dysentery, liver disorders, tuberculosis, facialparalysis, high blood pressure and bronchitis. In Ayurvedic and Siddha med-icine garlic juice has been used to alleviate sinus problems. In Unanimedicine, an extract prepared from the dried bulb is inhaled to promote abor-tion or taken to regulate menstruation. Unani physicians also use garlic totreat paralysis, forgetfulness, tremor, colic pains, internal ulcers and fevers.

GINGER

Ginger (Zingiber officinale) is commonly used as a cooking spicethroughout the world. It is also known as zanjabil (Arabic), aadu


Rheumatism

Diabetes

AtherosclerosisColic pains

Fever

Ulcer

Sinusitis

Paralysis

Dysentery

Intestinal

worms

Liver

disorders

Inflammation

BronchitisTuberculosis

Loss of

memory

Fig. 7. Traditional uses of garlic.



(gujarati), shunti (Kannada), allam (Telugu), inji (Tamil and Malayalam),alay (Marathi), aduwa (Nepali), and adrak (Hindi and Urdu). The rhi-zome of ginger has long been used in Ayurvedic and traditional Chinesemedicine to treat a wide range of ailments including gastrointestinal dis-orders, mainly nausea and vomiting associated with motion sickness andpregnancy, abdominal spasm, as well as respiratory and rheumatic disorders(Fig. 8). As a home remedy, ginger is widely used for dyspepsia, flatulence,abdominal discomfort and nausea. It has been recommended by herbalistsfor use as a carminative (an agent that reduces flatulence and expels gasfrom the intestines), diaphoretic (an agent that produces or increases per-spiration), antispasmodic, expectorant, peripheral circulatory stimulant,and astringent (an agent that causes shrinkage of mucous membranesor exposed tissues and that is often used internally to check dischargeof blood serum or mucous secretions). Ginger has a reputation for its


Respiratory

disorders

Sore throats

InflammationDiabetes

Fever

Infectious

diseases

Hypertension

Stroke

Dementia

Gingivitis

Helminthiasis

Arthritis

Stomach

disorders

Dermatitis

Sprains

Constipation

Fig. 8. Traditional uses of ginger.



anti-inflammatory properties. In traditional medicine, ginger has beenused to treat a wide array of ailments including sore throats, stom-achaches, diarrhea, toothache, gingivitis, arthritis (inflammation of thejoints), bronchitis (an acute inflammation of the air passages within thelungs), muscle pains, sprains, constipation dermatitis, hypertension,dementia, fever, infectious diseases, helminthiasis, stroke, constipation,diabetes and asthmatic respiratory disorders.31–38

KALONJI

Kalonji (Nigella sativa) is an annual flowering plant, native to southwestAsia. The scientific name is a derivative of Latin niger meaning “black.”In English, Nigella sativa seed is variously called black cumin, fennelflower, nutmeg flower, Roman coriander, blackseed, black caraway, orblack onion seed. In English-speaking countries with large immigrantpopulations, it is also known as kalonji (Hindi), kezah (Hebrew), chernushka(Russian), çörek otu (Turkish), habbat albarakah (Arabic “seed of blessing”)or siyah daneh (Persian). It is regarded as an aromatic, carminative,diaphoretic, digestive, diuretic, emmenagogue, excitant, lactagogue, laxative,expectorant, antipyretic, antihelminthic, resolvent, stimulant, sudorific,parasiticide, stomachic, tonic, and vermifuge (Fig. 9). The herb may bemore important to Muslims than to Christians and Jews. Prophet Muhammad(SAW) once stated that the black seed can heal every disease — exceptdeath.39 In Ayurvedic medicine, it is used as purgative adjunct. In Unani,it is considered an abortifacient and a diuretic and is used for ascites,coughs, eye-sores, hydrophobia, jaundice, paralysis, piles and tertianfever. The Lebanese take the seed extract for liver ailments. In Indonesia,the seeds are added to astringent medicines for abdominal disorders. InMalaya, the seeds are poulticed to treat abscesses, headaches, nasal ulcers,orchitis, and rheumatism. Arabian women use the seeds as a galactagogue.39

Kalonji seeds and oil, alone or in combination with other drugs, are highlyeffective in alopecia, vitiligo and other skin ailments. Continuous use ofkalonji is effective in mad dog bites. It is useful in paralysis, facial palsy,migraine, amnesia and palpitation. Its powder if taken with water is effec-tive in treating hemorrhoids. If Kalonji seeds are boiled in vinegar and thissolution is applied to the gums and teeth, it can reduce inflammation of




the gums and also relieve pain. It has been reported that in a fine powderform it is effective if applied in early stages of cataract. Black seed oil hasbeen a women’s beauty secret since ancient times. Black cumin and its oilhave been used to purge parasites and worms, detoxify, ameliorate ame-bic dysentery, shigellosis, abscesses, old tumors, ulcers of the mouth, andrhinitis. For external use, the seed is ground into a powder and mixed withsesame oil, and can be used to treat abscesses, hemorrhoids and orchitis.Finally, the powdered seed has been used to remove lice from the hair.40,41

KOKUM

The genus Garcinia of the Clusiaceae family includes around 200 species,of which Garcinia indica is the most common. Garcinia indica is alsoknown as Brindonia indica, Stalagmitis purpurea, Garcinia purpurea,Garcinia microstigma, Stalagmitis indica, Garcinia celebica, andOxycarpus indica. Garcinia indica, primarily of Indian origin, is known


Jaundice

Coughs

RhinitisTumor

Cataracts

Migraine

Rheumatism

Headache

Alopecia

Tertian fever

Paralysis

Abdominal

disorders

Hydrophobia

Orchitis

Ulcers

Vitiligo

Fig. 9. Traditional uses of kalonji.



by many names: bindin, biran, bhirand, bhinda, kokum, katambi,panarpuli, ratamba, and amsol. In the English language, it is commonlyknown as mangosteen, wild mangosteen, or red mango. The extractand rind of Garcinia cambogia is used as a curry condiment in India.In traditional medicine, such as Ayurveda, kokum is prescribed foredema, rheumatism, delayed menstruation, constipation and other bowelcomplaints, and intestinal parasites (Fig. 10). The extract of Garcinia cam-bogia is used as an herbal appetite suppressant and weight-losssupplement.

MINT

Mentha (mint) is a genus of about 25 species (and many hundreds ofvarieties) of flowering plants in the family Lamiaceae (mint family).42

The word “mint” descends from the Latin word menthe, which is rootedin the Greek word minthe, mentioned in Greek mythology as Minthe,a nymph who was transformed into a mint plant.43 There are different


Fig. 10. Traditional uses of kokum.



types of mint including Mentha aquatica — water mint or marsh mint;Mentha arvensis — corn mint, wild mint, Japanese peppermint, fieldmint or pudina; Mentha asiatica — asian mint; Mentha australis —Australian mint; Mentha citrata — bergamot mint; Mentha crispata —wrinkled-leaf mint; Mentha diemenica — slender mint; Mentha laxi-flora — forest mint; Mentha longifolia or Mentha sylvestris — horsemint; Mentha piperita — peppermint; Mentha requienii — Corsicanmint; Mentha sachalinensis — Garden mint; Mentha spicata —M. cordifolia, spearmint, curly mint; Mentha suaveolens — apple mint,pineapple mint, and Mentha vagans — gray mint. Mint leaves are usedin teas, beverages, jellies, syrups, candies, and ice creams. In MiddleEastern cuisine mint is used in lamb dishes. In British cuisine, mintsauce is popular with lamb. Mint is a necessary ingredient in Touaregtea, a popular tea in northern African and Arab countries. The plantis commonly used as a herbal agent in the treatment of loss ofappetite, common cold, bronchitis, sinusitis, fever, nausea and vomit-ing, and indigestion (Fig. 11).44 Peppermint plants have been used as a


BronchitisLoss of appetite

Indigestion

Nausea

Sinusitis

Vomiting

Common cold

Fig. 11. Traditional uses of mint.



herbal medicine for the same conditions, and others.45 Mentha arvensisis known to possess abortifacient properties in folk medicine (Caseyand Satyavati) and is commonly used as a folk remedy for pregnancytermination.46

RED CHILI

Red chili, belonging to the plant genus Capsicum, is among the mostheavily consumed spices throughout the world. The name, which isspelled chili, chile, or chilli, comes from Nahuatl chīlli via the Spanishword chile. Red chili has been used as an alternative medicine for thetreatment of inflammation, diabetes, low back pain and also in homeopa-thy medicine to treat acute tonsillitis.47–50 Moreover, capsicum plaster,which contains powdered capsicum and capsicum tincture, has been usedin Korean hand acupuncture to reduce postoperative nausea, vomiting andsore throat (Fig. 12).51,52


DiabetesSore throat

Vomiting

Tonsillitis

Back pain

Nausea

Inflammation

Fig. 12. Traditional uses of red chili.



ROSEMARY

Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis) is native to the Mediterranean region.The name “rosemary” derives from the Latin name rosmarinus, which lit-erally means “dew of the sea.” In traditional European medicine, rosemarywas used as a tonic, a stimulant, and a carminative to treat flatulence, aswell as a diuretic, cholagogue (an agent which promotes the discharge ofbile from the system), hepatoprotective, antirheumatic, expectorant, andmild analgesic (Fig. 13). Rosemary has a number of therapeutic applica-tions in folk medicines to treat a wide range of diseases such as headaches,epilepsy, poor circulation, diabetes mellitus, respiratory disorders,eczema, stomach problems and inflammatory diseases, and to stimulategrowth of hair. It has been recommended for its positive effects on humanfertility. It works as a digestion aid for the treatment of dyspepsia and mildgastrointestinal upsets, and it has been used in renal colic and dysmenor-rhea because of its antispasmodic effects. Its aroma is used against coughs


Stomach

disorders

Diabetes

EpilepsyHeadache

Energy

boosting

Improves

memory

Brain damage

Psychogenic

tension

Hepatotoxicity

Dyspepsia

Inflammation

Dysmenorrhea

Eczema

Respiratory

disorders

Rheumatoid

arthritis

Growth of

hair

Fig. 13. Traditional uses of rosemary.



and colds. In traditional European medicine, it was believed that the eat-ing of the rosemary flower comforts the brain, the heart and the stomach.It is used to improve memory and concentration, and to boost energy. Theleaves of the plant are commonly used as a spice and as a source of antiox-idant compounds employed in food conservation; the essential oil is usedas a food additive.

The ancient Greeks and Romans used it for improving memory andrejuvenating the spirit. Greek scholars wore garlands of rosemary duringexaminations in order to improve their memory and concentration.53 InIndia, rosemary leaf is used as a component in Ayurvedic and Unani med-icines for flatulent dyspepsia associated with psychogenic tension andmigraine headaches.54,55 In Germany, rosemary leaf is licensed as a stan-dard medicinal tea for internal and external use. Rosemary is takeninternally as a carminative or stomachic component of gastrointestinalmedicines in aqueous infusions, alcoholic fluid extracts, tinctures, andmedicinal wine. The aqueous infusion and essential oil are also used inexternal preparations (e.g. a bath additive, embrocation, liniment or oint-ment), for rheumatic diseases and circulatory problems.56,57 In the UnitedStates, rosemary is a component of dietary supplement products, in aque-ous infusion, alcoholic fluid extract and tincture dosage forms. In both theUnited States and Germany, the leaf is used in balneotherapy and theessential oil is used in aromatherapy.

TURMERIC

Turmeric is a yellow colored spice derived from the rhizome of the plantCurcuma longa and has been used as traditional medicine from ancienttimes in China and India.58 It is also known as kunyit (Indonesian andMalay), besar (Nepali) and haldi or pasupu in some Asian countries. InAssamese it is called halodhi. In medieval Europe, turmeric becameknown as Indian saffron, since it is widely used as an alternative to the farmore expensive saffron spice. The yellow powder from the rhizome ofturmeric has been used in Asian cookery, medicine, cosmetics, and fabriccoloring for the last 2000 years.58 As a traditional remedy, turmeric hasalso been quite extensively used for centuries to treat various disorderssuch as rheumatism, body ache, skin problems (e.g. wounds, burns and




acne), intestinal worms, diarrhea, intermittent fevers, hepatic diseases,urinary discharges, dyspepsia, inflammations, constipation, leukoderma,amenorrhea, dental diseases, digestive disorders such as dyspepsia andacidity, indigestion, flatulence, ulcers, and colic inflammatory disorderssuch as arthritis, colitis and hepatitis (Fig. 14).59,60 Moreover, turmeric is amajor constituent of Xiaoyao-san, a traditional Chinese medicine that hasbeen used to effectively manage stress and depression-related disorders inChina.61 In Nepal, the rhizome of turmeric is a household remedy. Thepowder of dried rhizome is considered to be stimulating, carminative,purifying, anti-inflammatory, and anthelmintic.62

CONCLUSION

Spices have been shown to be indispensable for daily human health.Besides adding flavor and taste to dishes, they help prevent and allevi-ate various health problems. Over the last few years several bioactive


Stomach

disorders

Body ache

RheumatismStress &

tension

Colic

inflammation

Ulcers

Leukoderma

Urinary

diseases

Amenorrhoea

Fevers

Intestinal worms

Hepatic

diseases

Skin diseases

Inflammation

Dyspepsia

Dental

diseases

Fig. 14. Traditional uses of turmeric.



compounds have been isolated from spices, providing a scientific basis forthe use of spices in our diet.

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Traditional Use of Spices , An Overview