Garlic – Garlic originated from Central Asia and was used by the Chinese even as early as 3000BC. Hippocrates recommended the use of Garlic for infectious diseases and intestinal ailments.
Garlic contains Calcium, Phosphorous, Iron, Thiamine, Riboflavin, Niacin and Vitamin C. It also contains traces of Iodine and Sulphur which activates and fortifies the defence mechanism of the body, thus making Garlic one of the outstanding prophylactics for any disease. It is also a powerful antiseptic.
The essential oils present in garlic reduce the fatty acids like cholesterol, triglycerides and lipids and breaks up arterial blocks and thus becomes a life-saver of inoperable heart patients with arterio-sclerosis.
The ethers present in garlic break down the congestion of mucus in sinus cavities, bronchial tubes and lungs. It is an outstanding medicine in tuberculosis. During acute attacks of pneumonia as well as in those who have not fully recovered from an earlier attack of pneumonia, garlic is an excellent remedy.
Ginger – Ginger is a native of India, used from the very early Vedic period both as a medicine and as a spice.
Ginger contains Calcium, Phosphorous, Iron, Magnesium, Copper, Zinc and a few other minerals.
Ginger is a powerful stimulant, carminative, anti-flatulent, expectorant, aphrodisiac, antispasmodic and anti-rheumatic agent. Though ginger is used for different types of ailments, the main cure that ginger brings is for the digestive system and is used generously in Asian cuisine. In cases of acute indigestion, nausea, vomiting, pain and bloating due to gas, sour belching, heartburn, morning sickness during pregnancy, etc a decoction or “tea” of ginger is a natural palliative.
Lemon – Lemon is known to be a rich source of Vitamin C that is an antioxidant and helps fight the formulation of free radicals that are the cause for cancer. Vitamin C, whether consumed or applied on skin, helps to fight skin damage including wrinkles and tanning caused by the sun and pollution. It plays a vital role in the formation of collagen which is famously known as the elasticity or support system of the skin.
Another important role that lemon plays is in keeping the risk of asthma at a low. Vitamin C and other antioxidants present in lemon help battle the germs that cause a cold and the flu.
Adding lemon as flavouring to foods has immense benefits in the short and long term.
Lavender – The herb lavender is native to northern Africa and the Mediterranean. Since ancient times, this herb was used for beauty treatments as it is known to detoxify the skin.
The most popular use of lavender is through its essential oil, which is extracted by distilling the flower spikes of certain species of the purple-coloured wonder.
Lavender oil has antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties which help immensely when applying to minor burns and bug bites. Lavender also helps with digestive issues and can heal vomiting, nausea, intestinal gas, upset stomach and abdominal swelling.
The healing properties of lavender are increasingly becoming popular especially in beauty treatments and spas because it is considered to be useful for treating anxiety, insomnia, depression and restlessness. It helps alleviate pain from headaches, sprains, toothaches and sores. It also helps preventing hair loss. Lavender essential oil is popularly used for calming purposes.
TURMERIC – Turmeric is a perennial herb. It is a native of South-East Asia and has been grown in India from ancient times. Now it is available and well known all around the world.
Turmeric contains Calcium, Phosphorous, Iron, Carotene, Thiamine and Niacin.
Turmeric is a powerful vitalizing agent of the entire gastro-intestinal tract. It is one of the best blood purifiers and an antiseptic, both internally and externally. It is known to heal ulcers of the mouth and stomach and even the intestines. It prevents and heals septic conditions, pus formation and parasitic invasions.