Fenugreek / Methi / Mentye is widely used in India in various forms. The leaves in dried form can be used as a herb, seeds as a spice and the plant itself as a green leafy vegetable. It is a powerhouse of nutrients, containing iron, magnesium, manganese, copper, vitamin B6, protein, and dietary fiber.

The water soluble fiber content called as ‘galactomannan’ helps in regulating Type 1 as well as Type 2 Diabetes since it slows down the rate at which sugar is absorbed into the blood stream. Its anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant properties serves as a phenomenal help in various stomach related problems.

It is helpful in relieving menstrual cramps, indigestion, reducing stomach pain, ease constipation, and can also be an effective remedy for acid reflux or heartburn and soothe irritated gastrointestinal tissues. The magnesium and potassium in methi or fenugreek aids in clearing dandruff effectively.

Here are 5 ways to gain maximum out of Fenugreek

• Cook methi leaves / mentya soppu in any form like methi dal, methi roti, or even simple methi sabji for any stomach related issues.
• Drink fenugreek tea/decoction early in the morning to set right the digestive system.
• Heat a cup of coconut oil and add 2 tablespoons of fenugreek seeds to it, bring it to a boil and simmer for about 15 minutes. Strain the oil and massage scalp and hair with lukewarm oil twice a week. Leave it overnight and wash it off with a mild shampoo the next morning for healthy scalp
• Take fenugreek with a teaspoon of lemon and honey for reducing fever and sore throat.
• Chew soaked methi seeds in the morning on an empty stomach for suppressing appetite.

We have all been asked by our mothers and grandmothers to consume turmeric in one way or the other – either apply it all over your body during bathe time, or as a mask on your face or include it in cooking or milk. The most common use of turmeric in Indian cuisine is as a spice in the dishes.

In India, right from prehistoric times, Turmeric was always used in preparation of many traditional dishes, this was one of the reasons why India Hardly had any History of Alzheimer’s or Parkinson’s, until the modern times, where the usage of Turmeric began to reduce due to various external influences. Turmeric is Cancer’s worst enemy and your best friend. It has been proven to kill cancer cells, shrink tumours and prevent several forms of cancer.

Turmeric has multiple medicinal usage, the primary component called curcumin is a natural antiseptic, a very powerful anti-inflammatory agent and an excellent liver detox. Turmeric is also used for external application on open wounds, infections, sores and sprains. A study in 2009 in Ireland found that curcumin killed oesophageal cancer cells in the lab within 24 hours. Another study in Thailand in 2012 stated that curcumin helps in reducing the risk of type 2 diabetes. A daily dose of curcumin supplement for about 9 months seemed to prevent new cases of type 2 diabetes among the risk group.

Here are some ways of including turmeric in our diet.

1. Drinking a cup of hot Milk with half a tea-spoon of Turmeric dissolved, every night or every alternate night, is great way to detoxify liver, prevent liver related ailments, enhance immunity, prevent throat infections and bowel infections.
2. Add a pinch of turmeric powder to everyday cooking as a spice. It can be added to any savoury dish like curries, eggs, roasted vegetables or even while boiling plain rice.
3. Mix turmeric powder with curd and honey and apply the paste as a face mask for a healthy, glowing skin. Turmeric can also be mixed with fresh aloe gel as a cure for acne.
4. Make a thick paste of castor oil, turmeric and pepper powder and rub it over inflamed skin and the pain will vanish within minutes.
5. Dip wet toothbrush into turmeric powder and brush your teeth with it. Allow the turmeric to sit on your teeth for 3-5 minutes and rinse it off. Follow it up with regular toothpaste for whiter teeth.

Many scientific studies are now emerging which vindicates the medicinal and nutritional significance of turmeric and ways in which it can be involved as medical interventions. However, back in the olden days in India, turmeric was almost reverend for its excellent qualities and was an intrinsic part of people’s lives. India, the motherland of Ayurveda was blessed with an extensive knowledge not only about nature but that of beyond cosmos. It would do us a world of good if we could look back into the practices that existed 1000s of years ago as they were not mere practices but conscious efforts of people who understood the underlying principle of nature.

Use of Cinnamon as a spice dates back to almost 7th Century BC. Its distinct taste aids its use in both sweet and savory dishes. It’s warm and sweet fragrance not only fills the kitchen with its aroma, but also aids in being able to smell it.

Known for its anti-fungal, anti-bacterial, and anti-viral properties, it fights well especially against the Influenza virus and bacteria, thereby clearing up mucus and lung congestion and relieving you from cough and cold. The main substance in it called cinnamaldehyde not only helps in reducing insulin resistance, but also in reducing fasting blood sugar levels while combined with other pro-diabetic substances like fenugreek.

it reduces most common risk factors for heart diseases. The special compounds in cinnamon are able to help reduce levels of total cholesterol, LDL “bad” cholesterol and triglycerides, while stabilizing the levels of HDL “good” cholesterol.

Best ways to use cinnamon includes the following –

• Sprinkle half a tsp of cinnamon powder over your dishes or add half an inch of cinnamon bark while tempering.
• Boil cinnamon sticks and inhale the vapour to relieve congestion. You can also soak a 2-inch stick in warm water for 5 minutes and drink the infusion to relieve throat irritation.
• Loaded with powerful antioxidants, such as polyphenols protects the body from oxidative damage. Therefore, it can also be used as a natural food preservative.
• In many cases, cinnamon can also be used as a natural sweetener instead of sugar in mildly sweet recipes
• This wonder spice is a baker’s delight. Use cinnamon in baking muffins, cakes and breads while it is still warm from the oven.