Ask Pinky

Many common Indian herbs and spices have medicinal attributes and are used for healing as prescribed in the ancient Sanskrit writings of the Ayurveda.

Q. What can I do about my husband's flatulence?
A. Include ginger, fenugreek, dill or asafoetida in his food, especially if you are also serving lentils or cauliflower!

Q. Is there something that helps with cuts?
A. Yes, turmeric has well-known antiseptic qualities, it is said to slow bleeding, clean the area and speed up recovery. Chilli is a pain-killer.

Q. What herbs and spices should I eat if I have a cold?
A. Turmeric's anti-inflammatory action helps clear the bronchial tubes. Try peppercorns and fenugreek for their anti-viral properties to help sore throats. Bay leaf, black pepper, ginger, fennel oil and chilli peppers are said to relieve respiratory congestion.

Q. What about coughs?
A. Fennel oil, turmeric, peppercorns, garlic and cardamon pods.

Q. Headaches?
A. One remedy is to inhale the steam of cardamon-scented hot water. Cinnamon oil can be helpful. Tamarind is said to relieve the effects of alcohol.

Q. Toothache?
A. Cinnamon oil and cloves.

Q. I suffer from insomnia, is there anything to help?
A. Boil cumin seeds in plenty of water and drink it as a tea, just before bed-time.

Q. How can I spice up my love life?
A. Ginger, cardomon pods, onion, and saffron dissolved in milk have been viewed as aphrodisiacs. Onion is also regarded as a symbol of fertility. Cinnamon oil and peppercorns have been used to treat impotence. Garlic is said to boost the libido.

Q. What herbs and spices aid digestion?
A. Try aniseed, caraway seeds, cardamon, fennel seeds, fenugreek or peppercorns, while tamarind and coriander help deal with constipation and dill controls diarrhoea. Ginger and chilli are excellent for digesting and releasing toxins. Sesame seeds are used in Africa today to treat dysentery and a number of stomach ailments.

Q. How can I avoid getting ill in the first place?
A. Regular intake of garlic and chilli boost the whole immune system. Cinnamon is anti-bacterial to keep away colds. Garlic and cumin are said to prevent cancer while turmeric helps against Alzheimers. Fenugreek supposedly tones the whole system and ginger is a spiritual and physical cleanser.

Please send your questions to pinky@spicemagic.com