Table of Contents
The History of Spices
When Christopher Columbus set sail with his sailing fleet in the 15th century, he also wanted to find the legendary Spice Islands (the Moluccas, which belong to Indonesia). Instead he discovered the American continent – in his eyes a colossal failure. Because the spice trade with Asia was by far the most lucrative business at the time. It is also one of the oldest. Spices were already considered status symbols in ancient times. Some were even worth their weight in gold. Whoever wanted to make something stand out among the ancient Romans, Greeks and Egyptians used a lot of spices.
taste and health
They also made already spoiled food edible again: on the one hand, the intensive aroma masked a bad taste, on the other hand, their healing effect came into play. This is because spices contain large amounts of unique phytonutrients that are antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and can defend the body against microbes – bacteria, viruses and fungi. What used to be based only on observations is now proven by numerous scientific studies. The biochemist and cancer researcher Dr. Bharat B. Aggarwal therefore speaks of “jewels of the plant kingdom”. In his book “Healing Spices” (Narayana Verlag, 512 pages, 29 euros) there is a lot of information, tips and recipes for 50 spices.
More spices for a healthy life
We still often only dare to use spices that are unfamiliar to the Western palate in the run-up to Christmas. What would gingerbread be without ginger, cardamom and allspice, what would mulled wine be without cloves? dr Aggarwal advises simply consuming spices in abundance year-round to reap their health benefits. Have courage, your sense of taste is capable of learning. You are not yet familiar with the exotic aromas? Then the “Spice Advent Calendar” from Sonnentor with its 24 different organic spices and mixtures in portion bags will give you a jump-start. Just try it out ( www.sonnentor.com, about 13 euros). Or you brew yourself a spiced tea (e.g. “WinterWichtel” from Salus, made from cinnamon bark, liquorice, ginger, cardamom and cloves, approx. 3 euros, in a health food store). The love of spices does not only go through the stomach. The healing power of its essential oils also unfolds through the nose. You can find plenty of scented candles in stores. Or immerse yourself in a bath that smells wonderfully of cinnamon and plums (“Tiroler Hüttenzauber” by tetesept, approx. 6 euros, in drugstores). If you can’t get enough of the world of spices, visit the Schönbrunn Spice Museum in Thuringia or Spicy’s in Hamburg. After all, a little spice never hurt in everyday life.
Natural medicine full of aroma
Ginger has many talents. The gingerol contained in the rhizome has an antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effect. Above all, ginger relieves the queasy feeling in the stomach – with travel sickness, after surgery or chemotherapy or during pregnancy.
Caution: If you suffer from hot flashes or migraines, ginger may increase your symptoms.
Tip: Drops for on the go from “GingerPure” (20 ml approx. 6 euros, pharmacy). “Ginger Tea” from Bad Heilbrunner (8 bags approx. 1.50 euros, drugstore).
Cardamom boasts 25 essential oils. The most potent is cineole, an antioxidant. Green cardamom has long been used to treat constipation, diarrhea, colic or bad breath. Today there is scientific evidence for the strong anti-inflammatory, antispasmodic effect.
Caution: If you have gallstones, consult your doctor first.
Tip: Pour boiling water over 2 teaspoons of crushed cardamom pods, leave covered for ten minutes, strain. Drink while still warm with meals.
Due to its active ingredient curcumin, turmeric inhibits the production of inflammatory messenger substances. This relieves the pain and swelling associated with joint inflammation (arthritis).
Caution: Turmeric can delay blood clotting. Stop taking at least two weeks before a planned operation.
Tip: You can find a lot more information in “Turmeric. Anti-inflammatory, cell protection, slimming” by Bettina-Nicola Lindner (9.95 euros, 88 pages, VAK Verlag).
The three kings had myrrh with them – as a symbol of prosperity and happiness. The resin obtained from the tree bark relieves inflammation in the mouth and throat (capsules, oil or tincture, in pharmacies).
Caution: Pregnant and breastfeeding women should avoid myrrh products.
Tip: You can make myrrh tincture yourself: Infuse 10 g myrrh with 100 g ethanol (90 percent) in a sealed container, shake occasionally. Strain after three weeks, done.
Saffron works similarly to synthetic antidepressants, new studies show. Researchers attribute this to the plant substances crocin and safranal. They stabilize the amount of serotonin, dopamine and norepinephrine in the brain.
Caution: Saffron is toxic in high doses. It would also be expensive because the pistils of the blue saffron crocus are only picked by hand during the short flowering period.
Tip: You can take 1-1.5 g per day, about 20 drops of tincture in a glass of water, without hesitation.
Star anise is used in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) to liquefy mucus in the airways. The common flu medication (Tamiflu) is based on the shikimic acid it contains.
Caution: real star anise smells of liquorice and has eight seed pods. The poisonous Japanese star anise, on the other hand, has ten or more.
Tip : Pour 1 teaspoon of freshly crushed star anise into 1 cup of boiling water and let steep for 10-15 minutes. Sweeten to taste.
Cinnamon is useful for controlling blood sugar levels in type 2 diabetes. Numerous studies prove the positive effect. Regular consumption can prevent elevated blood sugar and blood lipid levels in people who have not previously been ill.
Caution: Cinnamon rolls contain the valuable spice, but also plenty of fat and sugar. Rather use it “solo”.
Tip: Cinnamon oil also warms you from the outside. Eg in “Tiger Balm”, the Chinese pain ointment (from Klosterfrau, in pharmacies and drugstores).
