Spice is nice - and healing too.

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Spice is nice - and healing too.

 

by Michael Braunstein

 

Spices can be seeds, flowers, bark, roots, flower parts, leaves,

resins, saps or other plant products. They all have the historical

connotation of exotic origins. And it is true of most spices. The

Asian, Indian sub-continent, tropical islands and the Far East were

where most spices were first cultivated. Our trade routes from

Europe throughout the Mediterranean on to the East were founded on

the search for spices.

 

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Columbus wanted it. Queen Isabella thought enough of it to send

Chris out in primitive sailing ships over uncharted waters to bring

it back to Spain. Frank Herbert used the term to describe an

ambergris-like effluent of the giant worms of Duneworld. Spices.

Wars have been fought over them.

They were the basis of power for

the greatest empire this world has ever known when the East India

Trading Company was the commercial arm of an English fleet that

controlled their trade world-wide. And the mythical Magi brought

them as gifts to the baby Jesus.

They must be special. And they are.

The trade and use of spices elicits visions of exotic places and far-

off camel caravans packing commodities from oasis to oasis. A spice

is powerful by definition. Look how little is used to provide a zest

or flavor to life. Use too much and the goal is overshot, the spoils

ruined.

 

Put on the plate, there is more to spice than meets the nose or the

palate. There is further reason that spices were so precious prior

to the petrol-age of easy transportation. Spices are regarded to

have special healing powers as well as flavoring functions.

 

Everyone knows that herbs are the hottest thing in healthcare. Five

years ago you would be hard-pressed to find echinacea, goldenseal or

ginseng anywhere but your health food store. Today, you find a broad

range of herbal supplements at convenience stores and truck stops,

pharmacies and major markets. Herbs are commonly recognized as

adjuncts to healing. But often overlooked are the many spices that

traditional medical systems consider just as valuable to our health.

 

Spices in general are a difficult category to itemize. About the

only characteristic that gilds the group is the fact that they are

always plant material of some sort. Spices can be seeds, flowers,

bark, roots, flower parts, leaves, resins, saps or other plant

products. They all have the historical connotation of exotic

origins. And it is true of most spices. The Asian, Indian sub-

continent, tropical islands and the Far East were where most spices

were first cultivated. Our trade routes from Europe throughout the

Mediterranean on to the East were founded on the search for spices.

Part of what made them so expensive was their rarity. Eventually,

species of spices were smuggled out of the exotic locales and those

that could be grown closer to the demanding appetites of Western

cultures were. But even with the proliferation of growing locations,

production costs keep prices relatively high.

 

Initially, however, one of the reasons spices were treasured was the

medicinal qualities attributed to them. Consider the use of the

myrrh that the Magi brought as a gift.

 

Myrrh: Myrrh is a resin that is collected from the small spaces

under the bark of a bush native only to the barren deserts of the

Middle East. The resin is a concentration of elixirs from the plant

with many exotic properties. Ancient texts refer to its use as a

medicine, antiseptic and preservative. Modern research has shown

that it stimulates the production of white blood cells, boosts the

immune system and is an excellent way to promote oral health.

Mouthwashes and toothpaste found in natural health stores often

contain myrrh as an active ingredient. At the time of the birth of

Jesus, myrrh was one of the most expensive substances that could be

collected. Mixed with other ingredients, it can be a potent topical

antiseptic salve. Myrrh has been found to fight gum disease, is

recommended as a gargle in cases of mumps, and helps fight tooth

decay.

As a spice, myrrh is rarely used as a flavoring but falls into one

very specific characteristic of all spices: it is useful in small

quantities and is relatively expensive. No wonder it was one of the

gifts the Magi brought to honor the Christ child.

Saffron: Saffron may be the queen of spices as far as premium cost

is concerned. True saffron rings the register between 200 and 300

dollars an ounce! It is grown only in India, with a derivative type

grown in Spain and Iran.

Most people first learn about saffron from Indian food like " saffron

rice. " Saffron is indeed a primary ingredient in many Indian dishes.

The big tip-off with saffron is the color. It imparts a brilliant

yellowish hue and a subtle, aromatic flavor. It's one of those

spices that it seems no matter how much you use, the flavor will

remain distinct but subtle. But fortunately, you don't have to use

much.

 

The major reason for saffron's high cost is the production process.

Saffron is collected from the stigma of a species of crocus flower

native to Asia Minor. For the non-botanist, the stigma of a flower

is that tiny point inside the bloom that receives the pollen. The

saffron crocus has exactly three of those. They are thread-like in

size and appearance, the best variety being reddish in color.

 

Here's where the cost comes. Saffron is the ground powder of the

stigmas. It takes 14,000 stigmas to produce about an ounce of

saffron spice. They have to be handled by hand. No wonder Donovan

sang, " I'm just mad about Saffron. "

 

In traditional Indian medicine (ayurveda), saffron is used as an

aphrodisiac, a cure for arthritis, asthma, to reduce fever, healing

the liver and combating alcoholism. Many other applications are

recounted, but those are ones that modern Indian medicine is

currently investigating. Unani or the Islamic medical system, also

uses saffron as a natural medicine. Other sources suggest that an

active ingredient in saffron can lower blood cholesterol too.

Cinnamon: What a common and elegant spice cinnamon is. It's

harvested as the bark of a tree initially cultivated in Ceylon.

Always a favorite when it comes to toast or topping hot chocolate,

cinnamon is a healer too. This spice falls in the category

herbalists call a " warming aromatic. " Cinnamon has the effect of

warming the body. It's what we call " spicy. " Using common sense, we

realize that a " spicy " spice heats up the body and promotes

circulation. Cinnamon is one that does that. It also stimulates

digestive processes and aids in that. Cultures throughout the ages

have used cinnamon to fight a cold. It is a mild expectorant,

meaning that it " opens things up " and helps you cough out congested

lungs. When concentrated as an oil, it has been used topically to

treat bee and insect stings.

 

Of course we know cinnamon adds a wonderful flavor, but also think

of it the next time you have a cold. In place of drugs and

medications with side-effects, try a cup of hot water with cinnamon,

a little fresh grated ginger root and some lemon. Your sinuses will

clear and your cold will disappear.

Clove: Cloves are just what they appear to be to the naked eye: the

dried up flower bud of the clove plant. Pungent, sharp and

powerfully aromatic, cloves enhance our meals in fruit dishes,

desserts and candied meats like hams. But anyone who has ever had a

toothache while away from their dentist knows that clove oil is one

of the most powerful anesthetics available for dental pain. Just a

drop on a cavity can bring relief as instantly as novocaine. And

it's a proven antiseptic too. Some people find lightly chewing on a

whole clove a wonderful breath-freshener as well.

Cayenne: Cayenne, known also as capsicum or plain red pepper, is a

powerhouse of healing properties. Cayenne defines the word spicy.

When you see " spicy " on a menu, you know what that means: " hot! " And

that is the characteristic of cayenne. Yet it could be as much a

wonder drug as aspirin was once considered.

 

Cayenne is useful in alleviating debilitating arthritis pain.

Capsaicin, as the active ingredient is known, is even a main

ingredient in expensive over-the-counter and prescription pain

medications. Why spend the extra bucks? Go to the source, the pepper

itself. Some recommend cayenne as powdered in capsules, others

suggest ointments.

 

Cayenne also stimulates the immune system and relieves congestion

from colds. Next time you try chicken soup, make it spicy! Just read

what Dr. James Duke lists as ailments cayenne has a use for

treating: arthritis, backache, bunions, heart disease, ulcers,

carpal tunnel, emphysema, fever, herpes, indigestion, pain,

psoriasis, shingles and there's more. Notice a common link. They all

can benefit from improved circulation and endorphin production, two

of the primary things that capsicum promotes.

Cardamom: Cardamom is another rather exotic spice from the Far East.

It is powdered from the seeds of the plant and used in medicines and

spices. Cardamom is high in a chemical known as cineole. This is

also an expectorant, something that helps induce a productive cough

to clear the lungs. Obviously, such can be helpful in addressing

symptoms that involve the lungs. Sources suggest trying it to

breathe easier in allergies and emphysema attacks. It's also

identified as helpful in relaxing digestion and fighting a nervous

stomach or irritable bowel syndrome.

 

Cardamom is a soothing tonic that makes a calming night-time

beverage when stirred into a cup of warm milk along with a little

ginger. It is a favorite of ayurveda and a common additive to Indian

cuisine. It also leaves the breath fresh and the gums healthy.

Ginger: Ginger is my favorite when it comes to the islands, both

Gilligan's and the Keys. Personal experience is what counts and I've

had it.

 

When diving in Florida, the best places are along the Florida Keys.

Trouble is, even in rather mild winds, the ocean swell can be

daunting due to the shallow waters. This can mean a pretty

unpleasant boat trip to the dive site. One can spend the whole time

leaning over the deck rail " screaming at submarines " as the colorful

term says. Dramamine is the most common over-the-counter motion

sickness remedy. It's somewhat effective. I've used it. Trouble is,

it's side-effective too. Dramamine can cause hallucinations and

convulsions according to the literature and it makes you drowsy

besides. Who wants to dive drowsy? Fortunately, there is an

alternative.

 

Fresh ginger root has been found to be more effective than Dramamine

in preventing motion sickness. And the only side effects it has are

good ones. It freshens your breath. It improves digestion and it has

long been used to combat depression. I've tried it too and I won't

go back to Dramamine. Unless, of course, I'm just dying for a good,

old-fashioned hallucination at 50 feet.

 

A GRAIN OF SALT

When it comes to your health, remember, you are your own best

counsel. There is a time for every seasoning and spice. Use your

best intuition and you will succeed. Stay in tune with you and your

nature. Health is a natural fact.

_________________

JoAnn Guest

mrsjoguest

www.geocities.com/mrsjoguest/Genes