Use these common spices like this to cure digestive issues without medicine
Kitchen spices that cure digestive ailments
Indian spices and condiments are widely known for their colour, flavor and medicinal benefits for centuries now. Some of them are used for flavoring while others for garnishing and preserving food. They form an important part of our Indian cuisine and have a plethora of health benefits as well. We always turn to our kitchen for some home remedy first before visiting the doctor. They have proven to be useful in curing various ailments over the years and are greatly beneficial in curing digestive ailments. Have a look!
Cumin seeds (Jeera)
Cumin seeds are a significant part of various Indian dishes and aid in curing indigestion issues. They help in promoting digestion due to the presence of enzymes in them and help in losing weight as well. Cumin seeds increase the release of bile from the liver that helps in the digestion of fats. The copper content in cumin seeds maintains the healthy functioning of the digestive system.
How to use
Add 1 tablespoon of cumin powder to a glass of lukewarm water and drink it empty stomach to improve your digestion. Ensure that you have dry roasted the cumin. This works better. You can also add a pinch of cumin powder and black salt in a teaspoon of lemon juice and have it post lunch to promote digestion.
Coriander seeds (Dhaniya)
Coriander leaves are generally used to garnish curries and salads and the coriander powder adds flavor to food. But they can also be used in the seed form as they help in improving digestion. They have antioxidant properties and dietary fibers that help in the healthy functioning of the liver and aid in bowel movements. They serve in the secretion of digestive juices and enzymes to promote digestion.
Due to their carminative properties, coriander seeds provide relief from gastrointestinal problems. They relieve gas from the intestinal tract that causes severe pain.
How to use
Soak a tablespoon of coriander seeds in water overnight, strain the seeds and drink the water in the morning to solve the problem of indigestion. You can also roast the seeds and have it in powdered form post lunch.
Fenugreek seeds (Methi dana)
Methi dana enhances the taste of the food and increases the body's immunity. Researches show that they help in lowering the blood glucose level in type 2 diabetes. Consuming fenugreek seeds also aids in digestion and facilitates the bowel movement. Fenugreek seeds also prevent constipation and stomach ulcers that cause a lot of discomforts. These seeds are rich in antioxidants and fibers that clear the body from harmful toxins.
Other digestive problems that can be cured by fenugreek seeds are stomach inflammation (gastritis), heartburn and loss of appetite. It is a natural digestive that has lubricating properties that help in soothing the stomach and intestines. They further boost body's metabolism and aid in weight loss.
How to use
Soak 1 teaspoon of fenugreek seeds in water overnight and strain the seeds and drink the water in the morning.
Having Fenugreek tea also helps in treating constipation.
Asafoetida (Hing)
It is one of the most tested and tried home remedies for treating acidity and stomach ache due to gas. Hing as it is called in Hindi is added in most Indian curries to make them easily digestible. Hing is said to have anti-flatulent, antiseptic, anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial and even laxative properties. It even has sedative properties and hence reduces the impact of stomach pains.
How to use
Boil a pinch of hing in 1 cup of water. When it reduces to half, drink it warm. It has a very strong smell so if you do not like it like this, just ingest a pinch of hing with some warm water. You can also add a few seeds of ajwain for best results.
Carom seeds (Ajwain)
This spice has been traditionally used as a medicine to cure acidity, gas and flatulence. It also acts as a digestive. In fact, in most Indian households this spice is used in reducing gassiness in newborn babies. It is tied in muslin cloth, warmed a little and applied on the stomach as a warm compress to reduce pain. The thymol compound in Ajwain helps in digesting food and get relief from gas.
How to use
Chew a few Ajwain seeds after meals to promote digestion. If you are suffering from acute stomach pain, you must boil a cup of water with a teaspoon of ajwain and drink it warm for immediate effect.