Spices have always been used since ancient times for making food tastier. The high ranges of Kerala have long been known as the cradle of spices where the best spices in the world are cultivated and produced in abundance. This is the region from where the world gets its best peppercorns, ginger, nutmeg, cardamom, cloves and much more.

Spices have also played a major role in medicine in India, especially in the Ayurveda and ‘nattu-vaidyam’ (traditional and home treatments). The role that spices played in healthcare has been recorded since Vedic times and is evident through the numerous ancient Ayurveda thesis.

Cardamom is one of the important ingredients in the making of Ayurveda remedies especially for treating teeth and gum infections and throat problems. It is used in curing congestion of lungs, inflammation of eyelids, gastrointestinal disorders and also in antidotes for snakebites. Cardamom has been used in the preparation of aphrodisiac medicines and also in the curing of urinary tract infections.

Ginger is used as an antioxidant and also has natural anti-inflammatory properties. It is used in the prevention of motion sickness, and nausea associated with pregnancy. Ginger is widely used in herbal medicines to provide relief for intestinal wind. It has effective properties for relieving symptoms of gastrointestinal issues.

Turmeric is used in Ayurvedic medicines to treat arthritis, diarrhea, intestinal gas, stomach bloating, heartburn, stomach pain, and loss of appetite. Turmeric is widely used in beauty enhancing products, in the treatment of skin inflammation, infected wounds etc. Turmeric helps reduce skin issues like acne, wrinkles, fine lines etc. It helps the skin achieve a brighter skin tone.

Nutmeg’s anti-bacterial properties help in fighting tooth decay, help release the tension in muscles and improve memory for those affected with Alzheimer’s disease. Clove is used to treat upset stomach and as an expectorant.