In 2022, focus on a healthier you! Here are five made-in-India spices that can boost your immunity

The utilities of Indian spices go well beyond spicing up our curries. Known for their antimicrobial, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and several other useful properties, these spices – which are a staple in every Indian kitchen – are essential for immunity boosting.

From grandmothers’ wisdom to the pages of Ayurveda - for ages, people have talked about their usefulness. However, it took a global pandemic for us to move beyond their bottled-up essence that adds flavour and colour to our food and focus on the important supplements and health benefits they provide. Here’s all you need to know about the amazing things that made-in-India spices do for our bodies and not just our taste buds.

Turmeric: Before the West appropriated our ‘haldi ka doodh’ and rebranded it into ‘Turmeric Latte’, in India, turmeric-spiked milk was often given to those recovering from illness, a bout of particularly nagging cold or feeling fatigued and low on energy. Turmeric is known to contain a phyto-derivative, which gives it an anti-inflammatory property, and fortifies it to fight viruses, and bacteria. Studies show that turmeric not only boosts long term immunity, but also gives relief from symptoms of cold, cough and viral fever immediately. It is often useful to those suffering from bronchial asthma too. Perhaps the first natural antiseptic known to Indians, it was used to heal wounds and cuts in ancient times.


Black Pepper: A milder cousin of Indian Chili, this hot spice, which goes well in soups and curries, is a native of the Malabar coast of India. Sometimes added to lemon tea, it is rich in antioxidants, and helps maintain blood pressure levels, have cancer-fighting properties, and can lower cholesterol levels as well. This superspice also keeps colds and coughs at bay, and can promote gut health.

Cumin Seeds: Cumin seeds have an earthy flavour, and taste divine when slightly toasted. In curries, it enhances the flavour of chilli and tomatoes, but in your body, it is a rich source of iron, is likely to prevent food-borne illness, can maintain blood cholesterol levels, and boost digestion. There are some studies which also claim that it helps with diebetes. It also boosts memory, and when taken in slightly higher quantities, can lead to weight loss. If you suffer from Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), cumin can relieve your symptoms too, but before munching on it or taking copious amounts of it, consult a physician.

Clove: If you have a toothache, and we all know how bad those can get, clove oil is your best friend during that time. A clove contains eugenol, which is a natural anesthetic and can relieve your pain. Apart from that, cloves have vitamin K and Manganese, are high on antioxidants, have anticancer properties, and can kill bacteria. If all these aren’t enough, then let us tell you that this spice also takes care of your liver’s health.

Cardamom: This spice originates from plants located in the Western Ghats in Southern India and has a fresh and fruity taste. It guards your heart health and protects your oral health and helps in managing bad breath and cavities. It improves digestion, and has antimicrobial properties. This spice can also boost your breathing, and body’s oxygen use, by relaxing your lungs’ airways.