Whether you want to spice up your curry or eliminate joint inflammation, spices can do all. Spices like turmeric, cardamom, and cinnamon have remained a crucial part of ancient remedies due to powerful nutritional value. Moreover, other spice options like tamarind, paprika, and nutmeg do not only enhance the aroma of your meals but treat issues heartburn, nausea, and indigestion as well. Nutritionists also suggest incorporation of spices on a daily basis for similar reasons. Most of the spices contain a slew of minerals, such as:

• Copper
• Magnesium
• Manganese
• Phosphorus
• Potassium
• Sodium
• Zinc

Furthermore, to prepare a nutrient-dense meal, do not forget to add a few spices to obtain several vitamins, like:

• Folate
• Vitamin B6 (pyridoxine)
• Vitamin C
• Niacin
• Riboflavin
• Vitamin A
• Vitamin E

You should learn that spices are a powerhouse of various essential acids that your body needs for stimulation. Consuming steaks seasoned with a generous amount of spices can provide up to 22% of pantothenic acid. You can also attain adequate levels of protein via a scrumptious meal cooked with a few spices.

List of 41 Spices and Their Uses

1. Aniseed

Although its flavor seems quite similar to licorice root, using it with honey enhances the taste of baked food items. If you are willing to prepare fruit pies over the holiday season, stock up your kitchen cabinet with anise. It is called aniseed or sweet cumin. You should consider incorporating it into your diet to treat indigestion, sore throat, coughs, or even sleep deprivation. Aniseed contains plenty of antioxidants which ward off factors that contribute to a sore throat. It possesses soothing properties as well. So, adding a dash of powered anise to your herbal tea soothes tensed nerves and induces sleep in no time.

2. Allspice

This versatile spice provides flavor similar to cinnamon, nutmeg, or pepper. This quality makes it an ideal option to make your soups and stews savory. And, if you are a fan of desserts, you will enjoy the aroma it adds to your recipe. Allspice is often named as a new spice or Jamaican pepper. The medical uses of this spice include prevention form toothache, flatulence, and rheumatism. Incorporating some amount of allspice to your meals can become a source of whopping minerals like magnesium and zinc which help lowers muscle aches.

3. Black Pepper

Black pepper has been a significant part of various cuisines across the world. It adds a subtle spice to your food due to its unique taste. Black pepper or pepper is also widely used in salad dressing. But, very few people know that black pepper contains a slew of nutrients as well. Crushed black peppers can provide relief from indigestion, congestion, flatulence. This nutrient-filled spice works as a laxative and is effective to treat stomach disorders.

4. Black Cumin

Whether you want to prepare a delicious sauce or enhance the flavor of fish fillet, look no further than black cumin also know as black seed. In most parts of the world, black cumin is known as black caraway or roman coriander. Moreover, like other spices, it possesses a few medicinal uses as well. So, do not hesitate to add a dash of powered black cumin seeds to keep a toothache, diarrhea, and mild to a severe headache at bay. However, be careful in case of severe headaches and consult your doctor as it might be a symptom of some underlying health problem.

5. Bay Leaves

Fresh bay leaves are considered optimum of health due to high nutritional value. You can also obtain the whopping amount of vitamin C from the leaves. This vitamin is crucial when it comes to combat free radicals and oxidative stress as it acts as an antioxidant. Regular consumption of vitamin C can even prevent the onset of symptoms associated with chronic diseases. You can make this possible via incorporating a few fresh bay leaves into your meals.

6. Cumin

This bitter tasting spice is a crucial part of several Middle Eastern cuisines. Apart from this, cumin became a part of ancient remedies due to its healing and soothing properties. You can add a pinch of cumin in your meals on a daily basis to maintain the digestive system. The spice has also shown effective results in case of muscle spasms. Nutritionists favored cumin due to its diuretic properties. It promotes urination allowing your flush out toxins, excess salts, and waste materials.

7. Cardamom

Cardamom is a crucial spice for various Asian cuisines specifically desserts. It contains sweet and spicy taste and a strong flavor. However, using it with cinnamon or honey can reduce the intensity of flavor. Cardamom is a storehouse of anti-inflammatory properties. And, it neutralizes the inflammation in your respiratory and digestive tract. Promoting digestion is another health benefit associated with it. However, we suggest consulting a health expert when it comes to respiratory disorders to avoid adverse effects.

8. Cinnamon

Cinnamon or true cinnamon is enhancing the flavor and quality of cakes, brownies, and other cuisines for decades. It would not be wrong to claim that no baked item completes without a dash of cinnamon. You should purchase its power or sticks to obtain fantastic medicinal benefits. Whether you are a sufferer of diabetes or cardiovascular diseases, sipping on some freshly prepared cinnamon tea can control your condition. Cinnamon also contains plenty of antibacterial components that make it ideal to treat bacterial infections. It comes in handy in case of diarrhea and is effective when you lose appetite.

9. Cayenne

Spicy food lovers cannot imagine preparing meals without incorporating cayenne into the recipe. This red pepper is similar to jalapenos and hot peppers. Cayenne also is known as capsaicin and contains health benefiting properties. It provides antioxidants along with various acids that prevent the onset of ear infection. A study suggests that cayenne combats the risks associated with osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. If you are willing to shed some extra pounds, feel to opt for cayenne as it skyrockets your metabolic rate.

10. Cassia

Cassia, cassia bark, or Chinese cassia is often sold as an alternative to cinnamon. However, it belongs to the pea family and possesses both culinary and medical uses. In traditional remedies, cassia was widely used to treat diarrhea and nausea. Cassia provides a slew of antibacterial and anti-microbial components preventing you from viral infections.

11. Caraway Seed

Caraway seeds are added to food items like rye bread due to the nutritional value. Moreover, caraway seeds or wild cumin promotes digestion in senior people. It can become an effective way to treat irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) as well. The amount of phytonutrients found in the spice is necessary to balance cholesterol levels. Plus, you can relieve stomach cramps via consuming caraway seeds in any form.

12. Carom (Ajwain)

Carom is also known as ajwain and is a vital part of Indian cuisine. Not to mention, carom is a storehouse of many essential oils including thymol. You can also obtain a few phytochemicals from the spice such as limonene, cymene, pinene, terpinene, and limonene. Ajwain seems a safe way to regulate gastrointestinal secretions. Carom can become your next choice to reap anesthetic, antifungal, and antibacterial components.

13. Cloves

With its distinctive smell and aroma, cloves are making meals savory for a long time now. In most parts of the world, cloves blend well in meat recipes whereas in many regions it is also a part of baked items. This versatile spice functions to relieve toothaches. Consuming cloves regularly keep vomiting and nausea at bay. Moreover, if you encounter ingestion next time, look no further than fresh cloves.

14. Capers

Low in calorie and high in nutrients, capers are popular for their unique aroma in various parts of the world. Along with essential oils, phytonutrients, antioxidants, and vitamins. Capers are a good source to obtain quercetin. In traditional practices, capers have been used to reduce LDL levels without hurting the health of the sufferer. Pickles made with capers works as an appetite stimulant.

15. Coriander

Coriander seeds are used as a spice to increase the nutritional value of your food. Cilantro or Chinese parsley is a storehouse of anti-microbial and anti-fungal properties. Incorporating coriander into your diet treats sudden episodes of headaches. You can overcome the loss of appetite via adding it to your meals. Health experts recommend that coriander seeds are one of the spices that stimulate digestive enzymes and treat irregular bowel movements.

16. Cocoa Kernels

Powdered and unsweetened cocoa is mixed with sugar and milk solids to prepare delicious delights. Not only confectioners but you can incorporate it into the recipes of muffins, cookies, and cakes. Cocoa powder is enriched with theobromine and caffeine. Both nutrients are excellent for your nervous system and work as a mood booster.

17. Chili Pepper

Chili pepper comes in varying levels of spiciness. You can choose from any to spice up your meals. Due to the antimicrobial properties, chili peppers are effective in treating colds, sinusitis, and bronchitis. However, consuming excess spice in conditions like cold can affect your health adversely. So, visiting your doctor is necessary.

18. Frankincense

You can use frankincense when making bread from rice. This spice functions as a flavorful binder and helps you prepare mouth-watering bread. It provides antioxidants and antibacterial agents, which help ward off acne and its scar at the same time. You can opt for it to treat wounds and to stop the spread of infection.

19. Fenugreek

Tastes like maple syrup, fenugreek adds extra flavor to your recipes. You should stock up fenugreek in your kitchen cabinet due to the health benefits associated with it. For instance, people with type 1 and 2 diabetes can incorporate some quantity of the spice to balance glucose levels in the bloodstream. It is potent enough to lower high temperatures in children. When you feel the loss of appetite, add a dash of fenugreek in one of your meals and let it do the job for you.

20. Fennel

Fennel or large cumin has similar taste to anise. You cannot only use it to marinate steaks but to improve your gut health as well. Fennel is known as a lactation stimulant. You can control muscle spasms to some extent via consuming some quantity of fennel on a daily basis.

21. Garlic

Garlic is a key ingredient for every kind of cuisine. It is evident that some of the recipes are impossible to prepare without garlic. You can also opt for it to obtain a slew of nutrients. From cholesterol to cancer, a clove of garlic is packed with jaw-dropping benefits. It is a powerhouse of antioxidants, which makes it ideal to treat respiratory disorders. Consuming garlic is safe to balance high blood pressure levels without hurting your health.

22. Ginger

Ginger is a root but widely used in cuisines as a spice due to its strong and spicy flavor. You can also consume ginger in a tea form to get maximum benefits in a short time span. Ginger provides antibacterial properties along with the whopping amount of antioxidants. That is why the medicinal uses of the ginger are popular all over the world. Whether it indigestion or dyspepsia, consume ginger in any form and get rid of the ailment in no time.

23. Horseradish

Just like ginger, horseradish is also a root but functions as a spice as well. This root-spice is loaded with vitamin C, iron, copper, and zinc. These nutrients boost your immune system preventing you from the adverse effects of health-damaging factors. Regular consumption of the horseradish keeps your metabolism on track as well.

24. Juniper Berries

Apart from spicing up your meals, the nutrients found in the juniper berries are beneficial for your kidney. Juniper berries impede the stomach disorders like diarrhea. Plus, you can keep urinary tract diseases at bay.

25. Jalapeno Pepper

You can use dried or fresh variety as per your preference. Jalapeno peppers are a powerhouse of anti-carcinogenic compounds and antioxidants. These nutrients prevent the occurrence of muscles aches and promote weight loss as well.

26. Licorice

Licorice is one of the unique spices that go well in sweet and savory foods. It also possesses a great nutritional value and comes in handy in case of a constant cough, sore throat, and several ulcers. Studies have shown that licorice contains positive effects on the condition of your skin. It is potent enough to fight skin diseases such as eczema.

27. Mustard Seed

You can consume in either paste or powdered form. The strong flavor of the mustard can make your food delicious in no time. It is also known as Indian mustard and is effective to treat several body pains. This is possible due to the number of minerals found in it. Regular use of the mustard seed stimulates appetite in senior people without hurting their health.

28. Mace

Mace is an outer layer of the nutmeg seed. That is why its flavor is similar to nutmeg. Also, mace is not as intense as nutmeg. Mace functions as an effective appetite stimulant in children and adults alike. When it comes to treating nausea and diarrhea, simply incorporate mace into your diet and relieve your condition. However, if diarrhea is accompanied with uncontrollable stomach cramps, consult your healthcare provider immediately.

29. Nutmeg

Nutmeg treats diarrhea in children, which is often occurred due to the presence of a microbe in their system. The antibacterial properties of nutmeg work in this context.

30. Peppercorns

Peppercorns or green pepper does not only spice up your food but improves your overall health as well. Moreover, they treat a cough and cold alike. And, keep your cholesterol levels on track which ultimately support your cardiovascular health. It is one of the versatile spices that promote weight loss as well.

31. Paprika

Paprika or Hungarian pepper varies from mild to sweet in taste. It possesses a surprisingly sweet flavor as well. It is known as a source of vitamin A. Moreover, nutritionists also regarded it as a safe source to obtain antioxidants. Paprika also contains enzymes that stimulate brain activity and induces sleep.

32. Saffron

Bright in color and different in taste, saffron is also called kesar. It blends well in rice recipes and various Asian desserts. Moreover, recent studies have proven its fantastic benefits for respiratory disorders such as asthma. Women who suffer from severe menstrual pain can also incorporate saffron into their diet. It is sedative in nature and improves psychological health. Also, it has remained a vital part in traditional skin care remedies to treat dry skin.

33. Star Anise

The small seed of star anise uses as a spice and contains subtle flavor similar to licorice. It is called Chinese anise in several regions of the world. Star anise is diuretic in nature and promotes digestion. You can combat the onset of indigestion via consuming star anise in any form. However, use it in moderation for better results.

34. Sichuan Peppercorns

In China, Sichuan peppercorns are also known as hua jiao. These are spicy and quite popular in China. Sichuan peppercorns are loaded with antioxidants, vitamins, and essential oils. You should make it a part of your diet to increase the production of gastric juices and secretion enzymes in the gut.

35. Sumac

To deepen the flavor of your meals, use sumac, this is a berry with a tart flavor. Sumac has gained popularity over the years due to its medicinal uses. From treating fever, cold, and flu to asthma, sumac is a versatile spice. If you encounter disrupted bowels more often, start consuming sumac immediately.

36. Salt

No question, salt completes meals. But have you thought about its medicinal uses? Studies suggest that salt, when consumed in moderation, restore minerals that you lose due to excess perspiration.

37. Tabasco Pepper

Tabasco pepper or African pepper provides the right amount of spice to your meals. Once you start seasoning your chicken with Tabasco pepper, you won’t like other spices. Apart from flavoring, sore throat, colds, and indigestion are a few medicinal uses associated with this kind of pepper.

38. Turmeric

Turmeric is a fantastic spice. It makes your food savory, prevents you from the risks of chronic diseases, and lightens your skin complexion as well. So, do not wait and consume turmeric in any form to get the most of it.

39. Tamarind

Sweet and sour tamarind is a seed of an evergreen tree. If you want to prepare mouth-watering sauces, feel to add tamarind paste to them. It is laxative and regulates bowel movements. You can also consume it to heal the wound and speed up the recovery process.

40. Vanilla Beans

Spices like vanilla beans are widely used in beverages and confectionaries. You can obtain essential oils and various compounds from vanilla beans. The spice normalizes blood pressure and boosts metabolism without hurting your health.

41. Wasabi

Wasabi root is incorporated in Japanese cuisine as a spice. You will likely to see it in Japanese sushi bars. It enhances the aroma and flavor of foods. Plus, the plant-derived components in the root impede the onset of chronic diseases like Alzheimer’s disease and dementia.

Bottom Line

It is true that spices make your meal delicious. However, you should also spice up your food to boost its nutritional value. Think we missed your favorite spices? Use the contact page and let us know and we will be glad to add it.