Black pepper, often termed the 'king of spices' is the world's most traded spice gaining the name 'Black gold'. It is indigenous to south India but used world over. Pepper is used very commonly in Indian cuisine and ayurvedic preparations. Pepper has been found to beneficial against common cold, chest congestion, respiratory infections, cholera, headache, fever, chronic indigestion and improper metabolism.
Cardamom, the 'queen of spices', is one of the most valued spice in the world (ranking third expensive after saffron and vanilla). Cardamom is used extensively as a flavouring substance in many Indian desserts and sweets and also in the manufacture of bakery products like ice-creams, biscuits and cakes. Cardamom is known to possess excellent anti oxidant, anti-depressant, anti microbial properties and used in treating blood pressure, asthma, indigestion, urinary disorders, piles and bad breath.
Clove, fondly called 'Devapushpa' meaning 'heavenly flower' is a common spice used in traditional Indian cooking and ayurvedic preparations. It is believed to possess good anti-oxidant, anti-cancer activity and considered to enhance digestion and metabolism. It is effective against aches, pains and bad breath.
Cinnamon is considered one of the most oldest spices and is used as a common flavorant in many Indian dishes and traditional ayurvedic preparations. Cinnamon is beneficial in digestion and metabolism, effective against cold, cough and headache, purifies blood and prevents nausea, bad breath.
Cumin is one among the popular spice used all over the world. The seeds of cumin have been known to be effective against digestion disorders, asthma, bronchitis, cholestrol, diabetes and are found to possess antifungal, anti bacterial, anti-viral, anti-cancer, anti-inflammatory and many other positive health benefits.