Diet plays an important role in keeping seasonal ailments at bay, so certain foods are recommended to counteract the problems. Winter brings with it some common symptoms like cold, cough, flu and respiratory problems. Anything spicy is welcome to beat the winter chill, and spices popular in Asian cuisine have properties to counteract the cold.
Uses of Turmeric and Ginger in Winter
Turmeric has been used in the traditional system of Indian medicine called ayurveda. This is because it has anti-inflammatory and antibiotic properties, so it keeps colds and coughs at bay. It can be added while cooking curries and other dishes, and even taken by adding its powdered form in warm milk.
Ginger is known for its inflammatory properties and is therapeutic in chest and throat infections. It plays a major role in Asian cuisine, and can be used in a number of ways: in soups, in curries as a paste with garlic and boiled to make a herbal tea.
Uses of Cloves, Cinnamon and Cardamom in Winter
Cloves too are recommended in ayurveda for treating respiratory problems, particularly coughs and irritations in the throat. Moreover, it eases painful joints, due to its anti-inflammatory properties. Cloves can be added to curries, pulses, soups and even herbal teas.
Cinnamon is one of the oldest spices known to man, and has special benefit during the winter. This is because it stimulates blood circulation, thus increasing the feeling of warmth. Moreover, it strengthens the immune system, so it helps to ward of infections. A popular home remedy is to take ground cinnamon and honey in warm water to improve immunity, and alleviate a common cold by adding ginger.
Cardamom is used with cloves to prevent colds and coughs. Traditional medicine recommends boiling cardamoms in water, adding honey and using it as a bedtime drink to boost immunity and clear any respiratory and nasal congestions. Moreover, the aroma of cardamoms helps to alleviate SAD (seasonal afflicted disorder) in those who are affected by the often gloomy weather.
Apart from hot beverages, soups and certain foods, spices like cloves, cardamom, ginger, cinnamon and turmeric are useful in winter due to their preventive and curative properties. They generate warmth in the body, boost immunity, prevent respiratory problems and alleviate ailments like coughs and colds.
Disclaimer: The information contained in this article is for educational purposes only; it should not be used for diagnosis or to guide treatment without the opinion of a health professional. Any reader who is concerned about his/her health should contact a licensed medical professional.
Sources:
Kumar, Vijaya, The secret benefits of spices and condiments, Sterling publishers, 2008
Bakhru, H.K, Foods that heal, Jaico books, 1984
Cuisinecuisine.com, Indian Spices.
Nita Mukherjee - I have 25+ years of experience in education and tutoring in English, and 12+ years in writing. With a post graduate degree (B.Ed) in ...
Join the Conversation