Spices and herbs are known not only for their taste, aroma and flavor, but also for their medicinal properties and value. Both spices and herbs have been used since centuries in traditional medicinal systems like Ayurveda, TCM, Unani medicine. These spices and herbs have been used to cure right from common cold to diabetes, from cough to cancerous tumors. Spices and herbs can be the flowers, fruits, seeds, roots, leaves, bark of the plant.

Listed below are the medicinal properties of few of the most popular spices and herbs used the world over in different cuisses.

• Basil : Stomachic, diaphoretic, expectorant, antipyretic, anthelmintic stimulant, diuretic properties
• Bay leaves : Stimulant, narcotic properties
• Caraway : Stomachic, carminative, lactagogue, anthelmintic properties
• Celery : Carminative, Stimulant, tonic, diuretic, emmenagogue, anti-inflammatory properties
• Chive : Stimulant, diuretic, expectorant, aphrodisiac, anti inflammatory properties
• Coriander : Carminative, diuretic, tonic, stimulant, stomachic, aphrodisiac, analgesic, anti-inflammatory properties
• Dill Seeds : Antipyretic, Carminative, stomachic properties
• Fennel : Stimulant, carminative, stomachic properties
• Fenugreek : Carminative, tonic, aphrodisiac properties
• Marjoram : Carminative, expectorant, tonic, astringent properties
• Mint (peppermint) : Stimulant, stomachic, carminative, antiseptic properties
• Oregano : Stimulant, carminative, stomachic, diuretic, diaphoretic properties
• Parsley : Stimulant, diuretic, carminative, antipyretic properties
• Rosemary : Carminative, stimulant, diaphoretic properties
• Sage : Mild tonic, astringent, carminative properties
• Tarragon : Aperient, stomachic, stimulant properties
• Thyme : Antispasmodic, carminative, spasmodic, laxative, stomachic properties