aniseed

Pimpinella anisum

Digestive aid, expectorant,

antispasmodic, carminative,

antimicrobial, aromatic,

galactagogue.

 

Traditional Uses:

Digestive aid that eases intestinal colic and flatulence and relieves nausea. Eases off irritable cough, whooping cough, asthma, pneumonia, and bronchitis. Take in small quantities to increase breast milk and will at the same time ease off baby’s colic. Contains anethole a phytoestrogen and can be used to relieve menstrual cramps. Take Aniseed tea daily for oily skin, acne and enlarged pores.

 

Directions to use:

Infusion: 1 teaspoon gently crushed seeds in 1 cup of boiled water. Infuse for 5 – 10min in a covered container. Drink 1 cup three times per day. The seeds can also be chewed. Can be used as a face wash for problem skins. For the treatment of scabies and to control lice.

 

Safety precautions:

Small dosages during pregnancy but consult a medical doctor before use. May have allergic effect in some. May interfere with the activity of anticoagulant therapy. Consult with a medical practitioner before use.

STAR ANISE

Illicium verum

Anti-viral potential, antioxidant,

anti-microbial, anti-fungal,

anthelmintic, insecticidal,

secretolytic, anti-nociceptive, anti-inflammatory, gastroprotective, sedative properties, expectorant and spasmolytic, and estrogenic effects.

 

Traditional Uses:

Digestive aid that eases intestinal colic and flatulence and relieves nausea. Eases off irritable cough, whooping cough, asthma, pneumonia, and bronchitis. Take in small quantities to increase breast milk and will at the same time ease off baby’s colic. Contains anethole a phytoestrogen and can be used to relieve menstrual cramps. Take Aniseed tea daily for oily skin, acne and enlarged pores.

 

Directions to use:

Infusion: 1 teaspoon gently crushed seeds in 1 cup of boiled water. Infuse for 5 – 10min in a covered container. Drink 1 cup three times per day. The seeds can also be chewed. Can be used as a face wash for problem skins. For the treatment of scabies and to control lice.

 

Safety precautions:

Small dosages during pregnancy but consult a medical doctor before use. May have allergic effect in some. May interfere with the activity of anticoagulant therapy. Consult with a medical practitioner before use.

BLack Pepper

crushed

Piper nigrum

Anti-hypertensive, anti-platelet,

antioxidant, anti-tumour,

anti-asthmatics, analgesic,

anti-inflammatory, anti-diarrheal, anti-spasmodic, anti-depressants, immunomodulatory, anti-convulsant, anti-thyroids, anti-bacterial, anti-fungal, hepato-protective, insecticidal and larvicidal activities.

 

Traditional Uses:

Used as a hot and pungent spice for flavouring food. Treatment of various diseases including cough, cold, dyspnoea throat diseases, intermittent fever, dysentery, stomach ache, worms and piles.

 

Directions to use:

Apply black pepper to the skin for measles, nerve pain, itchy skin caused by mites (scabies), and to treat pain. Can be used as a spice.

 

Safety precautions:

Do not take in large amounts when pregnant. Consult with a medical practitioner before use.

cardomom

Cardamum

Anti-spasmodic, antioxidant,

diuretic, anti-inflammatory.

 

Traditional Uses:

Lowers blood pressure, which can promote urination to remove water that builds up in your body. Protect cells from damage and stop inflammation from occurring. Helps with digestion, may treat bad breath, and improve oral health. Also has antibacterial effects outside of the mouth and may treat infections.

 

Directions to use:

The most common way to use cardamom is in cooking or baking. Most supplements recommend 500mg of cardamom powder, once or twice a day.

 

Safety precautions:

If you have gallstones, do not take cardamom in amounts greater than those typically found in food. The cardamom seed can trigger gallstone colic (spasmodic pain). Do not use if pregnant or lactating. Consult with a medical practitioner before use.

caraway seeds

Carum carvi

Carminative, antispasmodic,

expectorant, emmenagogue,

galactagogue, astringent,

antimicrobial.

 

Traditional Uses:

Internal: May help to ease flatulent dyspepsia and intestinal colic especially in children. May stimulate the appetite and assist in the treatment of diarrhea. Eases off indigestion after large meals. Use as a gargle to treat laryngitis. Use for bronchitis and bronchial asthma. Its anti-spasmodic actions may ease off menstrual pain. May increases milk flow in nursing mothers.

External: Caraway in massage oil may soothe discoloration and aching of severe bruising. Soak a cloth in warm tea and place over face to clear away grime, to soften and refresh. Soak pads of cotton wool in tea and place on eyes to soothe tired, red eyes.

 

Directions to use:

Infusion: Pour 1 cup of boiling water over 1 teaspoon of crushed seeds. Infuse in a covered container for 10 – 15min. Strain and drink three times per day.

 

Safety precautions:

Do not use if pregnant or lactating. Consult with a medical practitioner before use.

celery seeds

Apium graveolens

Anti-rheumatic,

anti-inflammatory, diuretic,

carminative, anti-spasmodic,

nervine.

 

Traditional Uses:

Treatment of rheumatism, arthritis, and gout. Effective in rheumatoid arthritis, associated with mental depression. May be used as a urinary antiseptic. Can improve the cleansing action through kidney function and digestion. May assist with chest ailments, asthma, bronchitis. Acts as a nerve tonic. May relieve inflamed urinary tract. May help lower high blood pressure. Reduces acidity throughout the body. To combat fungal infections and tumours.

 

Directions to use:

Infusion: Pour 1 cup of boiled water over 1 - 2 teaspoons of crushed seeds. Infuse for 10 - 15min. Drink three times per day. Or eat sprinkled over food.

 

Safety precautions:

Do not use in concentrated form during pregnancy or when you have a kidney disorder. People with low blood pressure should use with caution. Do not use if pregnant or lactating. Consult with a medical practitioner before use.

chai seeds

Salvia hispanica

Rich in fibre, protein, omega-3

fatty acids, antioxidants, and

micronutrients. They may aid weight

loss and help reduce inflammation, blood cholesterol and triglycerides.

 

Traditional Uses:

Can be incorporated into diet. Reduced free radicals, better heart health, improves blood sugar levels, reduces Inflammation.

 

Directions to use:

Dry chia seeds can also be added whole or ground to smoothies and juices, mixed into yogurt and oatmeal, or sprinkled on top of a salad. If you're adding the seeds to a drink or a "wet" dish like porridge, they'll swell up slightly while you eat but retain a slight crunch.

 

Safety precautions:

Safe to consume while pregnant or lactating. Consult with a medical practitioner before use.

cloves (whole)

Syzygium aromaticum

Anti-septic, analgesic, anodyne,

antiparasitic, digestive aid,

antioxidants.

 

Traditional Uses:

Internal: Is well known to alleviate symptoms associated with tooth ache and dental decay. Used to treat nausea and flatulence. Types of viral infections can be treated by the anti-septic ability. Treatment of persistent coughing.

External: Cloves have been used to treat external parasites such as scabies. As well as acne, ulcers, and sores.

 

Directions to use:

Infusion: ¼ teaspoon of powder in 1 cup of boiled water. Drink three times per day. Or can be consumed in food.

 

Safety precautions:

Stay within recommended dosages. Can be used in food during pregnancy. Consult with a medical practitioner before use.

coriander (spice)

Coriandrum Sativum

Stomachic, spasmolytic,

carminative, digestive aid,

anti-bacterial, antifungal, and

anti-phlegmatic.

 

Traditional Uses:

Internal: Used as a flavouring agent in medicines, as well as culinary uses. It has stomach soothing properties. Reducing cramps and spasms. For upset stomachs and flatulence. Also known as a bactericide, fungicide and anthelmintic. Good influence on neural system and stimulates the memory.

External: For relief from the pain of rheumatism the seeds can be pounded and combined with hot water to make a paste which is then applied to the affected area.

 

Directions to use:

Decoction: 1 teaspoon of seeds in 1 cup of water. Bring to boil and simmer for 10min. Drink three times per day.

 

Safety precautions:

Do not use if pregnant or lactating. People who are allergic to mugwort, aniseed, caraway, fennel, dill, or similar plants might have allergic reactions to Coriander. Consult with a medical practitioner before use.

cumin seeds

Cumimum cyminum

Immune stimulation,

antispasmodic, diuretic, digestive,

antiseptic.

 

Traditional Uses:

Stomach upsets and colic, spasms, asthma, headache, and intestinal worms. Promotes lactation and acts as diuretic. Anti-inflammatory properties and improves immune system.

 

Directions to use:

Infusion: 1 teaspoon of crushed seeds in a cup of boiling water. Drink two times per day. The typical dose of cumin as an herbal supplement is 300mg – 600mg per day.

 

Safety precautions:

Do not use if pregnant or lactating. Consult with a medical practitioner before use.

black cumin seeds

Nigella Sativa

Immune stimulation,

antispasmodic, diuretic, digestive,

antiseptic, hypoglycemic,

antioxidant, liver protecting, analgesic, antithrombotic, spasmolytic, bronchodilator, antitumor.

 

Traditional Uses:

Internal: Used for stomach upsets and colic, spasms, asthma, headaches, and intestinal worms. Promotes lactation. Has anti-inflammatory properties and improves immune system.

External: Is traditionally used in culinary foods, e.g. naan bread.

 

Directions to use:

Infusion: 1 teaspoon of crushed seeds in a cup of boiling water. Drink two times per day.

 

Safety precautions:

Do not use if pregnant or lactating. Consult with a medical practitioner before use.

dill seeds

Anethum Graveolens

Carminative, aromatic,

antispasmodic, anti-inflammatory,

galactagogue.

 

Traditional Uses:

Very popular for colic of babies and children. Also helps with hiccups. Stimulates the flow of milk in nursing mothers. Chewing the seeds will help for bad breath and helps for Halistosis. Acts as a mild diuretic and will soothe menstrual pains. Used in “gripe water”.  Excellent remedy for flatulence and colic, upset digestion.

 

Directions to use:

Infusion: 1 - 2 teaspoons gently crushed seed or tips. Poor 1 cup of boiled water and steep for 10 - 15min. Strain and drink a cup before meals.

For babies 3 months and older give 1 - 2 teaspoons, three times per a day.

 

Safety precautions:

Do not use if pregnant or lactating. Consult with a medical practitioner before use. Do not use in greater than culinary quantities when pregnant or breast feeding except under professional supervision.

fenugreek Seeds

Trigonella foenum-

graecum

Aphrodisiac, digestive tonic,

demulcent, and expectorant.

 

Traditional Uses:

It is a strong stimulator for milk production in mothers. Use in cervical cancer. Reduces blood sugar levels in type 1 and 2 diabetes. Lowers serum cholesterol, triglyside and low-density lipoprotein. Will soothe disturbed digestion. Helps anorexic people with stabilizing their weight. Impotence and period and menopause problems. Reduces fevers, detoxifies, dispels bad breath and body odour. Bronchitis.

 

Directions to use:

Decoction: Simmer 1½ teaspoons of seed in 1 cup of water for 10min. Strain and drink 1 cup three times a day.

Poultice: Pulverize the seeds.

 

Safety precautions:

Do not use if pregnant or lactating. Consult with a medical practitioner before use. Do not use during hypoglycemic treatment in therapeutic amounts.

fennel Seeds

Foeniculum Vulgare

Carminative aromatic,

antispasmodic,

anti-inflammatory, galactagogue,

hepatic.

 

Traditional Uses:

Cellulite, suppresses appetite, increases lactation, colic, digestive aid, expectorant for coughs and colds. Promotes the function of the kidneys, liver, and spleen. Relieves abdominal pain, colon disorders, gas, and gastrointestinal tract spasms. Good after chemotherapy. Phytoestrogens with proven estrogenic activity.

 

Directions to use:

Infusion: pour 1 cup of boiling water onto 1 - 2 teaspoons of slightly crushed seeds. Let stand for 10min. Strain and drink three times per day. For flatulence take 30min before meals.

 

Safety precautions:

Do not use if pregnant or lactating. Consult with a medical practitioner before use.

flaxSeed/linseed

Linum Usitatissimum

Analgesic, demulcent, emollient,

laxative, pectoral and resolvent.

 

Traditional Uses:

For all kinds of stomach and digestive problems such as: Dyspepsia, better digestion, flatulence, abdominal cramps, heartburn, colic. For hiccups. To treat appetite loss. Liver and gallbladder problems. Urinary problems. Use at bedtime for insomnia and mild headaches. Encourages milk production in nursing mothers. May assist in the lowering of cholesterol. For treating bronchitis. Relieves constipation.

 

Directions to use:

Infusion: 1-2 teaspoons of seed in 1 cup of boiling water. Stand for 5-10min. Strain and sip slowly. Drink three times per day.

 

Safety precautions:

Do not use in greater than culinary quantities when pregnant or breast feeding except under professional supervision. May be used in babies only under the supervision of a trained medical professional. Consult with a medical practitioner before use.

kola nuts crushed

Kola Vera

Central nervous system

stimulant, anti-depressant,

astringent, diuretic.

 

Traditional Uses:

Use in nervous debility and for nervous diarrhea. It may aid in states of mild depression. Can be used as supportive treatment of renal disease. Cardiac or renal edema. Rheumatic and rheumatoid conditions. Whooping cough and asthma. To treat migraine headaches.

 

Directions to use:

Decoction: Boil 1-2 teaspoons in a cup of water for 10 -15min. Drink three times a day.

 

Safety precautions:

Take with caution. Do not take when suffering from insomnia or anxiety problems. It contains caffeine. Do not use if pregnant or lactating. Consult with a medical practitioner before use. before use.

mustard Seeds

yellow

Brassica alba

Glucosinolates, sinapine, sinapic

acid, fixed oil, protein, mucilage.

Rubefacient, irritant, stimulant, diuretic, emetic.

 

Traditional Uses:

Very good source of selenium a nutrient which has been shown to help reduce the severity of asthma, decrease some of the symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis, and help prevent cancer. Good source of magnesium. Help reduce the severity of asthma, to lower high blood pressure, to restore normal sleep patterns in women having difficulty with the symptoms of menopause, to reduce the frequency of migraine attacks, and to prevent heart attack in patients suffering from atherosclerosis or diabetic heart disease.

 

Directions to use:

Poultice: Mix 100g of freshly ground mustard seed with warm water to form a thick paste. Put poultice on a cloth onto affected area. Leave for 1min. Soothe skin with olive oil afterwards if necessary.

Infusion: Pour a cup of boiling water onto 1 teaspoon of finely crushed seeds. Let it infuse for 5min. Drink three times per day.

 

Safety precautions:

Mustard contains a skin irritant that can cause blisters if left on skin for too long. Take off after at least 3min. Do not use if pregnant or lactating. Consult with a medical practitioner before use.

mustard Seeds

black

Brassica Nigra

Glucosinolates, sinapine, sinapic

acid, fixed oil, protein, mucilage.

Rubefacient, irritant, stimulant, diuretic, emetic.

 

Traditional Uses:

Very good source of selenium a nutrient which has been shown to help reduce the severity of asthma, decrease some of the symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis, and help prevent cancer. Good source of magnesium. Help reduce the severity of asthma, to lower high blood pressure, to restore normal sleep patterns in women having difficulty with the symptoms of menopause, to reduce the frequency of migraine attacks, and to prevent heart attack in patients suffering from atherosclerosis or diabetic heart disease.

 

Directions to use:

Poultice: Mix 100g of freshly ground mustard seed with warm water to form a thick paste. Put poultice on a cloth onto affected area. Leave for 1min. Soothe skin with olive oil afterwards if necessary.

Infusion: Pour a cup of boiling water onto 1 teaspoon of finely crushed seeds. Let it infuse for 5min. Drink three times per day.

 

Safety precautions:

Mustard contains a skin irritant that can cause blisters if left on skin for too long. Take off after at least 3min. Do not use if pregnant or lactating. Consult with a medical practitioner before use.

pumpkin Seeds

Curcurbita semen

Anti-inflammatory, anthelmintic.

 

Traditional Uses:

For roundworms and tapeworms. May prevent urinary disorders due to enlarged prostate gland. Can be used in the treatment of zinc deficiencies. Diuretic to assist with kidney stones. Beneficial for the health of men's bones. For prostate health. Pulp can be used on skin to treat burns as well as pimples.

 

Directions to use:

Emulsion: Beat the seeds in a mixture of powdered sugar added to some milk or water.

Take it in 3 doses within 6 hours. Follow it up with a dose of castor oil a few hours later. For prostate problems eat a handful of seeds every day.

 

Safety precautions:

Safe to use if pregnant or lactating. Consult with a medical practitioner before use.

psyllium Seed

Plantago ovata

Complex carbohydrates

 

Traditional Uses:

Psyllium seed husks are digestible in humans and are often used as a source of dietary fibre. They are used to relieve constipation, irritable bowel syndrome, diverticular disease, and diarrhea. They are also used as a regular dietary supplement to improve and maintain regular GI transit. The inert bulk of the husks helps provide a constant volume of solid material irrespective of other aspects of the diet or any disease condition of the gut. Some recent research is also showing them to be promising in lowering cholesterol and controlling diabetes.

 

Directions to use:

A typical dose is 1 - 3 teaspoons per glass of water. Take this product with a full glass of water or other fluid. Can take this dose up to three times a day although once might be enough for constipation.

 

Safety precautions:

Safe to use if pregnant or lactating as a fibre supplement. Consult with a medical practitioner before use.