Herbs and Spices are essential part of our Kitchen, as it is in many other cultures around the world. The colors and aromas of spices can elevate an ordinary dish to a great and healthy one. Also, most spices and herbs have therapeutic effects, such as aiding digestion and boosting immunity. 

What are herbs? 

They are leaves of plants that lack woody stems. The green leafy part of the plant is used in formulations. The plants are grown for their flavor and medicinal values.  

What are spices? 

Spices are dried roots, stems and seeds of plants that are usually used to add flavor to foods.  

Ayurveda and spices: 

Spices and herbs have been known as nourishing food in Ayurveda for thousands of years. Spices are ingredients in many herbal formulations. 

Health Benefits of Spices:  

Black pepper: It is one of the most common spices which is important due to its ability- 

• To reduce inflammation and excess gas  

• Optimize gastrointestinal actions 

• Regulate enzymatic reaction 

• Controls heart rate and blood pressure 

Clove: It has a very strong taste, and is antioxidant, antiseptic, anesthetic, anti-inflammatory in nature. They also contain a number of valuable organic compounds and volatile oils that are good at managing heart rate, balancing bodily fluids and strengthening the membrane throughout the body. 

Saffron: This powerful spice boosts immune system health in a big way. This also reduces infections in wounds, elevates mood, stimulates red blood cell formation. 

Turmeric: It contains several compounds with medicinal properties, the most important of which is curcumin. The health benefits of turmeric are- 

• Anti-inflammatory 

• Antioxidant 

• Lower the risk of heart disease. 

Bay leaf: Dry Bay leaves taste can be described as woodsy, similar to oregano and thyme. The nutritional benefits of bay leaf are as follows- 

• Supports the immune system 

• Antioxidant 

• Can help an upset stomach 

Cinnamon: Cinnamon is a beloved spice around the world that is used mainly as an aromatic condiment and flavoring additives in a wide variety of foods. Its benefits are- 

• Anti-inflammatory 

• Lowers blood Sugar level 

• Heart health 

Health Benefits of herbs:  

Aloe Vera: It is a popular medicinal herb that efficiently heals wounds and burns. Also, drinking Aloe vera juice is highly recommended for diabetes, minor skin infection and elevated blood lipids. 

Holy Basil: Also known as Tulasi, is probably one of the most ancient herbs used for medicinal purposes. Holy basil leaves are rich in nutrients and used aid in- 

• Curing fever (especially dengue and malaria) 

• Cure cold, cough, sore throats, and respiratory disorders 

• Have anti-inflammatory properties 

• Skin infections 

Pudina: It is rich in phosphorus, niacin, potassium, copper, manganese, riboflavin, vitamin A, Vitamin C and dietary fibers. Pudina helps to fight against bacterial and fungal growth and helps to relieve allergies and asthma.  

Fenugreek: Commonly known as Methi, seeds are used as spices and leaves of the plant used as herbs. Intake to fenugreek balances cholesterol level, treats diabetes and lowers blood sugars.  

Ashwagandha: Ashwagandha is well known herb that is commonly used as a diuretic (increases the flow of urine), promotes calmness & induced sleep, anti-inflammatory agent and immune stimulator. It helps- 

• To reduce swelling  

• Improves blood supply in the body 

• Improves concentration and asthmatic conditions. 

Bacopa Monnieri: Commonly known as Brahmi, another ancient herb used in medicines, especially in Asia. This herb is extensively used as a mental tonic, memory enhancer, and as a nerve tonic.  

Zeon Lifesciences is a leading manufacturer of a diverse range of herbal supplements with different dosage forms. As the best contract manufacturer and supplier, we have our own manufacturing units and highly qualified staff who work under WHO and GMP guidelines. We do everything with excellence, from the ingredients to the post-evaluation. 

Conclusion: 

Herbs are the leaves of a plant, while spices are usually made from the seeds, berries, bark, or roots of a plant. Both are used to flavor food, but research shows they’re very healthy compounds and may have health benefits 

Adding herbs and spices to your diet has another benefit as they’re so flavorful, they make it easier to cut back on less healthy ingredients like salt, sugar, and added fat.