Tamil Name: வால் மிளகு Cubebs is an herb. The dried, fully-grown but unripe fruit is used to make medicine. People use cubebs for increasing urination to relieve water retention (as a diuretic). They also use it to treat a certain parasitic infection in the intestines called amoebic dysentery. Other uses include treatment of intestinal gas, gonorrhea, and cancer. Some people take it for loosening mucus. In foods, cubebs oil is used as a flavoring ingredient.
Tamil Name: வெள்ளை பூண்டு The fresh clove or supplements made from the clove are used for medicine. Garlic is used for many conditions related to the heart and blood system. These conditions include high blood pressure, high cholesterol, coronary heart disease, heart attack, and “hardening of the arteries” (atherosclerosis).
Tamil Name: சுக்கு Dried ginger has been used in traditional medicine to relieve gastrointestinal distress. It is known to be effective in eliminating gas in the intestines as well as acts in a way to help in the relaxation of the tract. Recent studies have also shown that ginger also is very beneficial in the prevention of the symptoms related to motion sickness, being even more effective than other medications purchased from medical stores. It reduces symptoms closely related to motion sickness which includes nausea and cold sweats, dizziness and vomiting. This action has proven very beneficial in treating 'morning sickness' in pregnant women. Unlike anti-emetic drugs which may cause birth defects, the use of ginger is considered very safe and the dosage too needs to be very small. Gingerols in dried ginger have very powerful anti-inflammatory properties. Clinical studies have shown that many people suffering from osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis experienced decrease in their level of pain after consuming ginger regularly. They also experience improved joint mobility in affected areas. A recent study over a twelve month period found that in cases of arthritis of the knee, people who consumed ginger also experienced significantly lesser pain than the others on movement. A measurement of the knee circumference showed a decrease of almost 10% by the twelfth week due to its anti-inflammatory properties. Gingerols may also prevent the growth and spread of colorectal cancer cells. Experiments have shown that they may also kill ovarian cancer cells by inducing apoptosis (programmed cell death) and auto phagocytosis (self-digestion). Ginger can promote sweating which can help lower body temperature, helpful when treating colds and flus. This process also helps the body get rid of toxins. It has such a rich concentration of active compounds that very little is required to receive its beneficial effects. Ginger tea can be made by adding a pinch of dried ginger to a cup of boiling water. This will help treat digestive disorders. Alternatively, the powder can be added to a cup of tea to make it more palatable. When purchasing dried ginger powde, remember that organically grown ginger is the better option as it will have fewer chemicals and you will also have the assurance that it has not been radiated. Dried ginger powder should be kept in a tightly sealed container in a cool dark place. It can also be refrigerated to increase its shelf life.
