Spices that Heal Us

'Spices that Heal Us', in your book Poorvi, is a letter. Daadi (grandmother) writes to her grandchildren, Vikram and Vaibhavi. They had been unwell, and the natural cures she shared helped them; now they are better. She tells them to try to remember the cures, and says they may share them with friends. Daadi learnt them as a child from her own grandmother, who used to find home remedies for the common illnesses that come with changes in the weather. Remember: this is what the letter says. It is not a doctor's advice.

Here is what Daadi's letter says about each spice. Haldi (turmeric) helps our energy and digestion, and eases body pain. Methi (fenugreek): Daadi soaks the seeds overnight and drinks the water in the morning, and she says it helps her keep her sugar level and her weight in control. Jeera (cumin) seeds soaked overnight help digestion and help with sleeplessness.

When the children were babies and had gas in their tummies, Daadi used to put heeng (asafoetida) water on their tummies for relief; she says heeng can also help control cough and cold. Dalchini (cinnamon) and laung (clove) give relief from toothache until you can see a dentist.

Adrak (ginger) helps with cough and cold and gives relief from pain; Daadi adds that ginger has been used in cooking for more than 4000 years. Kali mirch (black pepper) helps digestion and eases body pain. Saunf (fennel seeds) and ajwain (carom seeds) are served at the end of a meal because they help us digest food. Elaichi (cardamom) helps digestion and breathing troubles, and it cures bad breath.

At the end, Daadi asks the children to go into the kitchen and find these spices, but she gives a clear rule: you must consult (ask) an elder before you use any of them. She signs off with love and aashirwaad, which means blessings.