SPICE UP YOUR CHILD’S LIFE

India is a land known for its flora, fauna & their abundant medicinal properties. It is also the called land of spices – one of the few treasures that invaders stole took away with them. Spices and herbs native to the Indian subcontinent have by far the most miraculous healing properties. Herbs and spices have been the crux of Indian cuisine since time immemorial. Including spices like turmeric, cumin, asafetida, chilli, carom seeds, holy basil, cinnamon etc. in everyday cooking ensures good health & well being. We now have this abundant traditional food wisdom at our disposal – only to be rightfully passed on to our children.

Apart from imparting flavour & aroma to food, spices & herbs play an important role in health of your little ones. Here’s how…

1. CUMIN

One of the commonly used kitchen herb, cumin is known for its therapeutic benefits. Cumin seeds improve digestion, help in detoxification, improve immunity and prevent respiratory infections. Best way to use cumin is in the form of powder sprinkled over yoghurt or in lemonade.

2. TURMERIC

One of the best antibiotics available to Indians is Turmeric. Fresh turmeric rhizome or turmeric powder is an excellent antibiotic, anti viral, anti fungal and anti biotic food. It can be used to treat throat infections, respiratory infections, viral fevers, applied over bruises and treat bouts of cold/ cough. In addition to its medicinal properties, turmeric is widely used as a cosmetic for skin brightening. Turmeric powder mixed with ginger juice and rock candy is an effective remedy for cold/ cough/ throat infections and respiratory ailments.

3. CHILLI/ PEPPER

Fresh chilies are rich sources of vitamin C, capsaicin, phytochemicals and anti oxidants. These nutrients are excellent to ward off cold, kill harmful gut bacteria, dissolve mucous accumulation in lungs and improve immunity. Chilli and pepper both fall in the pungent foods category. Most mothers are worried about giving chilli or pepper to their little ones dreading their pungency. However, avoiding chilli hampers the taste bud development and makes fussy eaters. Make sure you start feeding your child with some chill from the age of 2years.

4. ASAFOETIDA

Commonly used as a digestive herb, hing or asafetida has numerous health benefits in child health. Using hing helps relieve gas, cure bloating and prevents flatulence. It’s a boon in disguise for colicky babies. Best used in curry, subzi preparations in combination with other spices. For kids below 12 months of age, asafetida paste made using water can be applied to the belly button to help relieve gas.

5. FRESH HERBS

Fresh herbs like coriander, mint, parsley, basil, tulsi, thyme, rosemary etc. must be liberally used in your child’s diet.  Loaded with vitamin A, iron, folic acid, B12 precursors and chlorophyll; these herbs are your answer to great eyesight, glowing skin, luscious hair and strong bones.