Following on from last month's article on healing herbs this month I take a look at three common spices that are thought to have healing properties: cinnamon, cumin and turmeric. Each spice has been used for healing by many cultures for centuries and are now back in the spotlight because of modern methods of confirming the various healing or health-promoting properties.

In fact modern research has only just begun to delve deeper into the science behind spices but there is a growing body of research confirming these ancient beliefs. The leading school of thought is that spices contain an abundance of phytochemicals or phytonutrients, compounds that work in ways as varied as the spices themselves.

Cinnamon, the Warming Spice

Native to India and Sri Lanka, cinnamon has been used in Ayurvedic medicine for centuries as both a sedative and pain killer. Modern science has confirmed that cinnamaldehyde (the compound that gives cinnamon its distinctive taste) is a sedative and analgesic. It is also thought to reduce blood pressure. 

Traditional Chinese medical journals record the benefits of cinnamon as early as 2,800BC. Not surprisingly this warming spice was then used to treat people with cold feet and hot upper bodies. It has also been used to treat colds, digestive issues, nausea, diarrhoea and painful menses (it is a blood thinner and muscle relaxant). Modern research suggests that cinnamon stimulates circulation, which can alleviate cold and flu symptoms such as aching muscles. The spice's volatile oils possess both antiviral and stimulating properties. 

Perhaps the biggest news around cinnamon is its impact on blood sugar levels. A study by the journal Diabetes Care concluded that "taking just a half teaspoon of cinnamon every day, radically reduces the level of blood sugar in people with Type II diabetes (the type that is connected to being overweight), as well as decreasing their triglyceride, LDL cholesterol, and total cholesterol levels." A study in Pakistan also found similar results and the authors suggested that the "inclusion of cinnamon in the diet of people with type II diabetes will reduce risk factors associated with diabetes."

In addition, people that include the spice in their diet on a regular basis reported fewer urinary tract infections. The spice has also been shown to have anti-inflammatory properties making it useful in relieving arthritic pain. 

It may even help prevent tooth decay and gum disease, although this is yet to be confirmed by science. It is also a classic remedy for digestive problems. Cinnamon accelerates the digestion of fats and enhances the activity of trypsin, an enzyme that breaks down proteins in the small intestine. 

The spice is also a good source of manganese, dietary fibre, iron and calcium. 

There are many ways to add cinnamon to your diet as it is used in both sweet and savoury dishes. One simple way, that I enjoy, is to add a little to my hot chocolate, warm milk, coffee, and if brave, tea. A sprinkle on your breakfast cereal is another way.

Cumin and the Cancer Link

Cumin is one of the oldest cultivated spices, and has been a popular medical spice in many cultures. It and turmeric have been in the news because of the spices link to cancer prevention. Some studies have shown that cumin is able to inhibit the enzymes that assist cancer cells to invade healthy tissue. And, it may assist tumours from growing because of its ability to suppress new blood vessels that are needed for tumours to develop. Studies have also shown that it inhibits a mould that can cause liver cancer, as does nutmeg, ginger, and coriander. Some reports even claim that this is a key reason why countries in which both cumin and turmeric are commonly used, such as India, have low cancer rates.

It has also been used to treat a variety of maladies, such as digestive tract problems, coughs and chest colds, pain relief, and toothache. Again these uses are being confirmed by modern methods, with cumin containing three pain-relieving compounds, seven anti-inflammatory and four swelling prevention compounds.

Ayurvedic medical practitioners suggest drinking a tea made of equal measures of cumin, coriander and fennel to help clear up skin problems; one teaspoon in total, steeped for 10 minutes. Cumin also stimulates the digestive system and alleviates flatulence and bloating. 

It is also said to be beneficial to the heart and good for women's sexual health.

Turmeric's Magic Compound

One of turmeric's claims to health fame is its antioxidant properties. Antioxidants block free radicals (harmful oxygen molecules) that damage the body, accelerate ageing and make us more susceptible to illness and disease. Turmeric is a rich source of antioxidants, including a compound called curcumin, which is also antibacterial. In numerous recent studies, curcumin has been shown to reduce the risk of various cancers, including skin, liver, colon, stomach, breast, and prostate. Even smokers get a break, results of a human study showed that chronic smokers ingesting turmeric over a 30-day period showed a significant drop in the levels of cancer-causing compounds found in tobacco smoke.

In ayurvedic medicine, it is considered a natural antibiotic that can also aid digestion and liver problems and improve intestinal flora. This longstanding belief has largely been confirmed by scientific research. Don't go overboard though, too much turmeric will give you a belly ache.

Due to its antibacterial qualities some herbalists recommend using the spice topically to treat skin conditions such as psoriasis and athlete's foot. It is also used externally to heal wounds (put some on a cut and it will stop bleeding), and as a compress to relieve a congested chest. It also helps with yeast infections.

To add to the list it is also an anti-inflammatory, with some studies saying it is as effective or more than chemical alternatives such as cortisone. Again this is due to the presence of the almost magical compound curcumin.

And, for those that spend far too long in front of the computer like I do, it may also protect eyes from free radical damage, which is one of the causes of cataracts. One recent study found that curcumin reduced free radical damage to the eyes by as much as 52 per cent.

In fact, the list of all the possible ways in which turmeric is good for health is long and continues to grow. In addition to those already mentioned it is being studied as a treatment for Alzheimer's; supporting the call to use the spice in clinical trials.

The body of work confirming the benefits of turmeric continues to grow, so with so much scientific research and money being poured into these studies there really does seem to be mounting reasons to make sure that turmeric is part of your diet on a regular basis. 

On a final note, when stored properly spices can retain their active ingredients for many months, even years in some cases.