Natural Dietary Enhancements, or Spices – Part Two

Black Cumin, also known as Nigella sativa, is a plant from the Ranunculaceae family. This spice originates from Iraq and Turkey and is now increasingly grown in the Mediterranean basin. It can also be found in regions of North Africa and Southwest Asia. In Poland, it is also cultivated, mainly in the southern regions. It typically comes in the form of small grains or oil. The benefits of using Nigella sativa are immense. It can be successfully used in the autumn and winter months to reduce hemoglobin levels due to its anti-inflammatory properties. It boosts the immune system, alleviates colds and sinusitis, and can also be beneficial for asthma and other allergic conditions with respiratory symptoms. Long-term use of black cumin oil can improve lung function and relieve shortness of breath. It is worth noting that Nigella sativa increases hemoglobin and red blood cell levels, lowers blood pressure, and reduces the likelihood of blood clots. Black Cumin seeds have many useful properties. They not only affect the respiratory system but also have diuretic, anti-diabetic, analgesic, and anti-cancer effects. Black Cumin helps with digestive problems, acne, and skin fungal infections. In the food industry, it is used as a spice for flavoring cakes, bread, and marinades.

It is yet another type of plant that belongs to the group of perennials and the large group of ginger plants. It grows predominantly in the warm, tropical areas of Asia and Australia. Ginger is not a wild-growing plant but is cultivated. It has been used for centuries in traditional Chinese and Indian medicine. The most commonly consumed parts are the rhizomes or the vertical parts of the root. This plant owes its health and organoleptic properties primarily to the presence of plant-based nutrients.

This plant species, which can reach a height of up to 90 cm, is a cross between green mint and overwater mint. The common name miota refers to all varieties of the mint family. The main and most common use of mint is for treating problems with the digestive system. This spice helps to reduce muscle tension in both the stomach and other parts of the gastrointestinal tract. It is associated with a mechanism of blocking calcium channels in the muscles. Thanks to these properties, mint is used to relieve bloating, indigestion, nausea, and vomiting. Mint contains menthol, which is an effective component in the treatment of respiratory problems (e.g., inhalation) and headaches. Mint is also used as an antitussive in the treatment of bronchitis. Other health-promoting properties of mint include antioxidant, antiviral, antibacterial, and insecticidal effects.