Herbs, spices and other natural ingredients used in traditional Indian cooking not only help us prepare tasty and healthful food, but they are also helpful in treating minor medical conditions such as cuts and bruises.

Most of us can recall our mothers and grandmothers using them as a sort of first-aid. They are safe enough to be used until qualified medical help is available to us. Using these natural remedies also protects us from having unnecessary exposure to medicines. But remember, they are no substitute for professional medical advice which must be sought without delay.

Let us round up these ingredients:

Coconut oil: We Indians revere the coconut tree as a wish-fulfilling divine tree known as ‘Kalpa Vriksha’ in Hindu Mythology. The coconut oil can be used for treating minor cuts and bruises. Just apply the oil on the affected part and you will see that it is very effective.

Turmeric: Known for its antiseptic properties, turmeric can be used to treat cuts and when used as a food ingredient it cleanses our body. It is also effective for treating indigestion, throat infections, and common colds.

Cloves: If you wake up in the middle of the night with a sharp toothache and medical help is some time away, chewing or even placing a couple of clove buds in your mouth can give you some much needed relief. They are a mild anaesthetic and an antibacterial agent. They are also an excellent source of manganese, magnesium, iron and calcium.

Bananas: Unripe green banana contains high pectin content and is often used to treat diarrhea. They also contain potassium which helps replace electrolytes lost by frequent passing of stools. However in the case of children, their condition can deteriorate really fast and you must get immediate medical help, while keeping them hydrated at all times.

Honey: Honey is a readily available ingredient in most kitchens and is very effective in treating common cold due to its antimicrobial properties. Mixture of raw honey and lemon juice is known to reduce coughing and helps you sleep better.

To summarize, these ingredients should be used as a way to provide relief when medical help is not readily available. But we can certainly use these ingredients in our daily diet to boost our immune system naturally.

Disclaimer: This article is meant to give you an overview. Do seek expert medical advice at all times.