What’s in the Dabba – Your Spice Box is a Health Bank!
- Shobhana Arora
- 19 hours ago
- 3 min read
Updated: 9 hours ago
Name: Shobhana Arora
Traditional and therapeutic yoga teacher.
Founder of Arogyamada, Spices
Ph. No. 9820225798
Edited by Poonam Desai
Every Indian kitchen has one — that little round box with seven magical compartments, passed down by grandmothers and guarded like family gold.
Yes, we’re talking about the spice box!
We open it without a second thought every time we cook — but do we ever stop and say, “Wait a minute… are these actually secret health warriors in disguise?”
Let’s pop open that masala dabba and reveal the superhero powers of our everyday spices — with a pinch of humor and a spoonful of good health!
1. Turmeric – The Yellow Queen with a Crown of Curcumin
Looks like it’s only good for staining clothes and turning everything yellow? Think again!
Turmeric (aka Haldi) is packed with curcumin, an antioxidant that fights free radicals like your mom fights with the cable guy.
But wait — the real queen is Lakadong Turmeric from Meghalaya. With curcumin levels as high as your cholesterol after a wedding feast (6.5–9%), it beats the regular turmeric hands down.
Pro tip: Mix turmeric with black pepper to boost absorption by 200%. Piperine from pepper and curcumin from turmeric? A love story better than any Bollywood plot.
2. Ginger Powder – The Drama Queen for Sore Throats
Ginger’s dried version (aka sunthi) is that one aunty who does it all —
Clears congestion
Heals sore throat
Fights inflammation
Fixes digestion
Reduces joint pain
Basically, the multitasker we all want on our team.
And if it comes from the Khasi Hills, it’s even more potent. Ayurveda says: When in doubt, sunthi it out!
Cinnamon – Sweet Spice with Mafia Vibes
Don’t be fooled by its sweet aroma — dalchini is a silent killer… of bacteria, cholesterol, and extra weight!
Found wild in Meghalaya’s Garo Hills and Kerala’s lush forests, cinnamon helps with:
Stomach bugs
Dental woes
Cough & cold
Pain relief
Fat loss (yes, please!)
This is the spice you want on your side when life gives you bloating instead of lemons.
Jeera – The Digestive DJ
Jeera, or cumin, is the rockstar of digestion. Sprinkle it on rice, toss it in tadka, or drink it boiled in water — it’s always vibing.
Benefits?
Reduces gas (yes, we said it)
Aids weight loss
Clears skin (acne who?)
Rich in potassium & protein
Super remix: Jeera + saunf + ajwain + elaichi = Bollywood of digestion.
Want better sleep and stronger bones? Roast jeera + sesame (til) and down it with warm water. Calcium party incoming!
Coriander Seeds – The Quiet Genius
Never loud, always grounded — coriander seeds are the introverts of the spice world. But oh boy, they work wonders:
Lower LDL cholesterol
Improve heart health
Control blood pressure
Add flavor and aroma like a boss
Coriander water daily = glow-up from the inside.
Saunf – The Cool Cousin
Remember how every Indian restaurant hands you a handful of fennel (saunf) after the meal? That’s not just for fresh breath, honey.
Saunf:
Boosts metabolism
Improves eyesight
Reduces stress (move over, lavender oil)
Clears mucus & encourages…well…flow
Magic potion: Saunf + dhania + jeera + amla = nature’s antacid. No side effects, no regrets.
Ajwain – The Hothead with Healing Hands
Ajwain (carom seeds) is the feisty friend who shows up when you have gas, cramps, cough, or cold. One spoon and it’s like — “Move over, pain, I got this!”
But remember: it’s hot in nature. If your stomach’s already throwing tantrums (acidic), go easy on this firecracker.
Benefits:
Relieves menstrual pain
Clears mucus
Helps with cholesterol
Acts as an antiseptic (yes, like haldi’s cousin)
So, What Are We Waiting For?
Next time you open that spice box, remember — it’s not just a kitchen essential, it’s a mini medicine cabinet, a wellness warrior, and an ancient Ayurvedic treasure chest. Contact me for more information and availability.
Use your spices with love and logic. Because your grandmother wasn’t just adding masala to the food — she was adding medicine to your life.
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