Author(s): Tejashwini Padakatti and Renuka Meti

Abstract:
The history of spices is the history of humankind itself, with empires rising and falling based on the trade of exotic spices from distant lands, their intoxicating allure changing and shaping the very foundations of our society. Every Indian kitchen has characteristically a score of spices and condiments for seasoning food, and to enhance palatability. The term “spice” has been originally derived from the word “species,” which was applied to groups of exotic foodstuffs in the middle ages. Indian culinary system has traditionally developed dietary practices where food has nutritional as well as medicinal value. Spices play an important role as flavouring coloring or preserving agents in the diet and are used throughout the world. Ayurveda, sthe classic medicinal system of India, proposes that food has as much therapeutic value as drugs and even uses similar processing techniques for their preparation. If we are suffering from stomach, muscles or head ache and immediately go for drugs in order to get relief from it. Instead of it we use our kitchen ingredients those will help to calm, soothe and relax for minor ailment.