A Brief List of 40 Spices

Allspice
Allspice is a berry that has combined flavors of pepper, nutmeg, and cinnamon. Add it to stews, soups, and desserts for depth of flavor. Latin name: Pimenta dioica Other names: pimenta, Myrtle pepper, Jamaican pepper, ''Kurundu", newspice Medicinal uses: Rheumatism Flatulence Toothache Muscle aches Digestive aid

Ajwain
Ajwain is a seed similar to caraway in texture. Use it in baked goods for depth of flavor. Latin name: Trachyspermum ammi or Carum copticum Other names: carom seeds, bishop's weed, ajave seeds, ajvain, Ethiopian cumin Medicinal uses: Flatulence Digestive aid Nausea and vomiting Anti-spasmodic Colic

Anise
Anise has a flavor similar to licorice. Use it with honey to make tasty baked goods. Latin name: Pimpinella anisum Other names: anise seed, aniseed, sweet cumin Medicinal uses: Indigestion Flatulence Breath-sweetener Coughs Sore throat

Black Cumin
Sprinkle black cumin seeds on a salad or combine them with lemon for a savory sauce.

 Latin name: Nigella sativa Other names: Fennel flower, Roman coriander, Nutmeg flower, Black seed, Black Onion seed, Black caraway Medicinal uses: Headache Digestive aid Flatulence Toothache Asthma Allergies

Black Pepper
Black pepper is a berry that has a distinctive spicy taste. Add it to nearly any savory meal for some subtle heat. Latin name: Piper nigrum Other names: pepper, peppercorns Medicinal uses: Digestive system tonic Rheumatism Nausea Flatulence Laxative

Caraway Seed
Caraway seeds have a slightly sweet flavor and are used in rye breads. Latin name: Carum Carvi Other names: wild cumin, Persian caraway, Roman cumin Medicinal uses: Digestive aid Flatulence Colic Antispasmodic

Cardamom
Cardamom has a spicy-sweet taste that works well with cinnamon and honey. Use only a little bit for a lot of flavor. Latin name: Elettaria cardamomum Other names: cardamon, lesser cardamom Medicinal uses: Digestive aid Respiratory conditions Inflammatory conditions

 Liver complaints Flatulence

Cassia
Cassia is frequently sold as a type of cinnamon, but is actually a member of the pea family. Use it like you would traditional cinnamon. Latin name: Cassia senna or Cinnamonum cassia Other names: Chinese cassia, Canton cassia, canel, cassia bark Medicinal uses: Diarrhea Anti-microbial Antibacterial Tonic Nausea

Cayenne
Cayenne is a spicy red pepper related to hot peppers like jalepenos. Use it to add some kick to your meals. Latin name: Capsicum annuum or frutescens Other names: red pepper, capsaicin, chili pepper Medicinal uses: Pain relief Rheumatoid arthritis Osteoarthritis Ear infections Psoriasis Weight loss Cluster headaches

Celery Seeds
Celery seeds are actually a member of the parsley family. Use them in soups and stews to add a subtle hint of celery flavor. Latin name: Apium Graveolens Other names: marsh water parsley, wild celery, smallage, garden celery Medicinal uses: Pain relief Arthritis Diuretic Kidney tonic Appetite loss

Chili Pepper
There are actually numerous varieties of chili pepper. Always read the label to determine what type is going into your food. Most have varying degrees of spiciness. Latin name: Capsicum annuum Other names: chili pepper, red pepper, capsaicin Medicinal uses: Pain relief Arthritis and neuropathie Decongestant Peptic ulcers Colds, bronchitis, sinusitis

Cinnamon
True cinnamon is softer and sweeter than the Cassia variety. Use it in baked goods or beverages. Latin name: Cinnamomum zeylanicum Other names: true cinnamon, Ceylon cinnamon Medicinal uses: Diabetes Antibacterial Diarrhea Indigestion Loss of appetite Intestinal colic

Clove
Cloves and sweet with a distinctive smell. Add them to baked goods or to savory meats you wish to sweeten. Latin name: Syzgium aromaticum or Eugenia caryophyllis Other names: ding heung Medicinal uses: Local anesthetic Aphrodisiac Nausea, vomiting Flatulence Indigestion Tooth aches

Coriander
The spice coriander is the seed portion of the Coriander plant, from which Cilantro is derived. It has a citrus-like flavor and tang. Latin name: Coriandrum sativum

 Other names: cilantro, Chinese parsley plant, dizzycorn, Japanese parsley Medicinal uses: Anti-microbial Flatulence Loss of appetite Digestive aid Headaches

Cumin
Cumin is a seed with a bitter taste that is an integral part to most Middle Eastern cuisines. Latin name: Cuminum cyminum Other names: sweet cumin Medicinal uses: Diuretic Flatulence Diarrhea Indigestion Muscle spasms

Dill
Dill is a tangy herb that can be added fresh to salads or dried to stews and soups. Latin name: Anethum gravelans Other names: dilly, garden dill, dill seed Medicinal uses: Colic Digestive aid Mild bowel disorders Promote milk production Flatulence

Fennel
Fennel has a licorice taste similar to anise. Latin name: Anethum foeniculum Other names: large fennel, large cumin, sweet fennel, common fennel Medicinal uses: Flatulence Intestinal colic Lactation stimulant Muscle spasms Eyewash

Fenugreek
Fenugreek has the surprising taste of maple syrup. Use it in curry to add some sweetness to the meal. Latin name: Trigonella foenum-graecum Other names: foenugreek, goat's horn, bird's foot Medicinal uses: Appetizer Diabetes Aphrodisiac Fever Tuberculosis Dyspepsia

Frankincense
Frankincense is a sweet gum. Use it when making breads from rice as a flavorful binder. Latin name: Boswellia thurifera Other names: luban Medicinal uses: Acne Wounds and scars Bacterial and fungal infections Arthritis Natural insecticide

Galangal
Galangal is a root that has a taste reminiscent of both pine and citrus. Latin name: Languas galangal or Alpinia galanga Other names: Siamese ginger, galangale, greater galangal, galang, Laos Medicinal uses: Bowel spasms Dyspepsia Angina Nausea Anti-oxidant

Garlic
Garlic is a bulb that can add a lot of flavor and potency to any meal. Latin name: Allium sativum Other names: poor man's treacle, clown's treacle, Gousse d'ail Medicinal uses: Antioxidant Cancer prevention

 High blood pressure Respiratory conditions Lower cholesterol

Ginger
Ginger is a root that has a spicy flavor to it. Use it in stir fries or add it to sweet dishes for a little kick. Latin name: Zingiber officinale Other names: Jamaica ginger, East Indian pepper, Jamaica pepper Medicinal uses: Digestive aid Bowel colic Carminative Dyspepsia Aphrodisiac

Horseradish
Horseradish is a bitter, spicy root. Submerge it immediately after grating in vinegar to keep it from getting too bitter. Latin name: Amoracia rusticana Other names: great raifort, mountain radish, horse plant, red cole Medicinal uses: Sinus and throat conditions Expectorant Diuretic Counter-irritant Source of Vitamin C

Jalapeo Pepper
Jalapeno peppers are a type of hot chili pepper. Use them fresh or dried to add heat and spice to any meal. Latin name: none Other names: cuaresmenos, chiles gordos, huachinangos Medicinal uses: Anti-cancer Topical analgesic Weight-loss Arthritis Muscle aches

Juniper Berries
Juniper berries have a pine-like flavor and are used to flavor gin.

 Latin name: Juniperus communis Other names: juniper fruit, juniper Medicinal uses: Skin growths Upset stomach Urinary tract disease Gout Kidney tonic

Licorice
Licorice is a root that gives foods a particular flavor. Use it in both sweet and savory foods. Latin name: Glycyrrhiza glabra Other names: sweetroot, liquorice, black sugar, licorice root Medicinal uses: Coughs Flatulence Colon cleanser Sore throat Ulcers

Mace
Mace is the outer covering of the Nutmeg seed. It has a similar flavor to Nutmeg, but is more subtle and less intense. Latin name: Myristica Fragrans Other names: none Medicinal uses: Digestive aid Flatulence Appetizer Nausea Diarrhea

Mustard
Mustard comes from a seed that is most often ground into a paste. It has a spicy bite in flavor. Latin name: Brassica alba or Sinapis nigra Other names: yellow mustard, brown mustard, grocer's mustard, Indian mustard Medicinal uses: Dyspepsia Laxative Bowel conditions Liniment Epilepsy

Nutmeg
Nutmeg is a seed commonly used with cinnamon in baked goods. Latin name: Myristica fragrans Other names: noix muscade, pala Medicinal uses: Diarrhea, Dyspepsia Colic Digestive aid Appetite loss

Onion
Onions are bulb vegetables that can be sweet or spicy depending on variety. Latin name: Allium cepa Other names: palandu, oignon Medicinal uses: Colds Diuretic Hemorrhoids Antiseptic Skin conditions

Paprika
Paprika is a type of pepper. It ranges from mild and sweet to spicy in flavor. Latin name: Capiscum annuum Other names: pimento pepper, Hungarian pepper Medicinal uses: Source of vitamin A Source of vitamin C Antioxidant Weight loss

Peppercorns
Peppercorns are the berries that black, green, and pink pepper are dervived from. Latin name: Piper nigrum Other names: black pepper, green pepper, pink pepper Medicinal uses: Digestive aid Colds and coughs Nervine tonic

 Muscular pain Gum inflammation

Saffron
Saffron is a flower. It has a bright yellow color and a distinctive taste; try it on rice and other bland starches. Latin name: Crocus sativus Other names: kesar, autumn crocus, hay saffron, crocus, gatinais saffron Medicinal uses: Menstrual condition Antispasmodic Flatulence Sedative Menstrual disorders

Savory
Savory is an herb similar to mint. It has a more delicate flavor, so more can be used. Latin name: Satureja Montana or Satureja Hortensis Other names: summer savory, winter savory Medicinal uses: Digestive tract tonic Antiseptic Diarrhea Sore throat Digestive aid

Sesame
Sesame is a seed that has a nutty taste. Use it to create your own tahini. Latin name: Sesamum indicum Other names: semsem, simsim, bene seeds, beniseed, gingelly, gingili Medicinal uses: Blood tonic Laxative Acne Tinnitus Dizziness

Star Anise
Star Anise is a small seed that comes from a star shaped pod of an evergreen tree. It has a subtle, licorice flavor. Latin name: Illicium Verum

 Other names: Chinese anise, anise stars, badain Medicinal uses: Diuretic Colic Flatulence Rheumatism Digestive aid

Sumac
Sumac is a berry with a tart flavor. Add it to savory dishes to deepen the flavor. Latin name: Rhus coriara Other names: sumach, Sicilian sumac, Tanner's sumach, sumak Medicinal uses: Bowel conditions Cold, flu and fever Water retention Headaches Kidney anemia

Tabasco Pepper
Tabasco is a type of hot chili pepper most commonly made into sauces. Latin name: Capsicum frutescens Other names: bird pepper, African pepper, chili pepper, Mexican chillies, goat's pod, Zanzibar pepper Medicinal uses: Hangover Sore throat Back Ache Colds Arthritis

Tamarind
Tamarind is the seed from an evergreen tree. It has a sweet and sour flavor that works well in sauces. Latin name: Tamarindus indica Other names: tamarindo, Indian date Medicinal uses: Laxative Digestive aid Wounds Sore throat Ulcers Liver disease

Turmeric
Turmeric is a root with a slightly bitter, spicy flavor. Use it in place of saffron. Latin name: Curcuma longa Other names: yellow ginger, Indian saffron Medicinal uses: Anti-inflammatory Antioxidant Low cholesterol Cancer and HIV Arthritis