Healing Powers of Herbs and Spices in Sri Lanka
Quick Cures for Common Ailments can be Found in Kitchens and Gardens
In a land rich in herbs and spices, where their pungent flavours lace every dish and heady aromas are part of daily experience, Sri Lankans have long been accustomed to turn to herbal medicine to alleviate many common illnesses. A pinch of turmeric or a dab of honey, a handful of jasmine flowers or a squeeze of lime – a natural treatment for your ailment may be right at your fingertips.
Healing Herbs and Spices of Sri Lanka
The Sri Lankan curry leaf (or karapincha) is a staple ingredient of any local curry dish. While its distinctive flavour adds a certain tang to meals, it is also known to have nourishing and healing properties. Karapincha is believed to aid in digestion, in the control of high blood pressure, heart disease, diabetes and high cholesterol. The leaf may be chopped or ground and added to curries, or prepared as a mallun (salad), porridge or fried concoction. The leaves, roots, bark, stalk and flowers of the karapincha plant can be either boiled or powdered together to relieve any type of stomach disorder.
Another miracle bulb, garlic, is known not only in Sri Lanka, but around the world, for centuries, for its phenomenal healing properties. The pungent cloves which are also an integral part of many local dishes, strengthen the immune system and combat a range of illnesses from respiratory conditions, such as cold, flu, asthma and tuberculosis to digestive disorders, cardiovascular diseases and skin problems. To get the full benefit of garlic, one can take half a teaspoon of crushed, fresh garlic juice daily. Crushed garlic soaked in bee honey is said to be a remedy for coughs and asthma, and some believe a clove of garlic inserted lightly in the ear is a cure for earache.
Turmeric as a Tradional Natural Remedy
The exotic yellow-gold spice, turmeric, is one of Asia’s most ancient natural remedies, and is the source of the yellow tinge and characteristic flavour of many Sri Lankan curries. Containing a compound called curcumin, which is a powerful anti-inflammatory as well as antioxidant, turmeric has been used to heal wounds, cuts and burns, to treat inflammatory skin conditions, skin diseases and arthritis. Drinking a warm glass of water or milk with a teaspoon or two of turmeric is thought to be beneficial. It is also a well-known cosmetic, and when applied as a paste to the skin, improves and adds a glow to the complexion.
Coriander or Cilantro seeds are probably the most popular flu remedy in Sri Lanka and the strong, bitter, liquid infusion of the seeds boiled in water and the steam inhaled thereof, often brings welcome relief. Usually other herbs such as ginger are added to this brew. Furthermore, this coriander ‘tea’ is said to be a natural diuretic and to promote digestion.
The distinctive tang of ginger is rarely absent from the Sri Lankan palate, and the zest it lends a dish is irreplaceable. Often sautéd with garlic and added to a curry, it has long been heralded as a healing agent for a range of health problems including digestive ailments, arthritis, fever, infection, blood pressure and muscular pain. It is even thought to protect against the harmful radiation from cancer treatments and cancer itself. Ginger can also be taken as a tea, or infusion or even eaten raw by dipping a few thin slices in salt and lime.
The wiry green welpenela plants that often grow abundantly in gardens are also known to cure and prevent many ailments. It is used to treat piles, rheumatism, nervous disorders and chronic bronchitis. The leaves are ground to a paste and used as a dressing for sores and wounds. Crushed leaves are also inhaled for headaches and the seeds are used to alleviate fever and body aches.
Freshly ground black pepper, an essential ingredient in both Eastern and Western cuisine, is believed to increase the secretion of digestive juices and is used to alleviate constipation, dry haemorrhoids, gas, and loss of appetite. Freshly ground pepper taken with honey is said to alleviate coughs and to be a treatment for worm diseases.
For tired, strained eyes, relief is found in the garden or kitchen, using either pomegranate leaves boiled in water, the essence of the fragrant saman pincha or jasmine flowers, or cool slices of cucumber. The warm pomegranate leaves or cotton wool soaked in jasmine essence may be placed over the eyes for a soothing reprieve.
Benefits of Aloe Vera
A popular ingredient in herbal cosmetics, the aloe vera plant is often an integral part of the Sri Lankan garden. Its incredible healing properties are now renowned across the globe, and in its raw form, the clear gel from the plant has many benefits. Minor cuts, bruises and burns (especially sunburns) are said to heal quickly upon application of this gel. The juice is also used for relief from heartburn, ulcers and other digestive disorders.
Nature is a treasure trove of healing powers, and many a remedy is waiting to be discovered around the corner. At a time when chemical drugs are readily available, it is easy to forget the wisdom of our forefathers – yet the gift of natural healing may be only a few steps away, in your home.
Note: It is always advisable to seek professional advice in treating illnesses. The information given is not intended to encourage self-medication.
Sources:
The Encyclopedia of Pure Materia Medica
Healing Sri Lankan Spices
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Karapincha or Curry Leaves
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