Ginger
A Strong clinical evidenceZingiber officinale
Powdered ginger root taken before travel may help prevent motion-sickness nausea; it is also traditionally used for mild indigestion.
Forms of use
Spice
Whole or ground plant products used in small amounts in cooking.
23 herbs · 5 with clinical evidence (A/B) · 13 not marked avoid in pregnancy
Saffron
B Limited clinical evidenceCrocus sativus
The world's most expensive spice. Meta-analyses found 30 mg of saffron extract daily helped mild-to-moderate depression symptoms.
Clove
T Traditional useSyzygium aromaticum
Dried clove flower buds. Traditionally used for temporary toothache relief and bad breath; their main active compound is eugenol.
Garlic
T Traditional useAllium sativum
Garlic powder is traditionally used to help prevent hardening of the arteries, and garlic extract to relieve symptoms of the common cold.
Chebulic Myrobalan
T Traditional useTerminalia chebula
A component of the Ayurvedic Triphala blend. Traditionally used as a mild laxative and, at low doses, as an astringent; clinical data are limited.
Red Pepper Flakes
A Strong clinical evidenceCapsicum annuum
Made by drying and crushing red chillies. Its capsaicin is used in effective nerve-pain creams; its effect in food is small.
Black Pepper
B Limited clinical evidencePiper nigrum
The world's most widely used spice. Its piperine markedly increases the absorption of some compounds, such as curcumin from turmeric.
Sumac
B Limited clinical evidenceRhus coriaria
A sour, red spice. Small clinical studies reported modest improvements in blood sugar and cholesterol in type 2 diabetes.
Cajun Seasoning
T Traditional useCapsicum annuum, Piper nigrum, Allium sativum
A Louisiana-style blend of cayenne, black pepper, garlic, onion and thyme. It flavours food; any health effect comes from its spices.
Cardamom
T Traditional useElettaria cardamomum
A ginger-family spice that flavours coffee and desserts. Traditionally used for indigestion and wind; other effects come from small early studies.
Cubeb Pepper
T Traditional usePiper cubeba
Cubeb, or "tailed pepper", is a relative of black pepper. Traditionally used for cough and indigestion; there are no clinical data.
Curry Powder
T Traditional useCurcuma longa, Coriandrum sativum, Cuminum cyminum, Trigonella foenum-graecum
An Indian-style blend of turmeric, coriander, cumin and fenugreek. It adds flavour; the amount of turmeric is usually too low for health effects.
Isot Pepper
T Traditional useCapsicum annuum
A hot pepper from Urfa, darkened by alternately sun-drying and "sweating" it. Contains capsaicin; its effects on metabolism and appetite are small.
Mahlab
T Traditional usePrunus mahaleb
The kernel of the mahaleb cherry stone, giving pastries their distinctive aroma. Its health effects rest on tradition only, and it contains coumarin.
Vanilla Bean
T Traditional useVanilla planifolia
The fermented fruit of an orchid. It flavours desserts; the calming effect of its scent has only been studied in small early trials.
Yedi Turlu Spice Blend
T Traditional usePiper nigrum, Pimenta dioica, Cinnamomum verum, Syzygium aromaticum, Myristica fragrans, Zingiber officinale, Elettaria cardamomum
A traditional blend of black pepper, allspice, cinnamon, clove, nutmeg, ginger and cardamom. It adds flavour; health effects depend on its spices.
Za'atar
T Traditional useThymbra spicata, Rhus coriaria, Sesamum indicum
A breakfast blend of thyme, sumac and sesame, eaten with olive oil and bread. It is a food; immunity claims are unproven.
Costus Root
T Traditional useSaussurea costus
The root known as costus (kust-i hindi). It shows antimicrobial effects in the lab; there are no human studies, and fakes carry a serious kidney poisoning risk.
Tonka Bean
T Traditional useDipteryx odorata
A seed with a vanilla-almond scent, used in tiny amounts in desserts. Its high coumarin content can damage the liver, so food use is restricted.