Culinary splendors of Indian cuisine are attributed to spices! Spices give Indian food its unique texture, flavor, and aroma.

An Indian cook's pantry will always contain a fresh supply of turmeric, coriander, cumin, curry powder, garam masala, green cardamom, black cardamom, curry leaves, chilies, cinnamon, cloves, fennel, bay leaves, fenugreek, mustard seeds, tamarind, saffron, ajwain (carom), asafetida (hing), amchoor (dry mango powder), mint, poppy seeds, and anardana (pomegranate seeds). 

I remember growing up and my mom would make me a drink of milk & turmeric for my sprains to help with the inflammation. A teaspoon of carom seeds, to soothe any stomach problems. Ginger tea for our nauseous & stomach pains. A clove in the mouth to sooth toothach.

And, cardamom pods for digestive problems and heartburn... so perhaps it is time to consider adding some spice to your diet as well!