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Healing Spices: How to Use 50 Everyday and Exotic Spices to Boost Health and Beat Disease
Breakthrough scientific research is finding that spices-even more than herbs, fruits, and vegetables-are loaded with antioxidants and other unique health-enhancing compounds. Studies of dietary patterns around the world confirm that spice-consuming populations have the lowest incidence of such life-threatening illnesses as heart disease, cancer, diabetes, and Alzheimer's.
Bharat B. Aggarwal, the world's foremost expert on the therapeutic use of culinary spices, takes an in-depth look at 50 different spices and their curative qualities, and offers spice “prescriptions”-categorized by health condition-to match the right spice to a specific ailment.
Bharat B. Aggarwal, the world's foremost expert on the therapeutic use of culinary spices, takes an in-depth look at 50 different spices and their curative qualities, and offers spice “prescriptions”-categorized by health condition-to match the right spice to a specific ailment.
336 pages, Hardcover
First published January 4, 2011
141 people are currently reading
965 people want to read
About the author
Bharat B. Aggarwal
26 books12 followersDr. Bharat B Aggarwal is a Ransom Horne, Jr. Distinguished Professor of Cancer Research, Professor of Cancer Medicine, Professor of Immunology, Professor of Biochemistry and Professor of Experimental Therapeutics, and Chief, Cytokine Research Section, in the Department of Experimental Therapeutics at the University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas. He earned his Ph. D. in biochemistry from the University of California, Berkeley, in 1977 and worked as a post-doctoral fellow at the University of California Medical Center, San Francisco, and then started his career with Genentech Inc where his work lead to the discovery of TNF- a and TNF-b, an essential component of the immune system. In 1989, he was recruited as Professor of Medicine Chief of the Cytokine Research section at the University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center. Since then Dr Aggarwal has been investigating the role of inflammatory pathways mediated through TNF, NF-kB and STAT3, for the prevention and therapy of cancer. His group has identified over 50 compounds from dietary sources and traditional medicine that interrupt these cell-signaling pathways; have been tested in various animal models and some are in clinical trials. He also serves as member of the University of Texas Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Houston, and as an Adjunct Professor at Albert B. Alkek Institute of Biosciences and Technology (IBT), Texas A&M University, Houston, Texas and member in various Institutional committees of MDACC.
Dr. Aggarwal is currently a member of the editorial boards of about 24 international journals and served as a reviewer for more than 160 journals, various grant proposals and 10 Ph. D. thesis.
Dr. Aggarwal has edited 12 books and served as Guest editor for special issues from Biotherapy, Cancer Letters and Current Opinion in Pharmacology. He has trained over 80 postdoctoral fellows and visiting professors from around the world. He co-organized and served as member in many International and National Conferences/ Symposia and was invited to give lectures/seminars (324) in more than 50 countries. He has recently authored “Healing Spices” book that was released on January, 2011.
Dr. Aggarwal has published more than 600 papers in peer-reviewed international journals (including Science, Nature, Cancer Cell, PNAS, Journal of Exp. Medicine, JBC, Cancer Research, Journal of Immunology), invited reviews and book chapters. He has been listed as one of the most highly cited scientist by ISI since 2001; and has been included in ISI Highly Cited among most highly cited authors in Immunology category. He has also been listed as top 25 researchers in apoptosis area in the World. His papers exhibit high-citation index (over 1000 for some).
Dr. Aggarwal is inventor/coinventor on over 33 patents.
Dr. Aggarwal has received numerous awards including World Congress Science Prize from Oxygen Club of California 2010, Excellence in Research Award of McCormick Research Institute from the American Association of Nutrition, 2008, Outstanding Scientist Award from the American Association of Indian Scientists in Cancer Research, 2006, Ranbaxy Award for Outstanding Scientist of the year, 2004.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 47 reviews
June 30, 2014
I respect Dr. Aggarwal's research and knowledge tremendously. As a cancer survivor, chef and health advocate I hoped this book was going to point to the very real ways in which spices can heal, and it did.
Where it fell short is its attempt to offer recipes that enhance the spices' healing powers, while not aggravating a current medical condition.
I was floored to see the inclusion of ingredients and cooking methods that are strictly avoided by people who are dealing with or healing from cancer or have diabetes.
The collaborator who wrote the recipes for this book seems unaware of these problematic foods (e.g. diary products) and cooking methods (cooking with vegetable oil).
My concern is that, due to his reputation and the wonderful treatment of Spice descriptions and reference of studies, everyone who buys the book will assume the recipes comply with the health guidelines aimed at reversing inflammatory disease.
This is not the case. I wish I had the time to offer to re-do the recipes, because this is potentially an awesome reference.
Where it fell short is its attempt to offer recipes that enhance the spices' healing powers, while not aggravating a current medical condition.
I was floored to see the inclusion of ingredients and cooking methods that are strictly avoided by people who are dealing with or healing from cancer or have diabetes.
The collaborator who wrote the recipes for this book seems unaware of these problematic foods (e.g. diary products) and cooking methods (cooking with vegetable oil).
My concern is that, due to his reputation and the wonderful treatment of Spice descriptions and reference of studies, everyone who buys the book will assume the recipes comply with the health guidelines aimed at reversing inflammatory disease.
This is not the case. I wish I had the time to offer to re-do the recipes, because this is potentially an awesome reference.
March 8, 2011
This is a difficult book to review because it contains so much useful information.
It's quite a revelation to read about how traditional remedies are now being consistently proven at least as effective as their costly and potentially dangerous pharmaceutical counterparts.
Of the fifty spices/foods covered here, turmeric seems to have the power to heal or prevent the greatest number of maladies. Truly a super-spice, according to current extensive research trials. CURRY UP! Your body and your tastebuds will thank you.
It's quite a revelation to read about how traditional remedies are now being consistently proven at least as effective as their costly and potentially dangerous pharmaceutical counterparts.
Of the fifty spices/foods covered here, turmeric seems to have the power to heal or prevent the greatest number of maladies. Truly a super-spice, according to current extensive research trials. CURRY UP! Your body and your tastebuds will thank you.
January 4, 2011
Great book! Very informative! I love the recipes and I'm looking forward to making them all.
March 21, 2020
Summary: Really glad to see someone write about this topic with a medical background. Perfect timing for me.
Consider also viewing my Vlog of this review: IG: WhereIsMayLing Youtube: Diary of a Speed Reader. Be lovely to have you follow me there :)
Knowing about nutrition has saved my a$$ when traveling abroad. Sometimes literally...I am very much able to feel my internal body. It's not something common in Western culture, but it's cultivated in A LOT of eastern cultures.
I love that he's doing this and only presenting what science has clearly demonstrated. I know and can also just tell as soon as you experience each of these herbs (and I don't actually care if the science isn't there yet), some of these actually have more properties than he is presenting.
p. 21 - She gives the actual phytonutrients. Some of these I don't know and want to learn more:
Curcumin, Thymoquinone, Carbazole alkaloids, Galangal acetate, Diosgenin, Anethole, Eugenol
p. 43 - All Spice - one of the 4 in quatre epices.
25 phenols, so highly anti-oxidant. Also, it's thought for high blood pressure and menopause problems.
p. 52 - Who knew so many studies are done on Almonds and lower blood pressure, lower cholesterol, Lower c-reactive protein (anti-inflamatory)
p. 78 Asafoetida - I don't know this herb, but there sure is a lot of work on it as relates to the flu, cancer, iBS, etc.
p. 87 - Basil is good for acne. Wow. Makes sense when I go to Thailand. Also speeds wound healing. Actually I realized that my cuts do heal faster when I am in SE asia. Intriguing.
p. 99 - I had no idea about the Bay leaf. I am going to learn to cook with this one a lot more I think. They found some benefit to SARS!!! It's anti-viral can be very powerful. Essential oil can act as mosquito repellent and it's anti-viral, which means that you can clean wounds from it.
p. 161 Chilis - So many benefits to various aspects of the way the nerves/nerve endings work, fat, cholesterol, heart health (which is kind of like nerve health), various cancers, ulcers!!, Indigestion. She doesn't talk about how this works like some of my other research does, but it is actually all true and mostly works b/c it creates an increase in circulation you can feel by the warming of hands and feet.
p. 182 - Cinnimin - Also good for heart and diabetes
p. 209 - Chocolate - good for diabetes, softer skin, endurance, the brain, stroke, the heart, the arteries.
p. 228 - Corriander... In the US this refers to the seeds. In the UK it refers to what we think of as Cilantro and the seeds. Weird. But ok. I get it now. Works on diarrhea, eczema, flatulence, blood pressure, ulcers, basically it clears the body.
p. 289 - Garlic - legit there are tests for thinning blood and arterial health, lower cholesterol. Also works for anti-bacterial like with thrush.
p. 398 - Onions - Cholesterol, heart health, diabetes, allergies.
p. 469 - Saffron - Alzhimers disease, menstraul cramps, PMS and sexual health. I need to try this and see how I feel.
p. 501 - Star Annise (Found in 5 spice powder) - Hep B, Septic Shock, Dementia, Cold Sores. Hmmm, intriguing.
p. 565 onwards - talks about different kinds of curry. I do my own version, but it made my mouth water to read this entire section.
Consider also viewing my Vlog of this review: IG: WhereIsMayLing Youtube: Diary of a Speed Reader. Be lovely to have you follow me there :)
Knowing about nutrition has saved my a$$ when traveling abroad. Sometimes literally...I am very much able to feel my internal body. It's not something common in Western culture, but it's cultivated in A LOT of eastern cultures.
I love that he's doing this and only presenting what science has clearly demonstrated. I know and can also just tell as soon as you experience each of these herbs (and I don't actually care if the science isn't there yet), some of these actually have more properties than he is presenting.
p. 21 - She gives the actual phytonutrients. Some of these I don't know and want to learn more:
Curcumin, Thymoquinone, Carbazole alkaloids, Galangal acetate, Diosgenin, Anethole, Eugenol
p. 43 - All Spice - one of the 4 in quatre epices.
25 phenols, so highly anti-oxidant. Also, it's thought for high blood pressure and menopause problems.
p. 52 - Who knew so many studies are done on Almonds and lower blood pressure, lower cholesterol, Lower c-reactive protein (anti-inflamatory)
p. 78 Asafoetida - I don't know this herb, but there sure is a lot of work on it as relates to the flu, cancer, iBS, etc.
p. 87 - Basil is good for acne. Wow. Makes sense when I go to Thailand. Also speeds wound healing. Actually I realized that my cuts do heal faster when I am in SE asia. Intriguing.
p. 99 - I had no idea about the Bay leaf. I am going to learn to cook with this one a lot more I think. They found some benefit to SARS!!! It's anti-viral can be very powerful. Essential oil can act as mosquito repellent and it's anti-viral, which means that you can clean wounds from it.
p. 161 Chilis - So many benefits to various aspects of the way the nerves/nerve endings work, fat, cholesterol, heart health (which is kind of like nerve health), various cancers, ulcers!!, Indigestion. She doesn't talk about how this works like some of my other research does, but it is actually all true and mostly works b/c it creates an increase in circulation you can feel by the warming of hands and feet.
p. 182 - Cinnimin - Also good for heart and diabetes
p. 209 - Chocolate - good for diabetes, softer skin, endurance, the brain, stroke, the heart, the arteries.
p. 228 - Corriander... In the US this refers to the seeds. In the UK it refers to what we think of as Cilantro and the seeds. Weird. But ok. I get it now. Works on diarrhea, eczema, flatulence, blood pressure, ulcers, basically it clears the body.
p. 289 - Garlic - legit there are tests for thinning blood and arterial health, lower cholesterol. Also works for anti-bacterial like with thrush.
p. 398 - Onions - Cholesterol, heart health, diabetes, allergies.
p. 469 - Saffron - Alzhimers disease, menstraul cramps, PMS and sexual health. I need to try this and see how I feel.
p. 501 - Star Annise (Found in 5 spice powder) - Hep B, Septic Shock, Dementia, Cold Sores. Hmmm, intriguing.
p. 565 onwards - talks about different kinds of curry. I do my own version, but it made my mouth water to read this entire section.
November 26, 2017
An useful reference, no doubt. I've learned a lot about various spices and will continue to refer to this book. But the science presented in support of some of the medicinal uses isn't necessarily strong science. Might be handy to have the author rate the quality of the science behind the different claims according to some of the standards for rating scientific studies. So I will always use this book as a starting point, from which to do further research before incorporating homeopathic uses. And of course, there are so many spices/herbal teas, etc. that aren't included here, but I wish were.
December 30, 2013
The best book out there! Worth every penny I paid for it! Learned many different things about certain spices. If you believe in eating naturally and holistically for your health, this is a great resource/knowledge book.
December 30, 2015
Much better than the last spice book I read, which delved into homeopathy. I was interested in any actual scientific studies on spice/herbs' medicinal properties. While they'll never be a substitute for actual medicine, spices can alleviate or prevent everyday maladies, from motion sickness to period cramps.
This book is great in that it breaks each spice down into two sections: 1) much research/consensus among scientists (at Harvard, Tehran university, etc) and 2) no consensus or small studies. For example, Ginger is well studied and there's a consensus it helps with motion sickness, and it MAY also do x y z.
This book is great in that it breaks each spice down into two sections: 1) much research/consensus among scientists (at Harvard, Tehran university, etc) and 2) no consensus or small studies. For example, Ginger is well studied and there's a consensus it helps with motion sickness, and it MAY also do x y z.
May 14, 2011
B I really liked this book - some great insights on how to use various spices for healing purposes. However, this is not an instructional book on how to use certain spices for healing - it gives you info but not prescriptive (i.e., so you'll learn that this spice is good for asthma, but now exactly how to use it) - that would have been more helpful. Some good recipes, great background info though.
October 21, 2011
This book is great. There are easy to do ways to add these spices to your diet. A book I feel I must buy.
January 13, 2025
Love the info, just wish amounts were given for each spice to be effective.
November 5, 2025
It is an impressively detailed and well-researched guide to the world of spices and their healing properties. It reads more like a reference manual than a casual read — dense with science, studies, and facts about how everyday ingredients can impact health.
While it doesn’t have much storytelling or personal narrative to carry the reader along, its strength lies in its depth and credibility. Each spice is explored with care, from historical background to modern medical findings, making it a valuable resource for anyone curious about nutrition, wellness, or natural medicine.
This isn’t a book you breeze through; it’s one you highlight, bookmark, and return to often. A bit heavy on the academic side, but for those who love data-driven insights and practical takeaways, it’s a flavorful addition to any health-conscious bookshelf.
While it doesn’t have much storytelling or personal narrative to carry the reader along, its strength lies in its depth and credibility. Each spice is explored with care, from historical background to modern medical findings, making it a valuable resource for anyone curious about nutrition, wellness, or natural medicine.
This isn’t a book you breeze through; it’s one you highlight, bookmark, and return to often. A bit heavy on the academic side, but for those who love data-driven insights and practical takeaways, it’s a flavorful addition to any health-conscious bookshelf.
January 16, 2023
My favourite book.
The author sublimely combines scientific research, history, culinary uses, taste pairings and common sense.
Along the way, he perhaps unwittingly, provides:
* an argument for the immanence of God
* an argument for the study of Ayurvedic and TCM treatments vs. anti-human bias
in Big-Fharma
* a fun way to bring people together over meals and a shared search for radiant health
The author sublimely combines scientific research, history, culinary uses, taste pairings and common sense.
Along the way, he perhaps unwittingly, provides:
* an argument for the immanence of God
* an argument for the study of Ayurvedic and TCM treatments vs. anti-human bias
in Big-Fharma
* a fun way to bring people together over meals and a shared search for radiant health
August 26, 2024
I have mixed feelings about this book. It's just a gut feeling while reading it that I need to do an independent fact check on the claims within the book given how at times the potential of healing promised feels a little exaggerated. I'm not outright saying it's all wrong; as there is information in here that I know from prior outside research to be trustworthy. But some of it does have a "too good to be true" vibe at the writing of this review.
August 22, 2019
I enjoyed learning how to cook some authentic Indian dishes by looking at this cookbook.
Read
August 13, 2021Excellent book
March 7, 2022
This book was actually recommended to me from a physician.
June 14, 2022
This is a go-to book for cooking or treating imbalanced dosha (body's psycho-physiological constitution) before tissues start getting affected. Greatly recommended.
September 17, 2022
While there is no one spice/food that ensures great overall health, this book delves into the benefit of spices and provides recipes.
March 18, 2019
BRILLIANT BOOK * cannot say anything better .......
August 9, 2020
Interesting information on various spices. Varied collection of spice blend recipes.
March 4, 2017
What a fabulous read.. loads of great information, scientific and very comprehensive
March 11, 2020
This book contains tons of information about spices that are good for your health. Only those are listed whose benefits are scientifically proven or accepted. The author really did his homework and the layout makes it easy to find what you want.
To be honest, I have expected a list of rare or secret spices that Western people don't know of. There are these, but to my surprise there are also a lot of typical spices like basil, onion, rosemary or thyme. Obviously someone noticed the positive effects and made them part of the kitchen.
Up to now I wasn't a big fan of spices and rather preferred the natural taste of the food. This has completely changed and immediately after reading the book I bought a couple of (organic) spices from Sonnentor (http://www.sonnentor.com) and use them regularly. Maybe you have seen the movie "The Hundred-Foot Journey" where in once scene the father complains that spices are used so sparely while Indians would use them en masse. Well said! It's not about "hot chili" (or "chile", as the book calls it), it's about flavor - and who would say no to the healthy side effects.
I can wholeheartedly recommend the book.
To be honest, I have expected a list of rare or secret spices that Western people don't know of. There are these, but to my surprise there are also a lot of typical spices like basil, onion, rosemary or thyme. Obviously someone noticed the positive effects and made them part of the kitchen.
Up to now I wasn't a big fan of spices and rather preferred the natural taste of the food. This has completely changed and immediately after reading the book I bought a couple of (organic) spices from Sonnentor (http://www.sonnentor.com) and use them regularly. Maybe you have seen the movie "The Hundred-Foot Journey" where in once scene the father complains that spices are used so sparely while Indians would use them en masse. Well said! It's not about "hot chili" (or "chile", as the book calls it), it's about flavor - and who would say no to the healthy side effects.
I can wholeheartedly recommend the book.
January 16, 2015
Great book on historical, medical facts and background infos about the spices.
4 stars, because it falls a little short on how to use the spices for healing purposes (eg.: cinnamon is a good antibacterial (wounds, yeast, etc.), but there is no indication on how to get the benefits of it). As it aims a very wide range of people to read it, there are no indications of sources (eg.: an Indian study found out), and thus feels like it is a book that tries to be scientific (although I know that Mr Aggarwal is an acclaimed scientist). I think he should have included a section at the back of his book supporting the evidence of what he claims. All in all, a great book to learn about spices and I enjoy reading and re-reading it!
4 stars, because it falls a little short on how to use the spices for healing purposes (eg.: cinnamon is a good antibacterial (wounds, yeast, etc.), but there is no indication on how to get the benefits of it). As it aims a very wide range of people to read it, there are no indications of sources (eg.: an Indian study found out), and thus feels like it is a book that tries to be scientific (although I know that Mr Aggarwal is an acclaimed scientist). I think he should have included a section at the back of his book supporting the evidence of what he claims. All in all, a great book to learn about spices and I enjoy reading and re-reading it!
December 17, 2016
The information in this book has helped me appreciate the value of spices and how easy it is to add this "value" to our everyday menu. It is a fun read.
I was aghast to see that margarine was mentioned (p. 22)! Yikes! Saturated fat was also listed as a "known risk factor" for heart disease. Might I suggest the Weston A. Price Foundation for information about healthy fats? Also, soy was mentioned, which is another anti-nutrient food. Hopefully in the next edition, these unfortunate "facts" will be updated to recommend butter, ghee, tallow, lard, and other natural fats, and to avoid soy and margarine!
Although I read this book primarily for pleasure, I would love to see sources of some of the studies referenced.
I was aghast to see that margarine was mentioned (p. 22)! Yikes! Saturated fat was also listed as a "known risk factor" for heart disease. Might I suggest the Weston A. Price Foundation for information about healthy fats? Also, soy was mentioned, which is another anti-nutrient food. Hopefully in the next edition, these unfortunate "facts" will be updated to recommend butter, ghee, tallow, lard, and other natural fats, and to avoid soy and margarine!
Although I read this book primarily for pleasure, I would love to see sources of some of the studies referenced.
February 26, 2014
This book is the book I have been looking for, for a long time. It includes the history, research, recipes, how to shop, how to cook, what to cook. What properties it has and what could be healing.
It's perfect.
It's perfect.
November 16, 2016
This book will be and has been one of my go-to references for helping people use food and herbs to heal their bodies. The recipes are wonderful as well! Pick up this book if you're looking for a better understanding of how spices can help heal as well as how to cook with these spices.
March 5, 2011
A helpful resource book about the many health benefits of 50 different spices, plus recipes for foods and drinks to use them in.
April 16, 2015
History of , medicinal uses of , research concerning , and recipies containing 50 different spices, with an emphasis on those used in India. Very good.
March 25, 2012
A very interesting and accessible ayurvedic medicine book complete with recipes and scientific data.
July 27, 2011
Another great books towards a healthy eating lifestyle.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 47 reviews