Herbs and spices literally add flavor to any food you intend to add to your menu. Today I have put together a list of some herbs and spices beginning with the letter N. They will surely add a punch to any dish you intend to cook.
New Mexico chile
The New Mexico chile that has the scientific name Capsicum annum is a Chile cultivar that is native to the state of New Mexico in the United States. It grows from a green to a red when ripened. It has a lightly pungent taste similar to garlic. On the Scoville scale, 0-100,000.
Uses
- It can be served roasted and peeled.
- It can also be dried and ground into powder.
- It is used as a spice in enchiladas and burritos.
Health benefits
- Low cholesterol: New Mexico chile contains capsaicin. Capsaicin is an antioxidant that is important for lowering low-density lipids.
- Helps in weight loss: Due to the heat generated by the chiles, your body expends more energy on digesting them. This process helps to burn calories.
- Pain relief: Consuming New Mexico chiles can help to relieve the pain of arthritis in sufferers. It reduces the levels of the decapeptide substance P. Reducing this substance helps to prevent cartilage erosion and helps to lower pain.
Where to buy New Mexico Chile
This spice can be purchased at Walmart, Costco, and Kroger.
Nigella
The Nigella, also known as Nigella sativa, is an annual plant that belongs to the Ranunculaceae family. It is also known as black cumin, not to be confused with Kala jeera, which also goes by that name. It is native to the eastern regions of Europe, which includes Bulgarian and Romanian, and the western regions of Asia, which includes Cyprus, Turkey, and Iran. However, this plant has spread to other parts of Europe and even Africa.
The fruit of this plant is large and capsulated, bearing numerous seeds that are used as spices.
Uses
- The seeds are used to season and flavor various dishes.
- In Palestinian cuisine, the seeds are ground to make a qizha paste.
- The seeds can be used in pastries such as breads and cakes.
- It is used to garnish salads and provide flavor to vegetable soups and sauces.
Health benefits
- Rich supply of antioxidants: Nigella seeds are rich sources of antioxidants. Antioxidants are useful as they help your body eliminate free radicals that can cause damage to cells and tissues. It contains thymoquinone and carvacrol, which are potent antioxidants.
- Helps to lower cholesterol: Nigella contains compounds that can reduce the level of LDL( low density lipids) in your blood. This is crucial to preventing the occurrence of cardiovascular related issues such as stroke and heart attacks.
Where to buy nigella.
You can order nigella from Amazon. You can also buy them at locations such as True Leaf Market, Walmart, and Costco.
Njangsa
The Njangsa is a plant that is native to the tropical region of Africa. It is called many names in different countries. It is called munguella in Angola, wam in Ghana, okhuen in Ivory Coast, and kishongo in Uganda.
The Njangsa has yellowish-white flowers and bilobed fruits with red or brown seeds.
Health benefits
- Laxative: The roots or bark of the njangsa tree can be mixed with salt and bush pepper, which is used as a laxative.The laxative helps stimulate the evacuation of fecal waste from the intestines, so the latex and leaves of this tree can be used as a strong purgative.
- Treatment of anemia: The bark can be loosened and used to treat anemia.Anemia is a health problem characterized by a deficiency of red blood cells or hemoglobin in the blood.To control anemia, the bark of the njangsa tree can be boiled with Eremomastax.
- Treatment of Cough: Njangsa tree bark extracts can be used to prepare herbal medicines to treat coughs, catarrhs, and colds. Antidote: Ricinodendron heudelotii tree bark extracts can be used as an antidote to neutralize poisons. The extracts contain lupeol.
Where to buy njangsa.
You can order njangsa from Amazon. You can also buy them at locations such as True Leaf Market, Walmart, and Costco.
Nutmeg
The nutmeg Nutmeg is the seed or ground spice of several species of the genus Myristica. Myristica fragrans (fragrant nutmeg or true nutmeg) is a dark-leaved evergreen tree cultivated for two spices derived from its fruit: nutmeg, from its seed, and mace, from the seed covering. It is also a commercial source of essential oil and nutmeg butter. The California nutmeg, Torreya californica, has a seed of similar appearance, but is not closely related to Myristica fragrans, and is not used as a spice. Indonesia is the main producer of nutmeg and mace.
Health benefits
- It includes potent antioxidants in its makeup. Although they are quite small, the seeds from which nutmeg is derived contain a high concentration of plant compounds that are capable of performing the functions of antioxidants in the body. Antioxidants are compounds that guard your cells against the oxidative damage that can be caused by free radicals. These are molecules that have an electron that is not paired with another, which renders them reactive and unstable. Oxidative stress manifests itself when the levels of free radicals in your body reach unhealthy levels. It has been linked to the beginning as well as the progression of a large number of chronic conditions, including certain cancers, heart diseases, and neurodegenerative disorders. Antioxidants eliminate free radicals, thereby preventing damage to cells and helping to maintain a healthy level of free radicals in the body. Nutmeg is loaded with a wide variety of antioxidants, including phenylpropanoids, terpenes, and plant pigments like cyanidins. Nutmeg also contains essential oils like phenylpropanoids.
- Possesses anti-inflammatory qualities: Inflammation that persists over time is associated with a wide range of degenerative diseases and conditions, including arthritis, diabetes, and heart disease. Monoterpenes, such as sabinene, terpineol, and pinene, are known to have anti-inflammatory properties, and nutmeg is an excellent source of these compounds. People who suffer from inflammatory conditions may benefit from taking these as they may help reduce inflammation in the body.
- Nutmeg has been shown to have antibacterial effects against potentially harmful strains of bacteria, as evidenced by the fact that it possesses antibacterial properties. Cavities in the teeth and gum disease are both conditions that can be caused by bacteria such as Streptococcus mutans and Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans. An investigation conducted in test tubes revealed that nutmeg extract exhibited potent antibacterial effects against the aforementioned bacteria as well as other types, including Porphyromonas gingivalis. It is well known that these bacteria are the cause of cavities and gum inflammation.
Where to buy Nutmeg
You can order nutmeg from Amazon. You can also buy them at locations such as True Leaf Market, Walmart, and Costco.
Neroli
Neroli oil is a type of essential oil that is obtained by pressing the blossoms of the bitter orange tree (Citrus aurantium subsp. amara or Bigaradia). It has a scent that is honeyed, slightly metallic, and somewhat woodsy, with hints of green and spicy.
Both the orange blossom and the orange blossom absolute are extracted from the same blossom and are widely used in the perfume industry. The aroma of orange blossom has been compared to that of neroli, but it is said to be sweeter, warmer, and more floral.
The method of extraction that is used to obtain the oil from the blooms is what gives neroli and orange blossom their distinctive aromas, as well as why they are referred to by different names. This is also the reason for the distinction between the two.
Distillation with steam is used to obtain neroli, while enfleurage or solvent extraction are used to obtain orange blossom essential oil. Enfleurage is not commonly used these days due to the prohibitive costs involved.
Health benefits of neroli
- Neroli oil for labor: Neroli oil was found to reduce feelings of anxiety and the experience of pain during the first stage of labor when it was inhaled by laboring women. The study was conducted on women who were in the first stage of labor. During the labor process, the women were instructed to wear gauze pads soaked in neroli oil that were attached to their collars. Every half hour, the gauze pads were replaced with new ones.
- Neroli oil for menopausal symptoms: Inhaling neroli oil was found to be beneficial for relieving several symptoms associated with menopause, such as high blood pressure, low libido, and elevated stress levels. The research was conducted on women who had already gone through the menopause.
- Neroli oil for skin: Neroli oil has been shown to have properties that make it antimicrobial, antifungal, and an antioxidant. Because of this, it might be beneficial for preventing acne breakouts and soothing skin irritation.
Where to buy neroli.
You can order neroli from Amazon. You can also buy them at locations such as True Leaf Market, Walmart, and Costco.
Nettles
Plants with stinging hairs are referred to as nettles. Nettles are most commonly found in plants belonging to the genus Urtica. It is also possible to use this term to refer to plants that have an appearance similar to that of Urtica species but do not have stinging hairs.
Health benefits
- Anti-inflammatory effect. Your body’s attempt to heal itself and defend itself against infections is called inflammation. On the other hand, persistent inflammation can cause a great deal of damage. There are a variety of compounds in stinging nettle that have the potential to reduce inflammation. Stinging nettle was shown to reduce the levels of multiple inflammatory hormones by interfering with their production in studies conducted on animals as well as in test tubes. Studies conducted on humans have shown that applying stinging nettle cream or consuming products containing stinging nettle can provide relief from inflammatory conditions such as arthritis.
- It may help treat symptoms of an enlarged prostate. Up to half of men who are 51 years old may suffer from benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), which is another name for an enlarged prostate (BPH). BPH can result in significant discomfort during the urination process, although researchers are unsure as to what causes it. It is interesting to note that a few studies have shown that stinging nettle may be beneficial in treating BPH. Animal studies suggest that this potent plant may be able to thwart the process by which testosterone is converted into dihydrotestosterone, which is a more potent form of testosterone.
Where can I purchase nettles?
You can order nettles from Amazon. You can also buy them at locations such as True Leaf Market, Walmart, and Costco.
Neem
A member of the mahogany family, the Azadirachta indica tree is also known as neem, nimtree, and Indian lilac. It is scientifically classified as Meliaceae. It is indigenous to the Indian subcontinent as well as the majority of the countries in Africa and is one of only two species that make up the genus Azadirachta. It is most commonly cultivated in tropical and semi-tropical areas of the world. Neem trees can also be found growing on the islands off the coast of southern Iran. Neem oil originates from the fruits and seeds of the neem tree.
Health benefits
- Psoriasis. Initial studies suggest that taking neem extract orally for a period of 12 weeks, exposing oneself to the sun every day, and applying a cream containing coal tar and salicylic acid can help reduce the severity of psoriasis symptoms in people.
- Dental plaque. The results of some preliminary studies suggest that applying a gel made from neem leaf extract to one’s teeth and gums on a twice-daily basis for a period of six weeks may help reduce plaque formation. It is also possible that the number of bacteria in the mouth that can cause plaque will decrease as a result of this. However, it does not appear that rinsing with a mouthwash that contains neem extract for a period of two weeks will reduce plaque or gingivitis.
- Ulcers. It has been suggested by some bodies of research that taking 30–60 milligrams of neem bark extract orally twice a day for ten weeks can help heal stomach and intestinal ulcers.
Where can I purchase neem
You can order neem from Amazon. You can also buy them at locations such as True Leaf Market, Walmart, and Costco.
Native rosella (aka Hibiscus heterophyllus)
The Hibiscus heterophyllus plant can grow into a shrub or a small tree, and its stems can be smooth or prickly. The lower leaves are egg-shaped or have 3–5 lobes, while the upper leaves range in shape from narrowly oval to narrowly lance-shaped and are between 5 and 18 centimeters (2.0 and 7.1 inches) in length.
The flowers are borne singly in the axils of the leaves, and the calyx lobes are lance-shaped and 20–35 mm (0.79–1.38 in) long. They are covered in a dense covering of rust-colored star-shaped hairs that are short and matted.
The flower’s corolla is typically between 5 and 7 centimeters (2.0 and 2.8 inches) long and pale pink, white, or yellow in color, with a dark red center. The length of the fruit is 20 mm (0.79 in), and it is covered with short, soft, upright hairs that are a straw color. The flowering season lasts from spring all the way through summer.
Health benefits
- Vitamin C can be found in abundance in the calyces of roselle flowers. You might be aware that vitamin C is beneficial to your health, but do you know exactly how beneficial it is? Maintaining our bodies so that they continue to function properly is absolutely necessary. Vitamin C, which is also referred to as ascorbic acid, is beneficial for the production of collagen, the healing of wounds, and, of course, the preservation of healthy bones and teeth.
- Studies have shown that roselle has properties that have the potential to fight bacteria, and this potential includes the potential to fight harmful bacteria. A study conducted in 2013 using test-tubes demonstrated that the plant’s extract had the ability to hinder or inhibit E. coli, a strain of bacteria that is known to cause cramping and diarrhoea. The majority of the research has been conducted in laboratory settings, so it will be some time before we can determine how this relates to people. However, at least we know that the roselle plant, including its flowers and seeds, contains some beneficial components.
- It could contribute to a reduction in blood pressure. There have been studies that have shown how the roselle plant can help lower blood pressure in patients suffering from both high systolic and high diastolic blood pressure. It is well established that high blood pressure can, over time, weaken the heart and is also linked to the development of heart disease. One meta-analysis that compared the results of several randomized control trials found that roselle did indeed have a “significant effect” in reducing both the systolic and diastolic blood pressures of the participants. These findings are very encouraging. It’s got some interesting stuff.
Where can I purchase native rosella
You can order native rosella from Amazon. You can also buy them at locations such as True Leaf Market, Walmart, and Costco.
New guinea creeper (aka Mucuna bennettii)
Mucuna bennettii is a species of flowering plant that is native to Papua New Guinea. It belongs to the family Fabaceae and is also known as New Guinea creeper or scarlet jade vine.
Health benefits
- It useful in the treatment of skin conditions. The juice extracted from the leaves of the Rangoon Creeper is a remedy for skin conditions such as boils and ulcers. Boils and abscesses can be resolved successfully with its application.
- A remedy for the treatment of headaches It is also used for headaches and is applied to the forehead, which has been shown to work effectively in reducing headaches.
- It can be used in the treatment of dysuria. You can also make a tea by boiling the leaves, which helps to get relief from the pain that occurs while urinating and is a remedy for the condition known as dysuria, or painful urination.
- Additionally, helpful for intestinal worms and parasites are the dried seeds of the creeper plant. This is an effective treatment for worms and parasites that live in the intestinal tract.
Where you can purchase New Guinea creeper.
You can order new Guinea creepers from Amazon. You can also buy them at locations such as True Leaf Market, Walmart, and Costco.
Nabhali (aka Cyanotis cristata)
There is a species of perennial plant known as Cyanotis cristata, which belongs to the Commelinaceae family. The Indian Subcontinent, southern China, Southeast Asia, Ethiopia, Socotra, Mauritius, Java, and the Philippines are the countries in which it was initially discovered. The fruits are composed of brown explosive capsules throughout their entirety.
Native Ginger
Native Ginger was first discovered in Southeast Asia, where it grows as a flowering plant. It is one of the healthiest spices on the planet, in addition to being one of the most delicious.
It is a member of the Zingiberaceae family, which also includes cardamom, galangal, and turmeric, and it is closely related to galangal. The part of the plant that is typically utilized for culinary purposes is the rhizome, which is the underground portion of the stem. It is most commonly referred to as ginger root or just ginger.
Ginger can be consumed in its fresh, dried, or powdered forms, as well as in its juice or oil. It’s an ingredient that’s used in a lot of different recipes. It is occasionally included in processed foods as well as cosmetics.
Health benefits
- It contains gingerol, which is an active component in numerous medicinal products. Ginger has been utilized in a wide variety of conventional and alternative medical practices for a very long time. To name just a few of its many applications, it has been utilized to improve digestion, lessen feelings of nausea, and assist in the fight against the flu and the common cold. Ginger’s natural oils, particularly gingerol, are responsible for its distinctive aroma and flavor. Gingerol is particularly noteworthy among these oils. Ginger’s most important bioactive component is called gingerol. It’s largely responsible for the medicinal properties that ginger possesses. According to the findings of research, gingerol possesses potent anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. For example, it may help reduce oxidative stress, which occurs when there is an excessive amount of free radicals in the body. This stress can be alleviated by drinking more water.
- It can alleviate a variety of nauseating conditions, most notably morning sickness. It would appear that ginger is quite effective at preventing nausea. People who are going to have certain types of surgery may find that it helps relieve their nausea and vomiting. Ginger may also be helpful for nausea caused by chemotherapy. However, more research on humans is required. On the other hand, it is possible that it is the most effective treatment for nausea associated with pregnancy, such as morning sickness. A review of 12 studies, in which a total of 1,278 pregnant women participated, found that 1.1–1.5 grams of ginger can significantly reduce symptoms of nausea. If you are pregnant and considering taking large amounts of ginger, you should discuss this with your healthcare provider first. Ginger is generally thought to be safe.
Where to buy native ginger.
You can order native ginger from Amazon. You can also buy them at locations such as True Leaf Market, Walmart, and Costco.