You have taken a big step in coming here to learn about herbs and spices, beginning with the letter I. It’s weird because most of them are not commonly used in our everyday cuisines or meals. Don’t feel left out; I didn’t even know about most of them until this article.
So, why don’t we also learn about their uses and health benefits and also know where to buy them just in case you want to try any of them?
This blog post introduces you to over 20 new herbs and spices.
Herbs that start with I (uses, health benefits, and where to buy them)
Most of the herbs listed have their roots in India. Below are 16 herbs.
- Ikhalana ( Aloiampelos tenuior)
- Indian pulai (Alstonia scholaris)
- Indian putat (Barringtonia acutangula)
- Indian head ginger (Costus spicatus)
- Indian rubber vine (Cryptostegia grandiflora)
- Inai inai (Erythroxylum cuneatum)
- Indian banyan (Ficus benghalensis)
- Indian turnsole (Heliotropium indicum)
- Imperial hoya (Hoya imperialis)
- Indian lettuce (Lactuca indica)
- Indian long pepper (Piper longum)
- Ivy palm (Polyscias diversifolia)
- Indian jujube (Ziziphus mauritiana)
- Indian snakeroot (Rauvolfia serpentina)
- Indian snakeweed (Stachytarpheta jamaicensis)
- Indian arrowroot (Curcuma angustifolia)
1. IKHALANA
Ikahalana is scientifically known as Aloiampelos tenuior. Although it was initially called aloe tenuior, it is generally known as fence aloe because, as a landscape plant, it usually crawls and grows on walls.
The ikhalana is a drought-resistant plant. It grows well with constant sunlight in a loamy or sandy soil and gives off its beautiful orange-red flower heads during summer.
Uses of ikhalana
It is an ornamental plant primarily used for its aesthetic appearance. It also serves as a food source for honeybees.
Health benefits of ikhalana
- Traditionally, it is used as a remedy to get rid of tapeworms in the stomach.
- It is recommended for the treatment of constipation.
- Ikhalana herb may be used as a purgative or aperient to ease bowel movements.
Where can you buy ikhalana?
Ikhalana can be purchased from any African plant garden or store.
2. INDIAN PULAI
The scientific name for Indian pulai is Alstonia scholaris. The Indian pulai tree is a variety of another tree that is prominent on the Sumatra and Java islands. It is also known as cork wood, jelutung, lame, and pule.
The Indian pulai flower blooms around October and gives off a very nice fragrance to its environment. The seeds of pulai are oval and hairy. The tree is native to the Southeast Asian countries and the Indian subcontinent.
Uses of Indian pulai
The bark of the tree is used in malaria medicines as an antipyretic. It is also used in making chalkboards for writing.
Health benefits of Indian pulai
- In Hinduism, the bark is used to make tonics for treating fever, diarrhea, and skin diseases.
- Ghanaians use the bark on women after childbirth to aid in the removal of the placenta.
- The Alstonia scholaris were primarily used by Indians to treat cholera, internal heat, cancer, and digestive issues.
Where can you buy Indian pulai?
Amazon, Indiamart, The Leaf Plant, and Alamy are stores that sell Indian pulai.
3. INDIAN PUTAT
The scientific name for Indian putat is Barringtonia or Eugenia acutangula, while its Hindi name is Samundarphal hiragana. It is an Indian evergreen oak tree with a pungent, bitter taste. The leaves, roots, dried fruits, and stem barks are the main parts used. It is a native of northern Australia.
Uses of indian putat
The bark is used in making mouthwash and medicines in the pharmaceutical industry.
Health benefits of indian putat
- Traditionally, the seeds are ground and their mixture is used to treat headaches and abdominal pain.
- The juice from the leaf is a good treatment for diarrhea.
- Mouthwash made from the bark is effective for the treatment of gingivitis and wounds.
- A mixture of its fruits and ginger is good for treating colic, asthma, colds, coughs, spleen enlargement, and bronchitis.
Where can you buy indian putat?
Purchase Barringtonia acutangula from Amazon, NurseryLive, Elata Natives, Wigert’s Bonsai Nursery, and T.J’s Nursery.
4. INDIAN GINGER HEAD
Costus spicatus is the scientific name for Indian ginger heads. The herb has two major properties that are used, which are the root and oil. However, it should not be given to pregnant or breastfeeding women.
Uses of indian ginger head
The herb is used in the production of medicine. Costus oil is used as a flavor in beverages and meals. It is used in making cosmetics as a fragrance and fixative.
Health benefits of indian ginger head
- Aids in the reduction of inflammation.
- The Indian ginger head can be used to treat fever, infection, skin diseases, paralysis, and intestinal parasites.
- Costus spicatus oil can be used to treat eczema, cough, and as a pain reliever.
- It is traditionally given to women suffering from painful, scanty or irregular menstruation.
Where can you buy indian ginger head?
The root and oil of Indian ginger head are sold at eBay, Wholefoods Market, Hareli Fresh Market, Central Market, Alamy and Amazon.
5. INDIAN LETTUCE
The scientific name for Indian lettuce is Lactuca indica. It is popularly known as “wild lettuce.” Lactuca indica is a leafy plant used mainly for its herbal properties. Lactuca indica is native to Australia, India, Pakistan, South Europe, and the United Kingdom.
Uses of indian lettuce
Medicines from wild lettuce are used to cure asthma, arthritis, coughs, etc. It is often used as an analgesic or sedative to relieve chronic pain and stress.
Health benefits of indian lettuce
- Vitamin K in Indian lettuce helps to strengthen the bones.
- Indian lettuce is composed of 90% water. Consuming it fresh is a good way to hydrate the body.
- Vitamin A reduces the risk of cataracts and improves vision.
- Wild lettuce has antifungal and antibacterial properties. It aids and boosts the immune system.
Where can you buy indian lettuce?
Purchase wild lettuce from Smokably, HerbCO, Wholefoods Market, Amazon, Etsy, and Walmart supercenter.
6. INDIAN LONG PEPPER
The scientific name for Indian long pepper is Piper longum. It could be in dried, fresh, or powdered form. They all contain the same nutrients. Even though it can be eaten raw, many people prefer to prepare meals because of its color and taste.
Uses of indian long pepper
The fruit from the plant is usually combined with other herbs in the production of ayurvedic medicines.
Health benefits of indian long pepper
- Piperine is a compound found in Indian long pepper. It fights parasites in the intestine.
- It is a good source of vitamin B1.
- The Indian long pepper treats tetanus, psoriasis, thirst, tumors and fever.
- After childbirth, women are given Indian long pepper to restore the uterus to normal size.
- Indians use the Indian long pepper for abortions, treating menstrual pains, infertility, and improving sex drive.
Where can you buy indian long pepper?
You can purchase Piper longum from India Imports, the purest food market, Indo-Pak, Amazon, eBay, and Walmart supercenter.
7. INDIAN JUJUBE
They belong to the Rhamnaceae family. Originally from Southern Asia and Eastern Africa, the fruit herb is now widely known throughout China, Afghanistan, and tropical Africa. Other common names for this plant are Chinese date, bar, Chinese apple, jujube, Indian plum, amongst many others. According to Chinese medicinal theory, the fruit is considered an herb.
Uses of indian jujube
This fruit from the tree may be consumed as a snack and may be served as a dessert in Vietnam and China, amongst other uses.
Health benefits of indian jujube
- Although more research is still being carried out, it is believed to help with cancer.
- Indian jujube extract and its juice have been used for the treatment of certain skin conditions caused by inflammation like acne, eczema, and psoriasis.
- They also help to correct gastrointestinal disorders.
- The fruit of this plant serves as a good source of energy as it helps to eliminate fatigue.
Where can you buy indian jujube?
They are sold at Walmart supercenters, Willis Orchard, and even on Amazon.
8. INDIAN SNAKEROOT
This plant is a member of the Apocynaceae family, the same as milkweed. It is a perennial undershrub widely distributed in the sub-Himalayan regions.
Uses of indian snakeroot
One of the major uses of this plant has been majorly for the production of herbal drugs, especially against snake bite.
Health benefits of snakeroot
- They are a good treatment for insomnia.
- They serve as good remedies for liver treatment, joint pain, and spasms in the legs due to poor circulation.
- Snake weed also helps with mild blood pressure, amongst other conditions.
Where can you buy indian snakeroot?
This plant and its extract are available mostly in Amazon’s online store and on Etsy.
9. INDIAN SNAKEWEED
Snakeweed is a member of the Verbenaceae family. The plant has many common names, like blue porterweed, blue snakeweed, bastard vervain, etc.
Uses of indian snakeweed
This plant may be used for different culinary, medicinal, or other purposes. Its stems may be used for brooms, and its extract can also be used to treat snakebite.
Health benefits of indian snakeweed.
- They are used to support the respiratory system.
- The plant has antibacterial properties, making breastfeeding safe for babies.
- It is also used to reduce anxiety, stress, lower blood pressure, etc.
Where can you buy indian snakeweed?
You can buy snakeweed from Etsy.com, Summerland gardens, from Amazon, and nurserylive.com.
10. INDIAN ARROWROOT
This plant is a rhizomatous herb, belonging to the Zingiberaceae family. It is native to the Indian subcontinent and is known as narrow-leaf turmeric in English.
Uses of indian arrowroot
The plant has many nutritional values, hence it is used in food preparation. They also have medicinal uses, like for the treatment of coughs and bronchitis. It may also be eaten by itself when cooked, but it is mostly consumed as powder.
Health benefits of indian arrow root.
- They are suitable for the treatment of diarrhea as they help to firm your stool and also rehydrate you.
- This plant is starch-resistant, thereby helping boost the immune system.
- It contains a high starch content that is not digestible by the body, hence it aids weight loss.
Where can you buy indian arrowroot?
If you are looking to buy Indian arrowroot, you can visit Ebay, Herbco, Indiamart, Amazon, etc. to buy this plant herb.
Spices that start with the letter I(uses, health benefits, and where you can buy them)
You want to know about spices that start with the letter I? I hope you’ve got your chair ready with a cup of coffee. Alright, as you have done that, let’s kick off this article with them.
First, here are some of the spices that begin with the letter I. They are the Indian curry tree, Indian bayleaf, India walnut, Indonesia screwpine, Indian Borage etc. From the list, you observe that these spices are not all that direct. Those that exist are tagged with a particular country or region.
- Indian borage (Coleus amboinicus)
- Indian curry tree (Murraya koenigii)
- Indian lilac (Azadirachta indica)
- Indonesia bayleaf (Syzygium polyanthum)
- Indian screwpine (Pandanus amaryllifolius)
- Indian walnut (Aleurites moluccana)
Let’s take a deeper look into these spices. Observe as we take you on this tour round.
1. INDIAN BORAGE
This is a green perennial plant with a smell likened to that of Cuban oregano. This plant is originally from the southern and eastern parts of Africa, but it has now spread throughout tropical areas, becoming a global spice due to its high worldwide demand. The Borage has other common names like Mexican mint, Spanish thyme, country Borage, and others.
Uses of indian borage
These herbaceous plants have been used as a spice for flavoring meats and vegetable dishes, while in their grounded form, they may be added to soups, stews, and other meals as an herb.
These leaves also have essential oils that may be extracted. They are most commonly utilized in whole or powdered states, eaten or applied to the skin for their effects, and may also be used as nutraceuticals because of their potent rosmarinic acid and caffeic acid.
Health benefits of indian
- Compounds In the Indian Borage may serve as an expectorant, which may expel mucus and phlegm from the respiratory tract. Borage is a good remedy for people suffering from colds, sore throats, congestion, stuffy noses, and sinus infections.
- In terms of the popularity of usage of the Indian Borage, skin treatment makes the list. The Borage possess anti-inflammatory components which helps get rid of redness and swellings on the skin, also skin irritation and itchiness. Oil extract from this plant also aids skin cell regeneration and activity.
- Still on the oil extract, it may contain Omega 6 fatty acids like gamma linoleic acid, linked with the treatment of arthritis by aiding regeneration of the joints.
- They contain ascorbic acid, which is necessary for boosting the immune system.
- This plant also contains vitamin A and carotenoid which aids the improvement of vision, reducing oxidative stress In the eyes and may also prevent macular degeneration.
Where can you buy borage?
These plant herbs and spices are available at online stores like Amazon, Etsy, eBay, Neemtreefarms, and also at alpineherbs.ca.
2. INDIAN CURRY TREE
The Indian curry tree is a subtropical tree which belongs to the Rutaceae family and is native to India. This quick-growing curry tree is a small evergreen tree which may reach between 6 and 2 feet in height. The curry tree has an aromatic, spicy foliage which has plenty of leaflets. The tree produces fragrant white flowers and small black fruits that look like berries.
Uses of the indian curry tree
From the curry tree we get curry leaves and curry powder, which are often used for cooking purposes. They are used to add flavor to dishes like rice dishes and dals.
Health benefits of the indian curry tree
The curry leaves from the tree are the used part of the plant, hence the benefits are derived from it. Below are some of those health benefits.
- Indian curry leaves are packed with powerful antioxidants which help prevent the body from oxidative stress and free radicals.
- Animal studies and test tubes have indicated that curry leaves may have strong anticancer properties .
- Consumption of curry leaves may be beneficial to the heart by reducing risk factors that may contribute to heart disease, like high triglycerides and cholesterol levels.
- Further studies also show that curry leaves may assist in tackling inflammation related genes and proteins.
- Extract from Indian curry leaves may guard against neurodegenerative disease, although more research is needed.
Where can you buy indian curry?
The leaves, or the powder, or even other extracts, of course, are the sold parts, not the whole tree. They are available at Wholefoods Market, Costco Market, Target and any grocery store near you.
3. INDIAN LILAC
This lilac is a member of the Meliaceae, which is the mahogany family, and is one of the two species in the Azadirachta genus. Native to India, this tree is also popular in subcontinental parts of the world like Nepal, Bangladesh, and Sri Lanka. Other common names include the neem tree.
Uses of indian lilac
Its extract is used to prepare medicinal shampoos, soap, creams, and balms for the skin for smoothing and protecting against pimples, acne, wounds, and ulcers. It may also be used on pests like insects, mice, and ticks to neutralize them.
Health benefits of indian lilac
- They are known to remove dangerous toxins from the body. For a long time, they have been known for their cleansing properties.
- Indian lilac is rich in calcium content, making it good for the bones. Also, using the oil extract to massage the joints helps to relieve arthritis pain and inflammation.
- This plant is also rich in quercetin and nimbolide. This antioxidant helps against free radical damage.
- When lilac leaf extract is mixed with turmeric powder, they are good for clear skin treatment for reducing pigmentation and lightning scars.
Where can you buy indian lilac?
These plants are available at Civano nursery, Harlequins Gardens, Eastern Leaves, on Amazon and Etsy.
4. INDONESIAN BAY LEAF
Indonesia bay leaf belongs to the Myrtaceae family, and is native to Indonesia, Malaysia, and Indochina. Other common names for this plant include Indian bay leaf, daun salam, and tej patta.
Uses of indonesian bay leaf
Traditionally, the leaves of this plant may be added to food as a flavoring and have been known to kill spores of Bacillus cereus in food. Fresh or dried, the leaves may be used in cuisines as they are a common ingredient in fried rice, sauces, etc.
Health benefits of indonesia’s bayleaf
- The nutrient content of bayleaf has proven to have a positive effect on our gastrointestinal health.
- Caffeic acid and rutin are compounds present in organic bayleaf which help with a healthy heart.
- Indonesian bay leaf or any bayleaf helps to control blood sugar levels, hence preventing diabetes.
- This plant also has antimicrobial properties, making it suitable for wound healing.
Where can you buy indonesian bay leaves ?
These bay leaves are available at San Jose, eBay, Amazon, Marina market, and Origami deli.
5. INDIAN SCREWPINE
This is a tropical plant in the Pandanus genus. It has fragrant leaves. This plant can also reproduce asexually through suckers or cuttings. Generally, screwpine is a tropical plant valued for its fragrance and characteristic pointed leaves. Some cultivars of this plant produce edible fruits.
Uses of indian screwpine
The taste of this plant is often described as floral, sweet, grassy, and even vanilla-like, hence its usage in our meals for flavoring and coloring. Their leaves may be boiled, juiced, and used as a flavoring for meat.
Health benefits of indian screwpine
- It is believed to help relieve arthritis pain.
- Screwpine may also assist with regulating blood sugar level.
- Screwpine leaves have a scented aroma, so chewing them may freshen the breath.
All these benefits have not been scientifically proven.
Where can you buy indian screwpine?
This plant is available on eBay, Etsy, and the Amazon online store.
6. INDIAN WALNUT
This plant belongs to the spurge family, Euphorbiaceae. Other common names include candle berry, kemiri, vanish tree, kukui nut tree, etc.
The nuts of this plant have been used in the past for various purposes like paint manufacturing, varnish and soap, and the oil extract has been used for lamps. This nut may also be roasted and consumed, although it is mildly toxic when raw.
Health benefits of indian walnut
- Saps in the bark of Indian walnuts are beneficial for the treatment of sprue.
- They also provide solutions for treating diarrhea.
- Lowering the risk of heart disease is one of the benefits of walnuts.
- Consuming Indian walnut regularly protects the joint from being achy and swollen as a result of regular wear and tear.
Where can you buy indian walnuts?
The plants and their extract are available at the Wholefoods market, Target, Amazon and Etsy.
That’s all for spices that start with I. Maybe you should try any of these spices and see how they work, and if there are some that we omitted, feel free to add them to your own list.