Spices that Heal Us

This is an open-ended personal activity. Students should think about their own kitchen and write any three spices they have seen or smelled at home. Sample answers (students may write their own):

1. Turmeric (Haldi)
2. Cumin seeds (Jeera)
3. Black pepper (Kali mirch)

Share your answers with your teacher and classmates.

This is a pair activity. Students should look at the pictures of spices and write their names in their own regional language. Sample answers in Hindi are given below:

| S.No. | Name in English | Name in Hindi (sample) |
|---|---|---|
| 1. | Turmeric | Haldi |
| 2. | Fenugreek | Methi |
| 3. | Cumin seeds | Jeera |
| 4. | Asafoetida | Heeng |
| 5. | Cinnamon | Dalchini |
| 6. | Clove | Laung |
| 7. | Ginger | Adrak |
| 8. | Black pepper | Kali mirch |
| 9. | Fennel seeds | Saunf |
| 10. | Cardamom | Elaichi |

Students speaking other languages (Tamil, Telugu, Bengali, Marathi, etc.) should write the names as used in their homes. Share your answers with your teacher.

Her grandmother found the cures among the spices and herbs kept in the kitchen. The spices such as turmeric, ginger, black pepper, cloves, cardamom, fenugreek seeds, asafoetida (heeng), cinnamon, and fennel seeds that are stored in the kitchen were used as natural medicines. In other words, the kitchen itself — with its collection of everyday spices — served as a medicine cabinet.

One example of a weather-related common illness is the common cold (or cough and cold). Other examples include fever, sore throat, and body ache, which often occur during changes in weather such as the onset of winter or the rainy season.

The speaker shared a very warm, loving, and close relationship with her grandmother. The grandmother passed on her knowledge of natural cures to the speaker when she was a child, which shows that they spent quality time together. The grandmother was caring and nurturing, and the speaker clearly cherishes those memories. This is a relationship built on love, trust, and the sharing of traditional wisdom across generations.

Daadi soaked methi seeds overnight and drank the water in the morning to manage diabetes and joint pain.

(Fenugreek/methi seeds soaked in water are a well-known traditional remedy for controlling blood sugar levels and reducing joint pain and inflammation.)

The correct answer is 2. Fennel seeds.

According to Daadi's letter, turmeric, ginger, and black pepper are mentioned as helpful for body pain and inflammation. Fennel seeds (saunf) are useful for digestion and stomach-related problems, but they are not specifically mentioned for body pain. Hence, fennel seeds is the odd one out.

Daadi asked Vikram and Vaibhavi to share the natural cures with their friends because she wanted this traditional knowledge to spread and benefit more people. She believed that these natural remedies, passed down through generations, are very effective and should not be forgotten. By sharing them, the children could help their friends stay healthy using simple, easily available kitchen ingredients. Daadi wanted the wisdom of natural healing to reach as many people as possible.

Daadi's final advice to Vikram and Vaibhavi was that they must consult an elder before using any of these spices or natural cures. She wanted them to be careful and responsible. Even though these are natural remedies, it is important to take guidance from an experienced adult before trying them, so that they are used correctly and safely.

We know that natural cures are passed from one generation to another because of the way the knowledge is described in the letter. Daadi says that when she was a child, she learnt these cures from her own grandmother. Now she is passing the same knowledge to her grandchildren, Vikram and Vaibhavi. This shows a clear chain: great-grandmother → grandmother (Daadi) → grandchildren. The fact that the same remedies have been used and remembered across so many generations is proof that this knowledge travels from one generation to the next through oral tradition and personal experience.

We should know about the healing properties of spices for the following reasons:

1. Easily available: Spices are found in every kitchen, so natural cures are always within reach.
2. Cost-effective: They are much cheaper than medicines bought from a pharmacy.
3. Fewer side effects: Natural remedies generally have fewer harmful side effects compared to chemical medicines.
4. Cultural heritage: This knowledge is part of our rich traditional heritage and should be preserved.
5. First aid: For minor ailments like cough, cold, or stomach ache, spice-based remedies can provide quick relief at home.
6. Empowerment: Knowing these cures makes us more self-reliant and helps us take better care of our health and the health of our family.

Therefore, learning about the healing properties of spices is both practical and important.

The completed table is given below:

| Spice | Name | Part of the plant | Colour | Texture | Taste |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| | Turmeric | Root (rhizome) | Yellow/Golden | Rough | Bitter, slightly spicy |
| | Fenugreek | Seeds / Leaves | Yellow-brown (seeds); Green (leaves) | Rough (seeds); Soft (leaves) | Bitter |
| | Cinnamon | Bark | Brown | Rough | Sweet, slightly spicy |
| | Clove | Flower buds | Dark brown / Black | Rough | Spicy, slightly sweet |
| | Black pepper | Fruit (dried) | Black | Rough | Spicy, pungent |
| | Cardamom | Seeds / Fruit (pod) | Green (pod); Black (seeds) | Soft (pod); Rough (seeds) | Sweet, spicy |

*Note: Students should fill this table with the help of their teacher and by observing the actual spices if possible.*

The correct matching is:

| Column A — Helping verbs | Column B — Functions |
|---|---|
| (i) may | B. suggestion |
| (ii) should | D. advice |
| (iii) can | E. ability |
| (iv) must | C. compulsion |
| (v) need to | F. necessity |
| (vi) used to | A. past habit |

Explanation:
- *May* is used to make a suggestion or to show possibility (e.g., You may go now).
- *Should* is used to give advice (e.g., You should eat well).
- *Can* shows ability (e.g., She can swim).
- *Must* shows compulsion or strong obligation (e.g., You must wear a helmet).
- *Need to* shows necessity (e.g., I need to finish my homework).
- *Used to* refers to a past habit that no longer continues (e.g., I used to play cricket).

The completed dialogue using four different modals is:

Ajay: Anand had fever last week. He (i) must take good rest.

Suman: Yes, he (ii) should or he will fall ill again.

Ajay: He (iii) can take grandmother's natural cures.

Suman: Yes, we (iv) need to remember how effective they are.

Explanation of choices:
- *must* — shows compulsion; Anand is strongly required to rest.
- *should* — gives advice; it is advisable for him to rest.
- *can* — shows ability/possibility; he is able to take natural cures.
- *need to* — shows necessity; it is necessary for us to remember.

*(Note: Other combinations using the given modals are also acceptable as long as each modal is used only once and the meaning makes sense.)*

This is a listening activity. The fact sheet should be completed based on the audio/transcript provided on page 102 of the textbook. Based on the standard information about Tulsi and the transcript clues given in the fact sheet, the completed answers are:

| THE WONDER HERB | |
|---|---|
| 1. Name: Tulsi | Family: Mint (Lamiaceae) |
| 2. First found in | India / Central India |
| 3. Now found | everywhere in India |
| 4. Known as | The Queen of herbs |
| 5. Can decrease levels of | blood sugar and cholesterol |
| 6. Used to treat disorders of | breathing and digestion |
| 7. Is used to make | mouth wash and toothpaste |
| 8. We can have Tulsi leaves by | eating them raw/directly or adding them while making tea |

*Note: Students must listen carefully to the audio/teacher's reading of the transcript on page 102 and fill in the blanks accordingly. The answers above are based on commonly known facts about Tulsi and may be verified with the transcript.*

This is an oral activity. Below is a sample speech for a student who chooses Turmeric (Haldi). Students may choose any spice and prepare a similar speech.

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Sample Introduction (as Turmeric):

"Hello everyone! I am Turmeric, and in Hindi, you know me as Haldi. I come from the root of a plant that grows under the ground. I am bright golden-yellow in colour — you can never miss me! My texture is rough and hard when I am whole, but when I am ground into powder, I become smooth and fine. My taste is slightly bitter and earthy.

But do not let my bitter taste fool you — I am one of the most powerful healing spices in the world! I have a special ingredient called curcumin that fights infections and reduces pain and swelling. Your grandmother puts me in warm milk to help you sleep and heal faster. I am used in almost every Indian dish to add colour and flavour. I can also help heal wounds and keep your skin glowing.

So next time you see that golden colour in your food, remember — it is me, Turmeric, taking care of you!"

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*Students should make their spicy headband as instructed and wear it while speaking.*

This is a craft activity. Follow the steps shown in the textbook illustration to make your headband:

1. Take a strip of thick paper or cardboard long enough to go around your head.
2. Draw or colour the spice you have chosen on the strip (e.g., draw yellow turmeric roots, or green cardamom pods).
3. Write the name of the spice clearly on the headband.
4. Decorate it with colours, patterns, or cut-out shapes related to the spice.
5. Join the two ends of the strip to form a circle that fits your head.
6. Wear the headband while giving your speech to the class.

*This activity helps make the speaking exercise more fun and memorable.*

The completed Natural Cures for Cough are given below:

Natural Cure 1:

To prepare this home remedy, you just need ginger and honey. First, take a piece of fresh ginger, grate it and take the juice from it. Take about two teaspoons of this juice and add about two and half teaspoons of honey to it. Mix it properly. Warm the mixture slightly on very low heat for a minute. Then you can have it about three to four times a day to get relief from cough. Have patience to see the effect as natural cures for cough with ginger and honey might take some time to show results.

Natural Cure 2:

To prepare the second home remedy for cough, take about 10 grams of each — long pepper, dried ginger and basil leaves. Add four to six small cardamoms and grind to get a fine powder. If you take this powder with an equal amount of honey, it will give you relief from cough.

Phrases NOT used: 'some leaves of basil' and 'for high fever' — these two phrases are not needed.

*(Note: The two phrases that are not used are 'some leaves of basil' and 'for high fever', as instructed in the question.)*

Tulsi — The Wonder Herb

Tulsi, also known as Holy Basil, is one of the most remarkable herbs found in India. It belongs to the mint family and was first found in India. Today, it is found everywhere across the country. Tulsi is often called the Queen of herbs because of its extraordinary healing properties.

Tulsi has many health benefits. It can decrease levels of blood sugar and cholesterol in the body, making it very useful for people with diabetes and heart-related problems. It is also used to treat disorders of breathing, such as asthma and bronchitis, as well as digestive problems. Because of its antibacterial properties, Tulsi is used to make mouthwash and toothpaste.

The best part about Tulsi is that it is very easy to use. We can have Tulsi leaves by eating them raw or by adding them while making tea. A warm cup of Tulsi tea is a wonderful remedy for cough and cold.

Tulsi is truly a gift of nature. Every home in India should have a Tulsi plant, not just for its religious importance, but also for the health and well-being of the entire family.

Answer: Asafoetida (Heeng)

Explanation: According to Daadi's letter, asafoetida (heeng) was used to soothe tummy aches in children. Daadi mentions that she used to put heeng water on the tummy to give relief. The riddle says 'when your tummy felt funny' and 'used by your granny', which clearly points to heeng as the spice that cures stomach problems and brings back the child's smile.

*(Note: Some students may also answer 'Ginger' or 'Fennel seeds' as these also help with digestion. However, the most likely answer based on the letter is Asafoetida/Heeng.)*

Answer: Ginger (Adrak)

Explanation: Ginger grows underground as a rhizome (root). It has been used in cooking and medicine for thousands of years. It is a very common ingredient used daily in Indian cooking — in tea, curries, and chutneys. It is also a well-known remedy for cough and cold. All the clues in the riddle — grows under the ground, used daily in cooking, cures cold — point to ginger.

The completed riddle is:

Brownish-yellow in colour,
and bitter to taste,
I help everyone,
to manage/lose their weight.
Who am I?

Answer: Fenugreek (Methi)

Explanation: Fenugreek seeds are brownish-yellow in colour and have a distinctly bitter taste. They are well known for helping manage weight, control blood sugar, and improve digestion. Daadi's letter also mentions that she soaked methi seeds overnight and drank the water to manage diabetes and joint pain.

This is a creative writing activity. Below is a sample riddle for the spice Cardamom (Elaichi). Students may write their own riddle for any spice.

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Sample Riddle:

I am small and green outside,
With tiny black seeds inside.
I make your breath smell sweet,
In tea and sweets, I am a treat.
I help your tummy feel right,
And keep your heart healthy and light.
Who am I?

Answer: Cardamom (Elaichi)

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*Students should write their own original riddle, share it with family members, and note down their guesses. This activity helps develop creativity and reinforces knowledge about spices.*

This is a sensory/hands-on classroom activity. Here is how to do it:

1. Close your eyes and ask your teacher or a classmate to place a small amount of a spice in your hand.
2. Feel the texture — Is it rough or smooth? Is it a powder, a seed, a bark, or a root?
3. Smell it carefully — Is the smell sharp and pungent (like black pepper or asafoetida)? Is it sweet and warm (like cinnamon or cardamom)? Is it earthy (like turmeric)?
4. Try to guess the name of the spice based only on touch and smell.
5. Open your eyes and check if you were correct.

What you will observe (sample):
- Turmeric powder: fine, smooth texture; earthy, slightly sharp smell.
- Cinnamon: rough, bark-like texture; sweet, warm, woody smell.
- Cardamom: small, slightly rough pod; sweet, floral, spicy smell.
- Clove: hard, rough texture; very strong, sharp, medicinal smell.
- Black pepper: small, round, rough seeds; sharp, pungent smell.

This activity helps you understand spices not just through reading but through your own senses — making the learning more real and memorable.