Cayenne pepper consists of ground red chili flakes, and is unrelated to black pepper. The hot spice contains the key ingredient capsaicin that delivers the heat in cayenne pepper. The spice originated in South and Central America thousands of year ago.

Turmeric's earthy, exotic aroma and flavor make it a delicious addition to many dishes. Turmeric is almost always sold with the dried spices at grocery stores, but some specialty markets carry the fresh root. Swapping fresh root for dried in recipes is possible.

When you have a sore throat, just swallowing can be painful. A sore throat often accompanies a viral infection, like a cold or the flu, although other viruses, such as chickenpox or the measles may also produce a sore throat.

Cilantro has a cultivation history that dates back to at least 1500 B.C., as Sanskrit writings from that time indicate. The herb’s seeds, called coriander, are found inside Egyptian pharaohs’ tombs and in Grecian ruins that date back to the Bronze Age about 5,500 years ago.

Human papillomavirus, or HPV, is the leading sexually transmitted infection in the United States, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. More than 40 types of this virus can affect men’s and women’s genital areas, leading to genital warts.

Garlic flavors food and is used medicinally in fresh or supplement form. For example, it may be effective for reducing high blood pressure and for slowing development of atherosclerosis, according to Medline Plus. Garlic can cause side effects, however. Always consult a doctor before trying a new supplement.

Thin or runny curry is often the result of using unthawed frozen vegetables or adding too much cooking liquid. Attempts to tone down a too-spicy taste with coconut milk can remove some of its heat, but also cause the sauce to become thin. While thin curry is undesirable, it is not a reason to panic.

The flavorful herb garlic shows promise for some health benefits, including strengthening the immune system, protecting against cancer and slowing the progression of cardiovascular disease, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center.

Garlic is used to add flavor to many sauces and dishes. Garlic can not only cause bad breath but it can also cause gastrointestinal problems and make your stomach hurt. Sensitive people can react to even tiny amounts of garlic, garlic powder or garlic salt.

When it comes to questions about what foods are safe to eat while pregnant, your obstetrician can guide you in making the healthiest food choices for you and your unborn baby. If you enjoy foods with poppy seeds, you may have heard the connection between them and opiates and heroin.

Antibiotics are medications used to fight infections, particularly if the infections are bacterial. Some herbs and foods, including garlic, have natural antibiotic properties.

Cayenne pepper and crushed red pepper are two different spice preparations that come from the same species of pepper, which is known as Capsicum.