The Climate Fight gets Spicy

Since recognizing the important role that methane emissions play in global warming, climate change scientists are paying serious attention to agriculture. Livestock emit a significant quantity of methane - yes, out of their behinds, a greenhouse gas which is actually 25 times more potent (or more depending on who you ask) than carbon dioxide. In my previous post, I mentioned the contribution that the improper fermentation of compostable materials, like SunChips packaging and food scraps, in landfill makes to rising methane levels. However, it turns out that ruminants are active methane factories through no fault of humans. It is estimated that cattle belch about 16% of annual methane emissions worldwide and the combined total for all livestock production is 37%.

Since it is unlikely that global demand for meat will decrease anytime soon, scientists are researching ways to capture and curb greenhouse gas emissions on the farm. Raising cattle on grass instead of grain has been suggested to promote healthy soil which keeps CO2 buried underground. 100% grass fed beef is also healthier for humans because it is leaner, higher in omega-3 fatty acids and vitamin & minerals. However, like people, cows consuming a diet high in fiber-rich plant material release more gas - both belches and flatus - than those fed cereal grains (the primary component of feed favored by industrial farming operations). The net effect of raising animals on pasture supposedly favors carbon sequester. Unfortunately, "old-fashioned" animal husbandry techniques are unlikely to the solve climate crisis. The cost of doing so is prohibitive and yields can not satisfy Americans' hunger for animal flesh nor fulfill the increasing demand from China and the developing world.

Researchers at Newcastle University have discovered a promising new strategy for reducing livestock's contribution to methane emission which applies age-old culinary wisdom. Taking cues from Indian cuisine, they studied the effect that cumin, coriander, clove, turmeric and cinnamon had on methane produced in a solution similar to that found in the rumen of sheep. They measured impressive reductions in the amount of methane - as much as 40% less when coriander was thrown in the mix.

These 5 spices are among many used by Indian cooks not just to add flavor, but to improve digestion and relieve abdominal pain & gas. Their benefits in cooking and for promoting health were originally suggested by practitioners of Ayurveda, a medical system derived from ancient Indian texts. Herbs & spices are still prescribed in India (and around the world by advocates like myself) to cure infections, boost the immune system and more.

Now that administering antibiotics to farm animals is criticized for bolstering antibiotic-resistant strains of bacteria and causing other serious human health problems, veterinarians are seeking options from alternative medicine. Could simple kitchen remedies also be the key to solving global warming?

The ancient vaidyas, Ayurvedic physicians, suggested using spices to alleviate many woes facing civilization at their time. If they could have foreseen rising temperatures, maybe they would have a suggested a remedy for that too. Some of the health & healing properties of the five spices studied by today's climate scientists include:

• Cumin: stimulates agni (digestive fire), eliminates ama (toxins) and stomach pain, cures vaginal infections
• Coriander: improves digestions, relieves gas, reduces fever, promotes urination
• Clove: improves digestion, soothes coughs, relieves toothaches
• Turmeric: improves digestion, decreases inflammations, apply to cuts or wounds to prevent infection, adds luster to skin, reduces stress & anxiety
• Cinnamon: improves circulation, reduces blood sugar levels, relieve coughs & colds

If it weren't for global warming, the gas-relieving properties of cumin, coriander, clove, turmeric and cinnamon may never have been proved by Western scientists. Now will Western doctors heed the results and prescribe spices to their gassy patients?