Get here question and Answers of “Spices that Heal Us’ from Class 6 NCERT textbook Poorvi. Also read Notes on “Spices that Heal Us’. Also Click here for study resources.
Intext-Questions and Answers
Intext-questions are those questions that are given before the start of the main text of the lesson or the chapter.
Let us do these activities before we read.
Page 93
Q.1. A spice is any seed, fruit, root, bark, leaf or any other part of a plant used to give taste and colour to our food. Try to recall the names of three spices that are used for cooking in your home. Write them below and share your answers with your teacher.
(a) ___ (b) ___ (c) ___
Answer: Here are three examples of spices:
(a) Turmeric
(b) Cumin
(c) Ginger
Q.2. Given below are pictures of some spices. Work in pairs and write what you call them in your language. Their names in English are given in the last column. Share your answers with your teacher.
Answer:
| S.No. | Spice | Name in Hindi | Name in English |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Turmeric | Haldi | Turmeric |
| 2 | Fenugreek | Methi | Fenugreek |
| 3 | Cumin | Jeera | Cumin seeds |
| 4 | Asafoetida | Heeng | Asafoetida |
| 5 | Cinnamon | Dalchini | Cinnamon |
| 6 | Clove | Laung | Clove |
| 7 | Ginger | Adrak | Ginger |
| 8 | Black pepper | Kali Mirch | Black pepper |
| 9 | Fennel seeds | Saunf | Fennel seeds |
| 10 | Cardamom | Elaichi | Cardamom |
Let us think and reflect
Page 95
Q.1. Read the given lines and answer the following questions.
‘When I was a child, I learnt them from my grandmother. She used to find cures for most of the weather-related common illnesses in the kitchen.’
(a) Where exactly in the kitchen did her grandmother find the cures?
(b) Give one example of weather-related common illnesses.
(c) What kind of relationship did the speaker have with her grandmother?
Answer:
- (a) Daadi found cures for common illnesses in the kitchen using spices.
- (b) One example of a weather-related common illness is a cold.
- (c) The speaker had a close, loving, and respectful relationship with her grandmother.
Q.2. Fill in the blanks to complete the sentence.
Daadi soaked methi seeds overnight and drank the water in the morning to manage _________ and _________.
Answer: sugar level and body weight
Daadi soaked methi seeds overnight and drank the water in the morning to manage sugar level and body weight.
Q.3. Circle the spice that is not useful for body pain according to Daadi’s letter.
(a) Turmeric (c) Fennel seeds
(b) Ginger (d) Black pepper
Answer: (c) Fennel seeds
Q.4. Why did Daadi ask Vikram and Vaibhavi to share the natural cures with their friends?
Answer: Daadi wanted them to share the natural cures so others could benefit from these traditional remedies
Q.5. What was Daadi’s final advice to Vikram and Vaibhavi?
Answer: Daadi’s final advice was to consult an elder before using these spices for medicinal purposes.
Q.6. How do we know that natural cures are passed from one generation to another?
Answer: Daadi learned the natural cures from her grandmother, showing that these remedies are passed down through generations.
Q.7. Why do you think we should know about the healing properties of spices?
Answer: Knowing the healing properties of spices helps us use them for health benefits and understand natural remedies for common illnesses.
Textbook Q&A – Chapter End Exercises
These exercises are those that are given at the ed of the lesson “Spices that Heal Us” given in the NCERT Textbook ‘Poorvi’ under Unit Three ‘Nurturing Nature’.
Let us learn
Q.1. You have read the uses of spices in the letter. Complete the following table with the help of your teacher. You may use the words from the box given below.
Answer:
| Spice | Name | Part of the Plant | Colour | Texture | Taste |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Turmeric | Turmeric | Root | Yellow | Rough | Bitter |
| Fenugreek | Fenugreek | Seeds | Brownish-yellow | Rough | Bitter |
| Cinnamon | Cinnamon | Bark | Brown | Rough | Sweet/spicy |
| Clove | Clove | Flower buds | Brown | Rough | Spicy |
| Black Pepper | Black pepper | Fruit | Black | Rough | Spicy |
| Cardamom | Cardamom | Seeds | Green | Silky | Sweet/spicy |
Q.2. Read the sentences given below.
(a) The words given in Column A are helping verbs. Match the helping verbs in Column A with their functions in Column B.
Answer: Matching Helping Verbs with Their Functions:
| Helping Verb | Function |
|---|---|
| 1. may | d. advice |
| 2. should | b. suggestion |
| 3. can | e. ability |
| 4. must | c. compulsion |
| 5. need to | f. necessity |
| 6. used to | a. past habit |
(b) Complete the following dialogues with any four modals from the table given above.
(Use a modal only once.)
Ajay : Anand had fever last week. He (i) ___ take good rest.
Suman : Yes, he (ii) ___ or he will fall ill again.
Ajay : He (iii) ___ take grandmother’s natural cures.
Suman : Yes, we (iv) ___ remember how effective they are.
Answer:
Ajay: Anand had fever last week. He (i) should take good rest.
Suman: Yes, he (ii) must 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.
Let us listen
You will listen to the benefits of Tulsi (Holy Basil), a common herb. As you listen, complete the factsheet given below. (refer to page 102 for transcript)
Answer:
| Name | Tulsi |
|---|---|
| Family | (i) Basil |
| First found in | (ii) North central India |
| Now found | Everywhere in India |
| Known as | (iii) The Queen of Herbs |
| Can decrease levels of | (iv) Glucose and cholesterol |
| Used to treat disorders of | Breathing and (v) Digestion |
| Is used to make | Mouth wash and (vi) Toothpaste |
| We can have Tulsi leaves by | Eating them (vii) Raw or adding them while making (viii) Tea |
Let us speak
Q.1. Daadi told Vikram and Vaibhavi about many spices. Choose one spice and introduce yourself as that spice to the class.
Answer: Attempt yourself. Here’s an example introduction from the perspective of Turmeric:
Hello everyone!
My name is Turmeric, but you can also call me Haldi. I am a bright yellow spice made from the root of a plant. I am not just used to add colour and flavour to food—I have many healing powers too! I can help improve digestion, reduce body pain, and boost energy levels. People even use me to treat wounds because of my anti-bacterial properties. I am an important part of many Indian dishes and even herbal remedies. Do you want to add a little health and colour to your life? Just sprinkle me in your food!
Thank you!
Q. 2. Before you speak, make a spicy headband for the spice you chose. Follow the steps given below.
Use the headband while introducing yourself as the spice.
Answer: Attempt yourself.
Q.3. Mention the following while speaking.
• your name • part of the plant
• colour • texture
• taste • benefits
Answer: Attempt yourself; Here’s an example of how to use the headband and structure your introduction:
Introduction Example (Clove):
Put on your spicy headband with a picture of cloves.
Hello everyone!
I am Clove, known as Laung in Hindi.
- I come from the flower bud of my plant.
- My color is dark brown and my texture is rough and woody.
- My taste is spicy with a hint of sweetness.
I am not just a cooking ingredient; I can help with toothaches, improve digestion, and even fight coughs and colds.
I hope you enjoyed learning about me. Thank you!
Let us write
Q.1. Vikram’s grandmother shared two natural cures to cure his cough inn her earlier letter. It was kept outside and a few drops of rain fell on it. Some of the words got washed away by the rain. Help Vikram complete the natural cures. Use the phrases given in the box below. There are two phrases that you do not need.
Answers: Here is the completed text for Natural Cures for Cough, using the provided phrases:
(a) 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 a 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 a cough. Have patience to see the effect, as natural cures for cough with ginger and honey might take some time to show results.
(b) To prepare the second home remedy for a 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 a cough.
Q.2. Now, write a short paragraph on Tulsi based on the completed factsheet in ‘Let us listen’.
Answer: Do yourself; Here a sample answer is given here.
Tulsi: The Wonder Herb
Tulsi, also known as the Queen of Herbs, is a plant belonging to the basil family. It was first found in north-central India and is now grown everywhere in the country. Tulsi is widely recognized for its medicinal properties. It helps reduce glucose and cholesterol levels and improves blood pressure. This herb is commonly used to treat breathing and digestion disorders. Due to its anti-bacterial properties, Tulsi is used to make herbal hand sanitizers, mouthwash, and toothpaste for treating gum diseases and mouth ulcers. Tulsi leaves can be eaten raw or added while preparing tea. Tulsi tea is known for its calming effect, which helps in reducing stress. It also protects the body from harmful pollutants. Tulsi truly lives up to its name as a wonder herb.
Let us explore
Q.1. Now that you have read about many spices, can you guess the spices based on the riddles given below?
Answer: Here are the answers based on the riddles:
(a) Ajwain (carom seeds)
(b) Ginger
Q.2. Fill in the blanks to complete the riddle below. Write another riddle of your own and ask your family members to guess the spice.
Answer:
(a)
Brownish- yellow in colour,
and bitter to taste,
I help everyone
to manage their weight.
Who am I?
Ans: Fenugreek (methi)
(b)
Red, fiery, and bold,
I make your food tasty to hold.
Sprinkle me for some spice delight,
But use me less, or you’ll feel the bite!
Who am I?
Red chili
Q.3. Close your eyes and learn about spices by smelling and feeling them. The teacher may also provide a few different spices to try.
Answer: To be attempted by students themselves.
This activity encourages sensory learning! Here’s how you can organize it effectively:
- Gather Spices: Collect common spices like cinnamon, clove, cardamom, turmeric, ginger, black pepper, cumin, and coriander. Ensure they are clean and safe to touch, smell, and, if appropriate, taste.
- Close Eyes: Ask students to close their eyes to enhance focus on their sense of smell and touch.
- Introduce One Spice at a Time: Pass each spice around. Students can touch, feel, and smell the spice, guessing its name and properties (e.g., texture, aroma, flavor).
- Discuss Each Spice: After everyone guesses, reveal the spice’s name and share a few facts about it, such as:
- Its origin.
- Common uses in food or medicine.
- Unique characteristics like aroma, texture, or color.
- Optional Tasting: For edible spices like turmeric in milk, cardamom, or cinnamon, provide a small, safe sample to taste.
- Reflect: After the activity, discuss:
- Which spices were easy or hard to identify?
- How did each spice make them feel (e.g., calming, invigorating)?
