China (300 B.C)

The Indian connection dates back to 3rd century B.C. when there is mention of cloves (from India). It seems that the Chinese courtiers were required to carry cloves in their mouths to sweeten their breath when addressing the emperor. So there you go an organic mouth freshener that one can use in modern day. My advice is not to bite on the clove but just let it settle in to some comfortable spot in your mouth, and move it from time to time to soothe the tangy sensations.


India (1000 B.C)

Again here is another ancient mouth freshener from India; cloves & cardamom wrapped in beetle-nut leaves chewed after meals for increased saliva and as a digestive aid. Also suggested posture being lying down on your left side after chewing the spices.


Ancient Babylon mentions cardamom and turmeric with origins via trade with India.


Greece (333 B.C. -- A.D. 641)

Alexander's conquests got him to the North Western fringes of India. This gradually led to the famous spice trading route the "Silk Road, extending from India to the Mediterranean.


Rome (1st Century A.D)

There was an active sea trade route between India and Rome.

Since there was a huge demand for spices, plus middlemen payoffs, the markup was almost 100%, and the trade deficit with India ballooned. Thus payments were made with gold and silver coins, valued to a total of 3 million US $.

Modern archaeologists have unearthed these coins in the west coast of India.