House Of Spice

People often ring Carlos Pereira when they have a cold. Some customers believe the cure for cancer can be found at his Kensington Market shop, House of Spice, and within his special blends, but Carlos insists, “I’m not a doctor, I’m just the spice man.”

Of course, Carlos believes in the health benefits of dried ground herbs, and will readily recommend or concoct elixirs depending on your needs. He says turmeric, cinnamon, ceylon cinnamon, fennel seed, met-hi seeds and flax seeds are great for overall heath. He even suggests his shop offers the key to weight loss: turmeric, fennel, cinnamon, maple syrup and cayenne, stirred into a glass of water and consumed daily. “But you have to make it a habit,” says Carlos.

He proudly shares a story of a longtime customer who came to him for help when she was diagnosed with breast cancer. Carlos gave her cinnamon and anise leaves along with a weight loss concoction and said, “You’re going to beat this, girl.” A year later she returned, pulled up her shirt and said, “I still have them, thanks to you.” Her mammogram showed no signs of cancer.