Spice

[Ray McCarthy]

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/health-29361351

So Dune isn't completely mad. (Though really in Dune Spice = Middle East Oil)

 

[Vince W]

I don't think Herbert had a ruby murray in mind when he came up with Spice.

 

[HareBrain]

My older brother swears by turmeric.

A couple of years ago he got hit in the head by a cow whilst milking it. Shortly afterwards, he developed bad balance problems, which were traced to a development of plaques on his brain caused by the impact. My sister-in-law is a great one for researching non-standard treatments on the internet, and put him on turmeric. Since taking masses of it, he's been able to ride his bike again.