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Writer's pictureHolliea Fairleigh

Healing Kitchen Spices, Turn your food into medicine- “Spice up your life”


“There is nothing in Nature that doesn’t have some medicinal value if applied correctly”- Dr Ajit

“Ayurvedic herbs work best when within the context of an Ayurvedically designed diet and lifestyle that suits that individual and also takes into consideration the seasonal changes”

“Let food be thy medicine and medicine be thy food.”- Hippocrates

Whole or chopped spices are best fried in ghee or coconut oil at the beginning of cooking with garlic and onion if desired. Powdered spices are best added closer to the end of cooking so not to cook all the healing properties from them.

Turmeric

Qualities: Bitter, astringent, Pungent, heating, pungent

Energies: K- PV+

Turmeric is an excellent natural antibiotic, while at the same time is strengthens the digestion and helps improve intestinal flora. It is a good anti bacterial, Anti inflammatory and purifies the blood but also stimulates formation of new blood tissue.

Turmeric gives energy to Shakti and cleanses the Chakra energy system, purifying the channels. it helps stretch the ligaments and is good for yogi’s.

turmeric promotes proper metabolism and the body and corrects excesses and deficiencies. it aids in digestion of portion.

Mix 1 teaspoon of turmeric powder with 2 teaspoons of honey,

take 2-3 takes a day to boost immune system and act as a natural anti-biotic when feeling sick.

Or use paste on acne prone skin as a mask with exfoliating, anti bacterial, anti inflammatory properties.

Ginger

Qualities; Pungent, Hot, Sweet

Energies : -KV, +P

Aromatic, Carminative, stimulant to the Gi tract, stomachic, Digestive.dry ginger is hotter and drier then fresh, it is a better stimulant and expectorant for reducing kapha (mucous, congestion & toxins) increasing the digestive fire. the uses of ginger is digestive and respiratory diseases are well known. it is also good in arthritic conditions and it is a tonic to the heart. it relieves gas and cramps in the abdomen, including menstrual cramps. externally it makes a good paste for pain and headaches.

Cumin

Qualities: Bitter, Sweet,heating, pungent

Energies: VK- P+

A good source of Iron for vegetarian and vegans. Some of the Ayurvedic health benefits of cumin are that it dispels gas, eliminates toxins, is a mild laxative, and is anti-inflammatory. Because it’s so easily digested and so effective in expelling gas from the stomach and the intestines, it’s used for chronic dysentery and diarrhea. Additionally, cumin has anti-oxidant properties to protect the body from free radicals. Roasted cumin powder can be used for ulcerative colitis, diverticulitis, and chronic malabsorption. Cumin is an anti-dote to morning sickness. Nursing mothers find cumin to be lactogenic, increasing the flow of mother’s milk, while its oil is effective against eczema. Cumin has long been used for its medicinal properties. Studies also show that cumin seeds may contain anti-cancer properties. Cumin was shown to protect from the development of stomach or liver tumours. This effect may be attributable to cumin’s strong free-radical scavenging abilities, along with its capacity to enhance the liver’s detoxification enzymes.

Fennel seeds

Qualities: Sweet, Pungent, cooling, Sweet.

Energies: VPK=

Fennel seeds are fantastic digestive stimulant, calmative, anti flatulence and stops cramping. aids in digestion and calms and regulates peristalsis in the small intestines. Fennel seeds stop the griping of purgatives and can also help promote milk flow and digestion for new mothers.

For urinary problems combine with coriander and drink as a tea x3 a day

Cinnamon

Qualities: Pungent, sweet, astringent, heating, sweet

Energies: VK- P+

Cinnamon is an effective herb for strengthening and harmonising the flow of circulation. it is a good expectorant for colds and flu’s. It is a pain reliever for tooth ache and muscle tension. It strengthens the heart and warms the kidneys and promotes digestive fire. This amazing yummy herb should be used daily, great on porridges, smoothies and milky teas.

Black Pepper

Qualities: Pungent, heating, pungent

Energies: KV- P+

Black Pepper is one of the most powerful digestive stimulants. it burns toxins and cleanses the Digestive system. It is a good antidote to cold and raw foods to add a hot quality to aid digestion. with honey it is a powerful expectorant and mucous cleanser.

For an added digestive stimulati and detox on the Digestive system recommended to use Trikatu, a mix of Ayurvedic peppers and ginger, available in Powder form to sprinkle on food Here

Coriander Seeds

Qualities: Bitter, pungent, cooling, pungent

Energies: PKV=

Coriander seeds are a good house hold remedy for many pitta disorders, particularly those in the digestive tract (ulcers, reflux, heart burn) and Urinary tract ( UTI’s). The fresh juice of the herb is great for allergies, hay fever and skin rashes, one teaspoon three times a day, or externally for itch and inflammation.

It increases digestion and absorption, good for diarrhea and dysentery. coriander, cumin and fennel are related plants with similar qualities. have more coriander during summer.



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