Ginger
Known in India as vishwabeshaj or the universal medicine, ginger is an irreplaceable addition to your spice apothecary. Recent medical trials have supported its traditional prescription for morning and motion sickness. Try chewing on a slice of fresh ginger or enjoy a cup of ginger tea to alleviate these conditions. An addition to about 80% of Chinese and Ayurvedic medicines, ginger has a long history as a remedy for poor circulation, coughs, colds, flu, nausea, and poor digestion. To improve circulation in winter, try a morning cup of ginger root, cinnamon quill, and pepper tea. Combine 5 slices of fresh ginger, 1 cinnamon stick, and 2 peppercorns in 1 cup of boiling water. Reduce to one cup, strain, and add honey to taste before drinking. It can keep you warm all day. To soothe lower backache, sciatica, and kidney pain, a poultice can be applied in the early phase of the condition. When selecting ginger, choose a root with smooth skin, that is hard, and that has no green color or mould. The resin of the skin can upset the stomach, so peel this off before adding the grated, diced, or thinly sliced root to dishes. Dry ginger is stronger than fresh ginger, so use it sparingly.
Nutmeg
Nutmeg’s unique flavor indicates its distinctive medicinal qualities. This aromatic nut is famous in Indian households for curing diarrhea and malabsorption. Nutmeg’s effectiveness has been shown in modern clinical trials with sufferers of Crohns’ disease. This is one of the best remedies for morning diarrhea, an indication that the digestive energy is very weak. For this take 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg with 1 tsp cumin seeds and 3 curry leaves cooked with boiled soupy rice for breakfast — yum! Or just mix a pinch with your breakfast cereal. Nutmeg’s dubious reputation in the past was due to its hallucinogenic action when taken in large quantities — people taking it reported a feeling of being “deliriously inebriated.” In fact, nutmeg does have mind-altering properties and therefore should only be taken in small quantities. For insomnia or restless sleep, try taking 1/4 tsp freshly grated nutmeg adding it to 1/2 cup of warm milk. This can really help to calm the mind and induce a sound sleep. Nutmeg essential oil has also been used as a clove substitute for toothache when applied directly to the painful region. Mixed with a base of sesame or almond oil, it can be used as massage oil for arthritis and combined with Clary sage for delayed labor.
Saffron
For women, saffron is a fabulous tonic that increases milk flow, reduces period pain, and improves fertility. As such it shouldn’t be taken during pregnancy but is great post-natally. Since pure saffron is very expensive it is generally adulterated with Calendula or Chrysanthemum petals. The pure stuff is a dark red, very soft and wispy. To maximize its color, aroma, and flavor sit the threads in a small quantity of water of milk for 20 minutes then add to the dish when it has only 5 minutes remaining to cook. You can also use it as a garnish for rice, dairy, and potato dishes to add a dash of color. Traditionally, Ayurveda uses saffron for liver and spleen enlargement as well as for migraines, chronic fevers, and epilepsy. Legend says that one who eats saffron will get a golden complexion free of dark pigmentation.
Turmeric
Crowned “the Queen of the kitchen,” this outstanding spice is the reigning healer amongst kitchen spices. Adored in India for its purifying properties, turmeric is known as kringhna in Sanskrit, which means “germ killer.” Turmeric plays an important role in all Hindu rituals, where cleanliness is of prime importance. As an antiseptic wash, it is said to give one a golden aura. Hence its use for bridal baths as well as to counter skin infections or blemishes. Its antiseptic properties also help to combat throat infections. A good home remedy for sore throats is a mixture of 1/2 tsp turmeric and 2 cloves in 1 cup of boiled water. Sit for 5 minutes. Strain well and add 1 drop of tea tree oil plus 1 tsps of rock or sea salt. Gargle this warm mix three times a day. The ground turmeric root is the most potent form of this spice, but a fresh deep orange powder is also effective. Turmeric’s antibiotic, blood purifying, and bile stimulating action make it useful in liver, blood, and pancreatic disorders. For these ailments, one teaspoon of the fresh powder or ground root can be taken with 1/4 cup of warm water every morning. Recent clinical trials have suggested turmeric may also be useful in treating Alzheimer’s. This may be related to its antioxidant properties, supporting its classical Ayurvedic application for “untimely ageing syndrome.” To preserve turmeric, keep it in a dark container in a cool cupboard.
[1] [2] [3]
Articles FAQ
Known in India as vishwabeshaj or the universal medicine, ginger is an irreplaceable addition to your spice apothecary. Recent medical trials have supported its traditional prescription for morning and motion sickness. Try chewing on a slice of fresh ginger or enjoy a cup of ginger tea to alleviate these conditions. An addition to about 80% of Chinese and Ayurvedic medicines, ginger has a long history as a remedy for poor circulation, coughs, colds, flu, nausea, and poor digestion. To improve circulation in winter, try a morning cup of ginger root, cinnamon quill, and pepper tea. Combine 5 slices of fresh ginger, 1 cinnamon stick, and 2 peppercorns in 1 cup of boiling water. Reduce to one cup, strain, and add honey to taste before drinking. It can keep you warm all day. To soothe lower backache, sciatica, and kidney pain, a poultice can be applied in the early phase of the condition. When selecting ginger, choose a root with smooth skin, that is hard, and that has no green color or mould. The resin of the skin can upset the stomach, so peel this off before adding the grated, diced, or thinly sliced root to dishes. Dry ginger is stronger than fresh ginger, so use it sparingly.
Nutmeg
Nutmeg’s unique flavor indicates its distinctive medicinal qualities. This aromatic nut is famous in Indian households for curing diarrhea and malabsorption. Nutmeg’s effectiveness has been shown in modern clinical trials with sufferers of Crohns’ disease. This is one of the best remedies for morning diarrhea, an indication that the digestive energy is very weak. For this take 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg with 1 tsp cumin seeds and 3 curry leaves cooked with boiled soupy rice for breakfast — yum! Or just mix a pinch with your breakfast cereal. Nutmeg’s dubious reputation in the past was due to its hallucinogenic action when taken in large quantities — people taking it reported a feeling of being “deliriously inebriated.” In fact, nutmeg does have mind-altering properties and therefore should only be taken in small quantities. For insomnia or restless sleep, try taking 1/4 tsp freshly grated nutmeg adding it to 1/2 cup of warm milk. This can really help to calm the mind and induce a sound sleep. Nutmeg essential oil has also been used as a clove substitute for toothache when applied directly to the painful region. Mixed with a base of sesame or almond oil, it can be used as massage oil for arthritis and combined with Clary sage for delayed labor.
Saffron
For women, saffron is a fabulous tonic that increases milk flow, reduces period pain, and improves fertility. As such it shouldn’t be taken during pregnancy but is great post-natally. Since pure saffron is very expensive it is generally adulterated with Calendula or Chrysanthemum petals. The pure stuff is a dark red, very soft and wispy. To maximize its color, aroma, and flavor sit the threads in a small quantity of water of milk for 20 minutes then add to the dish when it has only 5 minutes remaining to cook. You can also use it as a garnish for rice, dairy, and potato dishes to add a dash of color. Traditionally, Ayurveda uses saffron for liver and spleen enlargement as well as for migraines, chronic fevers, and epilepsy. Legend says that one who eats saffron will get a golden complexion free of dark pigmentation.
Turmeric
Crowned “the Queen of the kitchen,” this outstanding spice is the reigning healer amongst kitchen spices. Adored in India for its purifying properties, turmeric is known as kringhna in Sanskrit, which means “germ killer.” Turmeric plays an important role in all Hindu rituals, where cleanliness is of prime importance. As an antiseptic wash, it is said to give one a golden aura. Hence its use for bridal baths as well as to counter skin infections or blemishes. Its antiseptic properties also help to combat throat infections. A good home remedy for sore throats is a mixture of 1/2 tsp turmeric and 2 cloves in 1 cup of boiled water. Sit for 5 minutes. Strain well and add 1 drop of tea tree oil plus 1 tsps of rock or sea salt. Gargle this warm mix three times a day. The ground turmeric root is the most potent form of this spice, but a fresh deep orange powder is also effective. Turmeric’s antibiotic, blood purifying, and bile stimulating action make it useful in liver, blood, and pancreatic disorders. For these ailments, one teaspoon of the fresh powder or ground root can be taken with 1/4 cup of warm water every morning. Recent clinical trials have suggested turmeric may also be useful in treating Alzheimer’s. This may be related to its antioxidant properties, supporting its classical Ayurvedic application for “untimely ageing syndrome.” To preserve turmeric, keep it in a dark container in a cool cupboard.
[1] [2] [3]
Articles FAQ
