Holistic ayurvedic knowledge and hints

Ayurvedic medicine gives a very special role and meaning to different spices. They are the heart and soul of your kitchen, not only because
they can turn an ordinary dish into a feast for the taste buds, but also because they possess immense medicinal healing properties.
Spices can increase the appetite, can influence the digestion or even neutralize the effect of certain types of food.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Fennel

The quick fix for stomach and digestive issues

Fennel cools the body and it’s sweet. It helps with abdominal pains as well as intestinal colics and harmonizes body, mind and spirit. It also helps with detoxifying processes and speeds up the elimination of toxic by-products. It is known to cleanse the colon, assist liver and spleen functions and plays a role in the reduction of fat. Try fennel when you are suffering from period pains, as it helps to release cramping and pain. During breastfeeding fennel increases the milk production. Furthermore it offers healing abilities for patients who suffer from asthma as well as people who have problems with their bronchial tubes.
Hint: In Asian countries people digest fennel after a meal. Mixed with Anis and cumin it helps to maintain fresh breath.
Ginger

Asafetida

The appetite increasing wonder spice

Asafetida is not really well known in Europe. It’s spicy, increases the appetite and hot. If your Vata is too high, it’ll balance it again. It cleanses the colon, the intestines and helps with flatulence. It furthermore strengthens the immune system and helps to dissolve mucus when suffering from asthma. The brain can also be influenced in a very positive way. Its taste is similar to garlic and onions.
Hint: when preparing a lentil dish, make sure to add some of this wonder spice.

Fenogreek

Something warming for cold days

Fenogreek – also called cultivated trigonella is hot, bitter and warming. It increases the metabolism and can have weight reducing properties. It is a strong substance agains liver weakness and a lack in stamina. It is known to have very good healing properties with liver, spleen and the gall bladder. Furthermore, fenugreek is also told to have a blood cleansing effect.
Hint: Mixed with cane sugar it is said to help in the production of maternal milk. It reduces high cholesterol and insulin.

Ginger

The famous home remedy

The Spanish brought the infamous ginger root to Europe. Ever since it has been used for a variety of healing processes. Ginger is hot, sweet and warming. It aids our digestive system and increases the appetite. Besides burning toxic substances in our body it also alleviates nausea and flatulence. If a person suffers from high cholesterol it happens to have healing properties as well as being able to strengthen the immune system. When drank warm it helps with a sore throat and cough. Last but not least: use it when you suffer from diarrhea or if you are suffering from a weak intestinal flora.
Hint: If eaten or drank regularly it preempts colds and runny noses during the cold season. Do you suffer from travel sickness? Take 3-4 slices of ginger root, poor hot water, let it sit for 5 minutes and then drink while still warm. You’ll be surprised at the effect of it!

Fennel

The quick fix for stomach and digestive issues

Fennel cools the body and it’s sweet. It helps with abdominal pains as well as intestinal colics and harmonizes body, mind and spirit. It also helps with detoxifying processes and speeds up the elimination of toxic by-products. It is known to cleanse the colon, assist liver and spleen functions and plays a role in the reduction of fat. Try fennel when you are suffering from period pains, as it helps to release cramping and pain. During breastfeeding fennel increases the milk production. Furthermore it offers healing abilities for patients who suffer from asthma as well as people who have problems with their bronchial tubes.
Hint: In Asian countries people digest fennel after a meal. Mixed with Anis and cumin it helps to maintain fresh breath.
Ginger

Preemptive measure against the risk of strokes

Bayleaf

Bayleafs have hot, spicy and cleansing properties. It is also known for ist detoxifying and blood cleansing properties. It aids circulation. Through these Attributes it has been found to lower the risk of stroke and increase the functions of the kidneys. Through that toxic substances and poisons can be discharged easier.
Hint: Bayleafs strengthen the immune system and is therefor recommended especially in wet and cold seasons.

The golden spice from the East

Tumeric

Curcumin the active component of turmeric is anti inflammatory and is medically promising because inflammation and oxidative damage are contributors to many diseases, such as Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, arthritis and various cancers. The prevalence of Alzheimer’s and certain cancers in India is among the world’s lowest. Turmeric blocks the growth skin cancer, and inhibits the spread of breast cancer into the lungs.Turmeric is a wonder spice and finds much use in medicine and is known to cleanse the blood, detoxify the system, increase the functionality of the liver and bile production. In India ground turmeric is mixed in hot milk to strengthen bones and heal injuries. Recent studies point towards role of turmeric in the reduction of fat and its action as an antioxidant in delaying aging.Hint: Tumeric helps with skin issues. In India it is often used as a facial mask. It lends the typical color in curry mixtures and adds wonderful flavor to different types of vegetables, as well as Dal-dishes. It is known for its digestive properties.

One of the most agreeable ayurvedic spices

Cardamom

 

Cardamom stimulates the spleen functions, activates Agni (digestive fire) and gets rid of Kapha in areas such as intestines and lungs. It also helps in gaining clarity. If you chew two capsules of cardamom after eating, it will aid the digestion and also give you fresh breath. Ancient Greek, Roman, Egyptian and Arab cultures were equally fond of this spice, which was considered to have aphrodisiac qualities and was used in love potions. Besides being a catalyst for romance, cardamom also has numerous other health benefits: Added to milk it neutralizes its mucus forming properties and detoxifies caffeine in coffee. It also clears sinuses. It stimulates the mind and heart and gives clarity and joy.

 

Neem

A natural antibiotic remedy

Neem is used as a natural antibiotic in Ayurvedic medicine.
Not only does it help with skin irritations and ailments but it is also used with all sorts of other infections. A mixture of neem, sandalwood, and camphor is very effective if suffering from allergies or skin irritations.