Ayurveda

Manjit’s Ayurveda helpful hints for healthy living

As we know, Mother Nature is more intelligent than we are, she has blessed different parts of the earth with specific herbs having medicinal properties. These herbs and spices are used in Ayurveda.

Ajwain

•      Ajwain is one of the Indian spices you should add to your spice collection.

•      Ajwain helps in curing disorders such as ulcers, indigestion, heart burn and also aids in increasing one’s appetite

•      Ajwain is brown in colour and is the size of a mustard seed.

•      Ajwain has no known side effects.

To use Ajwain for relief of stomach ache take ½ teaspoon of Ajwain in a glass of warm water.

Ajwain has a wonderful flavor and is a natural enzyme to aid in digesting one’s food.

Ajwain can also be used as a garnish with baked fish.

Basil

Basil is used as a holy plant in India.

Three easy and useful ways to use basil.

•      Grind Basil seeds and mix them with honey, put this mix in a jar in the fridge for few days. Use one tablespoon in the morning and one in the evening to help with prostate problems.

•      Put five or six leaves of Basil into one cup of water then bring to a boil and drink like tea to relieve common cold symptoms.

•      Grind a handful of Basil leaves in a mortar and pestle to make a paste, add the juice of one lime. Use as a face pack/mask to help make your skin beautiful.

April 12, 2011

Cumin (Jeera)

Cumin seeds are one of the best herbs or spices in Indian cuisine

Although it has many benefits here are a few very beneficial ones.

•      Cumin for healthy metabolism. It boosts the metabolic rate and facilitates the absorption of nutrients through out the body

•      Cumin is one of nature’s best overall body tonics.

•      When combined with caraway seeds and black salt, cumin seeds provide an effective treatment for renal colic (kidney well-being)

•      Cumin seeds can be a highly effective treatment of insomnia. In traditional medicine, Cumin seeds combined with a ripe banana are taken at bedtime to induce peaceful sleep.

•      Cumin improves memory and overall mental functions and can speed recovery from amnesia.

•      One of Cumin's most important uses may be in treating cancer. Recent research has revealed that the use of Cumin in one’s food may slow the growth of breast and colon cancer cells.

Cumin is very easy to use. For overall health, roast the seeds and grind them for a wonderful aroma and taste on salads, soups, vegetable dishes and main dishes. I use Cumin seeds in my cooking every day.

April 19, 2011

Cinnamon

Like so many other spices, Cinnamon is very beneficial for ones overall health.

Studies suggest that Cinnamon may have a regulatory effect on blood sugar therefore is beneficial for people with type 2 diabetes as it has an anti-clotting effect on the blood.

•      Use 1/2 tsp of Cinnamon powder combined with a tbsp of honey every morning before breakfast to relieve arthritis pain.

•      Cinnamon can assist in lowering LDL cholesterol.

•      Cinnamon is a great source of magnesium, fiber, iron and calcium.

•      Cinnamon is a natural food preservative, so when added to food, it inhibits bacterial growth and/or food spoilage.

•      Cinnamon in tea! If you like to drink tea. Try added Cinnamon.....enjoy!

Add a few sticks of this wonderful spice to a pot of boiling water on your stove to bring a wonderful aroma to your kitchen and boost your memory!

I place a small piece of Cinnamon stick into my mouth after my meals to keep a fresh breath.

April 28, 2011

Cloves

Cloves are one of the highly prized spices well recognized all over the world

for their medicinal and culinary qualities. Found in Asia and South America. This

spice has a very strong, warm and intense flavor. Care should be taken so that

the flavor of the other ingredients are not compromised when using Cloves.

·      Cloves are a good source of vitamin K, B6, B1, and vitamin C.

·      The sweet aroma of Cloves is due to eugenol, the essential oil in them. This

compound is also known to be effective against a number of fungal diseases like

Candida albicans.

·      Cloves also contain vitamin A and beta carotene. These compounds are

antioxidants.

·      Clove oil can be used to combat toothaches and in aromatherapy.

•       Use Cloves in chi tea, rice, soup, meat dishes and pickling.