Health Benefits Of Mustard Seed When mentioning mustard, most of the western world will think of the delicious accompaniment to hot dogs and burgers. However the origins of the mustard seed are well documented with vast health benefits – when used correctly. There are over 40 varieties of mustard plants yet there are three main types that are used to make mustard seeds – black, brown and white. The black mustard seeds are the most pungent and the brown mustard seeds are usually used to make Dijon mustard. The white ones, which are actually yellow in color, are the most commonly used to make American yellow mustard as they are the mildest of the three. Ayurvedic Cooking Essentials – Stimulate Your Digestive Fire A common cooking spice, mustard seeds can be found in kitchens all over ...
Saffron ~ The Gold Of Spices Saffron is a widely used and coveted herb. It is amongst one of the more expensive herbs on the market and its uses are extensive. The healing properties and health benefits of Saffron are vast. The bright red associated with the beauty of saffron is indicative to its uses in the body – from the blood to the heart and reproductive system. A field of Saffron flowers yields a violet beauty that is a joy to behold, and its effects on the body can be equally divine. “Saffron is also known as ‘Ghusrina’ as it is sacred to Grishneshvara – Lord Shiva.” (Sebastian Pole) Amrit Nectar Enhances coordination of mental and physical functions; supports balance between the heart and the brain; powerful antioxidant. Saffron is a tridoshic herb but works particu...
The Healing Power Of Spices Five magic spices to help improve your respiratory and digestive health Eating all the wholesome and healthy foods in the world is of little value if your body is not able to digest and absorb the nutrients in order to put them to good use. Therefore, we put together a list of top 5 healing spices to help improve both your respiratory and digestive health. Organic Digest Tone (Triphala Plus) Good health depends on strong, efficient digestion. Want to know how to use cardamom? Top 5 Healing Spices… 1. Ginger called ‘vishvabheshaja’ – “Universal Medicine” Ginger effectively works on digestive and respiratory systems and is therefore useful in managing cough, asthma, bronchitis, allergies and congestion. Ginger is also well known fo...
Health Benefits Of Tulsi Tulsi or “Holy Basil” is revered as the holiest of all plants and is considered a manifestation of Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth. According to legend, “All-Pervading” Vishnu comforted Lakshmi that she will be born on earth as Tulsi, but only part of her will stay there as a plant as she will eventually return to him as his wife. Tulsi which means “the incomparable one” is originally from India and is used in Ayurvedic medicine as an “adaptogen” to help counter life’s stresses. Medicine is made from the leaves, stems, and seeds of Tulsi and shown to possess healing benefits for a wide rage of health conditions such as the common cold, fevers, diabetes, asthma, bronchitis, heart disease and so much more. Even more impressive, research is beginning to suggest...
Health Benefits Of Cardamom One of the most common spices seen in an Indian household is ‘Elaichi’ or cardamom. If black pepper is considered the king of spices then cardamom is considered the queen of spices; one of the most valued spice in the world. Cardamom comes from the Zingiberaceae family and has a unique strong camphor-like aroma and has a sweet yet spicy flavor. Ayurvedic texts describe two types of Cardamom namely suksma [small cardamom]; “true cardamom”, and brihat [big cardamom]. While cardamom seeds are commonly used as spices they are also used as medicine. Not only does Cardamom add a sweet unique flavor to your dishes, it adds a lot more – health wise. According to the US Department of Agriculture and the National Database for Standard Reference, cardamom is rich in...
Amalaki – The Most Nourishing & Rejuvenating Herb According to Ayurveda, Amalaki is considered one of the most nourishing and rejuvenating herbs. In fact, Charak – the ancient scholar of Ayurveda states “of all the Rasayanas, Amalaki is revered as one of the most potent and nourishing; Amalaki is the best among rejuvenative herbs.” Amalaki is a strong natural antioxidant containing high levels of vitamin C and acts as a powerful immune strengthener. Amalaki is one of the best sources of natural vitamin C and contains 20 times more vitamin C than an orange. Amalaki is commonly known as Indian gooseberry or amla, and the Sanskrit name “Amalika” means ‘sour juice of the fruit’. Interestingly, despite all the health benefits, Amalaki is also commonly known as the “poor ma...
Sitopaladi – The Sweet Cough Remedy Sitopaladi is an ayurvedic formulation made up of five main constituents. The name Sitopaladi indicates the sweet rock candy it contains. It works primarily as an expectorant and is therefore particularly beneficial during the seasonal changes that bring a rise in colds and flus. Sitopaladi also works as an antiasthmatic, febrifuge and a diaphoretic. It is therefore useful during shortness of breath and bronchitis as it helps to clear the congestion and allows prana to flow when it is obstructed by excess mucus and sputum. Clear Throat Clear Throat is a fast-acting formula that cools and soothes the throat, and aids in removing impurities from the respiratory system. Properties Sitopaladi is a light, oily herb and has a sweet, pungent...
Amrit Kalash – The Nectar Of Immortality According to Indian mythology, during the ancient of times there was much suffering amongst humanity. The gods and demons [Devas & Asuras] got together and made a solemn oath to help resolve the origin of all suffering. Together they entered the depths of the ocean and churned the water to produce the most precious gift – Amrit Kalash. Amrit Kalash is thought to be the ambrosial gift to bring about health and happiness for all of humanity. Amrit Kalash Traditional ayurvedic formula of 13 herbs that supports the health of mind, brain, and nerves; increases vitality and inner strength; powerful antioxidant — research shows it to be up to 1,000 times more effective than vitamins C and E The Queen Of All Ayurvedic Formulas Amrit K...
Chyawanprash – The Ayurvedic Elixir Long ago, sat in the forest an old wise sage named Chyawan. It has been said that the old wise sage had been sitting in mediation for such a long period of time that he eventually became covered with moss, twigs, leaves and branches. One day, a beautiful princess found herself joyfully singing through the forrest as she played a game while being blindfolded. Accidently, the beautiful princess’s hand had gently grazed the head of sage Chyawan. According to the rules of the kingdom – whomsoever the beautiful princess touches will be destined to be her husband as she was only to touch one man in her lifetime. “Restore Youthfulness & Vitality” How could such a beautiful princess marry an old man? Suprisingly, sage Chyawan a...
Dashamula – “The Ten Roots” Dashamula is an ayurvedic formulation made up of ten herbs. The name Dashamula translates to ‘The ten roots’ and it is a potent ayurvedic formula. It is particularly beneficial to disorders of the nervous system and lungs. It is also frequently used as an enema as it helps to alleviate constipation, lower back conditions and inflammation in the pelvic and sacral areas. Dashamula has expectorant, nervine, analgesic and febrifuge actions. It directs the air and space elements in the body to flow downward and alleviates most nervine disorders associated with weakness, debility and pain. It is particularly effective in tremors, sciatica and parkinsons. Dashamula is also used in cases of dry coughs associated with respiratory weakness. Properties: D...
Sat Isabgol – For Optimal Digestive Function Sat Isabgol (Psyllium husk) is an efficient bulking agent which acts as both an antidiarrheal and a laxative. As it can be used in cases of constipation and diarrhea it has a strong affinity for the digestive and excretory systems. It is also known as Asva-Karna which means horse’s ear in Sanskrit – this refers to the seeds resemblance to a horse’s ear. Sat isabgol is an efficient herb for digestive issues, and as a gentle laxative, can even be used (cautiously) during pregnancy. Some of the many ayurvedic actions that Sat isabgol possesses include; alleviating dry coughs and ulcers, regulates blood sugar, and comprises anti-inflammatory, expectorant and anthelmintic properties. When the husk is soaked with milk, this creates a laxa...
Shilajit – The Ayurvedic Mineral Shilajit is a prominent mineral supplement used in many ayurvedic formulations. The name Shilajit implies victory that comes from this ancient rock and indicates its fantastically high mineral content. Shilajit is found mainly in the Himalayas, Altai and Caucasus mountain regions. It has been reported that Shilajit contains at least 85 minerals making it a highly sought after supplement for many conditions. Shilajit is a tonic and has diuretic, nervine and antidiabetic effects. It works as a rejuvenative to the urinary system and helps with weight loss by reducing adipose tissues in the body. It is also used in cases of sexual debility as it strengthens the entire reproductive system and has a cleansing effect in instances of excess tissue toxicity. ...