Beet The Heat By Deepika Dabhi Oh my goodness. Does it feel like the sun is following you for the last two days? Do you feel like you’re melting? As of few hours ago my phone sent a heat wave alert … second day in a row! The headline for SoCal News today reads: “Winds Pick Up as San Diego County Is in 2nd Day of Extreme Heat”. My immediate thought was, “Well, there goes my dinner plan.” Followed by one inevitable question I think that unites all mothers, fathers or anyone who is in-charge of the kitchen … “What am I going to cook tonight?” The original recipe was inspired by my own variation of Gazpacho that I like to make with watermelon, tomato, and cucumber during the hot summer days. However, as the season as transitioned, Mama Earth has also...
Ayurveda’s Finest: “Golden Milk” It’s to no surprise to that turmeric has fast become a popular remedy for just about everything that ails you. Traditionally, turmeric milk has been used for conditions such as colds, congestion, headaches, and sore throats due to turmeric’s anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant properties. What is more interesting is that Ayurveda [and other ancient systems of medicine] have used turmeric for health and wellness since for as long as historical records have existed. Makes 2 servings 1 1/2 teaspoons powdered turmeric 1/8 teaspoon each: nutmeg, coriander, cardamom, fennel, ginger, cinnamon, Chinese 5-spice, black pepper Pinch each: cloves, sea salt 1/8 teaspoon vanilla extract 1 teaspoon honey 1 teaspoon coconut oil 1 cup water 2 cups mi...
Delicious & Wholesome Chutneys Chutneys do more than add taste to a meal. When used correctly, they can aid in digestion, kindle agni and promote health. There are numerous types of chutneys incorporating the six tastes and using many different types of fruits and spices. Fruits are revered in Ayurveda, as they are one of the purest foods that enhance ojas (think vitality, immunity and strength). They are a superb source of nutrients and vitamins, not to mention their antioxidant properties. When used in chutneys with a combination of spices, these fruits can provide a delightfully tasty, yet healthy, accompaniment to dishes. It is important to consider the spices and types of fruit to use in chutneys, in conjunction with one’s constitution and current season. Ayurvedic Suppleme...
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 ...
Making Homemade Ghee As a wife and mother, I am always on the lookout for wholesome and healthy food for my family. Having studied Ayurveda – a holistic science dating back thousands of years – I have been able to help bring some of that knowledge to the dinner table. However it is hard work! Finding the right types of foods and organic local products is a constant work in progress! So I decided to start simple. And I stuck with the basics. Oil! The basics of cooking usually start with some sort of oil or butter that the main dish is created in. This particular type of fat can affect the whole chemistry of the dish. It can bring health, a conglomeration of the foods together and not to mention taste to a whole other level. Since I have been personally raised on ghee and have been aware of ...
Health Benefits Of Pomegranate Revered since ancient times, this bright beautiful red fruit has become well known for its sweet astringent taste and healing properties. It also plays a role in myths and poetry! In fact, in one of the most popular Olympian telling of the story of Persephone, pomegranate seeds play an important role! Premium Amla Berry According to Ayurveda, amla is the best among rejuvenative herbs. This is an excerpt of the story: Zeus, the king of the gods, it is said, permitted Hades (god of the underworld), who was in love with the beautiful Persephone, to carry her off as her mother Demeter was not likely to allow her daughter to go down to Hades. Persephone was gathering flowers in a field when Hades came to abduct her, bursting through a cleft in the earth. De...
Health Benefits Of Ajmoda Celery has long been a staple on the list of superfoods and healthy snacks. It is abundant in our diet and is easily available. However, the celery seed is not as well-known as the vegetable. Ajmoda, or celery seed is an amazing digestive herb. It literally means ‘goats delight’ and is renowned for its digestive properties. Ajmoda can grow very well in dry soil indicating its affinity for absorbing moisture and its beneficial properties in the use of kapha conditions. Organic Digest Tone (Triphala Plus) Good health depends on strong, efficient digestion. It can sometimes be confused with Ajwain (Bishops seed), and indeed they have similar properties, but Ajmoda is rather more potent than Ajwain when it comes to deepanpachan qualities (removing toxins and kindling ...
Health Benefits Of Lemongrass Lemongrass or Bhutrna, which literally means “earth grass”, is an aromatic and flavorful herb which brings excitement and delight to many recipes worldwide. It is a stiff, sharp bladed perennial which is native to India but has made its way to south eastern Asia, where its popularity is second to none. Its usage in recipes is extensive, and can be consumed dried, fresh or powdered in teas, soups and a variety of dishes. Although it adds a unique citrusy flavor to numerous cuisines, it is nonetheless revered for its medicinal properties. Herbal Di-Gest Supports improved digestion and balanced appetite; helps with gas, bloating, and discomfort. Lemongrass: Grow Harvest & Preserve EZ method Properties Lemongrass is a light dry and penetrating herb. It has a...
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...
Delicious & Wholesome “Diamond Dates” Ayurvedic remedies, whilst effective, can sometimes be less than joyful to consume. There is no denying the benefits of triphala or trikatu yet tasting them is frequently the hardest step! And even the ‘sweeter’ herbs such as Ashwagandha or Shatavari can still be somewhat of a mouthful despite their effectiveness. When it comes to dates however, we can rejoice! Dates have tremendous health benefits and let’s face it, are just delights to the mouth! Although not exactly tridoshic (can increase kapha due to its heavy and sweet qualities) they can usually be paired with all sorts of foods and herbs to improve taste or efficacy. Organic Digest Tone (Triphala Plus) Supports digestive system and elimination; assists body in absorbing nutrien...
A Healthy Holiday Treat The holidays are just around the corner and it’s the perfect time to bond with family, friends, and loved ones. It is also the season to enjoy your favorite foods. Is it possible to enjoy the holiday treats without the guilt of gaining weight? Yes – just indulge sensibly and consider more healthy holiday options. In fact, holiday foods don’t have to be unhealthy. Consider for the holidays, a simple and delicious Indian dessert – “Seviyan Kheer” which is often made on religious and auspicious occasions. First – Digesting Our Holiday Experience … Nothing brings out the holiday spirit more than eating amongst friends and family in a joyous and pleasant manner. According to Ayurveda, the act of cooking and eating in a positive atmosp...