Ayurveda & Spices

Ayurveda originated in India more than 3,000 years ago. Ayurveda is a Sanskrit word meaning “science of life and self-healing” and is one of the oldest systems that deals with both preventive and curative aspects of health.

Spices are considered very important in the Ayurvedic tradition because of the therapeutic value they bring to food. Combining spices to offer the benefits of synergy and balance is an important part of Ayurvedic cooking.
Over the past decade, increasing number of people have placed emphasis on spices as natural medicines. Spice extracts are unique agents for internal cleansing and offer the power of direct oxidation. Including variety of spices in your daily meal is highly recommended by Ayurvedic practitioners.

Spice extracts contain the medicinal properties of spices in concentrated form and induce internal cleansing through the following mechanisms:

• by oxidizing harmful cells
• by stimulating the flow of lymphatic fluids
• by accelerating the elimination of toxins

The recent emphasis on healthful eating has created increased use of spices to create low-fat or low-salt foods. And, spices are also used for boosting energy, aiding the digestive process and for other medicinal reasons.

An array of health benefits has been associated with herbs and spices, from powerful antioxidant potential to antimicrobial effects.

Cardamom helps in strengthening digestive activities and is a time-tested remedy for motion sickness, nausea and indigestion. It warms the body and is good for diarrhea, colic and headaches. Taken with ginger, cardamom stimulates the appetite and reduces nausea.

Celery seed extract is a natural diuretic and boosts kidney function.

Cloves have anti-fungal properties and are used commonly for toothaches. Cloves function as analgesic and stimulant. Cloves also help to relieve nausea, vomiting and pain.

Cumin supports liver functions. Cumin is considered invaluable for digestion and is considered an antidote to weakness and fatigue. Cumin is a blood cleanser and acts as an immunity builder.

Garlic is well known as a natural antibiotic and is used to reduce cholesterol. It  is also used in treating colds, cough, flu and high blood pressure. Also, garlic is well known to enhance the immune system.

Ginger is used to stimulate all tissues in the body and is highly recommended in cases where illness is due to poor assimilation. Ginger is good for treating cold, bronchitis and  sore throat.

Nutmeg has a very calming effect and is an excellent remedy for insomnia and other sleep disorders. Nutmeg also helps treat diarrhea, bloating, indigestion and colic.

Fennel is cooling and is wonderful for enhancing digestion. It is very useful in reducing colic in babies.

Turmeric is one of the strongest natural antiseptic known. It’s a natural preservative and is anti-inflammatory and antibacterial. Turmeric is considered a powerful purifier by Ayurvedic healers. Its excellent for arthritis. Curcumin found in turmeric exhibits anti-inflammatory, antioxidant properties.

Tulsi is also known as Indian basil or Ocimum sanctum, is an important herb in Ayurveda. Tulsi extracts can be used to prevent and cure many illnesses and everyday ailments like common cold, headaches, cough, flu, ear-ache, fever, colic pain, and digestive disorders.

Disclaimer: All information is provided for educational purposes only and not intended to diagnose, treat or cure any disease. Please consult a health care professional for diagnosis and treatment of medical conditions.