Amla: Known in English as Indian Gooseberry, Amla is a nutritive tonic, rejuvenative, cools the system and works on the circulatory, digestive and excretory systems. The taste is predominantly sour but includes all tastes except for salty and is the main ingredient in the nutritive jam called ‘chyawanprash’. Rebuilds blood, cells and tissues and is a general immune system booster, extremely high in vitamin C. Especially good for fiery Pitta conditions, and as a coolant for the scalp, helping to prevent hair loss and premature graying. Found in the Tridoshic spicebodhi herbal shampoo bar.

Ashwaghanda: Otherwise known as Winter Cherry, Ashwaghanda is sweet and heating and especially good for Vata conditions. An excellent tonic and has aphrodisiac properties, known to give vitality and energy while also being a sedative, and calming to the nervous system. Known as the ginseng of Ayurvedic herbs, building marrow and semen and regenerating hormones. Works on improving the memory and is an effective herb for clarity of thinking. Externally good for skin conditions. Found in the Vata spicebodhi herbal body bar.

Brahmi: An already well known and well used herb, balances all three doshas, Vata, Pitta and Kapha. Brahmi is most known to enhance and rejuvenate memory, working on the nervous system and said to be the most important rejuvenative herb in Ayurvedic medicine. It is the main revitalizing herb for the nerves and brain cells, increasing intelligence, memory and strengthening the immune system and the adrenals. Helpful in psoriasis and hair loss. Found in the Tridoshic spicebodhi herbal shampoo bar.

Bhringaraj: Balances all three doshas, known as “ruler of the hair” as it promotes growth of head hair. Works on the tissues of blood, bone, marrow and plasma and the circulatory, nervous and digestive systems. Indicated for for premature graying and balding, skin diseases and mental disorders. A preventative to the aging process, helping to rejuvenate teethe, hair, sight, hearing and memory. Mainly used for Pitta conditions. Bhringaraj is used widely in India as a hair oil, being a potent herb for hair growth and also for calming the mind and promoting sound sleep. Found in the Tridoshic spicebodhi herbal shampoo bar.

Haritaki: This means “carries away” because it is known to carry away all diseases. This herb regulates Kapha and rejuvenates Vata, imparting the energy of pure awareness (as represented by Shiva). Works on all the tissue elements and acts as a rejuvenative, tonic, astringent, laxative, expectorant (promoting discharge of kapha mucous from lungs). Externally relieves skin conditions and soothes the skin. Found in the Kapha spicebodhi herbal body bar.

Henna: Used traditionally as a hair dye, bringing shine and strengthening hair, and as a decorative paint on the palms of hands and on the feet, henna has many other uses. In addition to its cooling effects, several other medicinal properties are attributed to henna. It is used as a coagulant for open wounds, cooling and healing the skin, especially on the scalp, preventing skin conditions such as eczema. Found in the Tridoshic spicebodhi herbal shampoo bar.

Jatamansi: Also known as Muskroot and Indian Spikenard, this herb balances all doshas, working on the circulatory, nervous, digestive, respiratory and reproductive systems. A very beautifully aromatic herb, jatamansi is good for the complexion, removing blood impurities and skin conditions. It’s sedative properties increase awareness, it’s aromatic properties purify the air, known to bring serenity and balance. Found in the Tridoshic spicebodhi body and shampoo bars and the Tridoshic spice enlightenment candles.

Methi: Also known as fenugreek seeds, excellent as a hair tonic, stimulating the scalp, promoting hair growth. A rejuvenative and nerve tonic. Found in the Tridoshic spicebodhi herbal shampoo bar.

Neem: Indicated for skin diseases, especially of a heating Pitta nature, neem is an extremely effective blood purifier. It is known to cool fevers and clears the toxins found in most inflammatory skin diseases, also one of the best skin disinfectants and healing agents. Found in the Pitta and Kapha spicebodhi herbal body bar and our Tridoshic shampoo bar.

Shatavari: This powerful herb strengthens the female organs, enhancing fertility and sexual vitality. Works on the reproductive, respiratory, circulatory and digestive systems. Excellent herb to cool Pitta and to bring moisture and lustre to the skin, while nourishing the cells and tissues. Shatavari soothes and protects the dry and inflamed membranes of the lungs, stomach, kidneys and sexual organs. Found in our Pitta spicebodhi herbal body bar and our spicebodhimama massage oil.

Tulsi: Known as Holy Basil, Tulsi is one of the most sacred plants of India. Basil opens the heart and mind, bestowing the energy of love and devotion. Basil strengthens the immune system, increasing prana or life force and improving the memory. A nerve tonic, improving absorption and strengthening the nerve tissue, also used externally for various skin conditions. This plant is found in most East Indian households as it absorbs positive ions, energizes negative ions, and liberates ozone from the suns rays. Found in our spicenlightenment Vata aromatherapy Candle and spicebodhi Vata body bar.

Almonds: Sweet and heating and therefore best for Vata, but beneficial to all, almonds are a ‘sattvic’ food which increases ojas or life essence. They are highly nutritive, rejuvenative, and also act as an aphrodisiac. Good for the heart, the reproductive system, and building strong bones. High in essential minerals like potassium, magnesium, phosphorous, protein and the trace mineral boron which is known to possibly regulate calcium metabolism).

Black pepper: Known as Marich in Sanskrit, which is a name for the sun. These potent little seeds contain good amounts of solar energy and so contain similar properties. Pungent and heating, black pepper is good for Kapha and Vata, working on the circulatory, digestive and respiratory systems. The digestive fire known as Agni, is energized by black pepper, destroying toxins and helping to digest food. Used with honey, it is effective in clearing excess mucous from the lungs and sinuses, drying up secretions. Also good for colds and sore throats in a tea with turmeric and honey. Found in our Spice enlightenment Kapha aromatherapy candle.

Cardamom: A fragrant spice, used in most chai recipes, cardamom is one of the mildest but most effective digestive stimulants. Removes excess Kapha from the stomach and lungs, and combined with fennel, it acts a soothing digestive for nervous stomach disorders in children. The queen of spices (just ask the spice mistress), cardamom stimulates the heart and mind and offers clarity and joy. Found in our Vata aromatherapy.

Cinnamon: Pungent and sweet, this aromatic bark of tree is an effective spice for strengthening and enhancing the flow of circulation. Particularly good for Kapha and Vata, as it is heating and acts to strengthen the heart and promote agni or digestive fire. It is a widely used home remedy for colds and flu, and aids in the absorption of other medicines. Found in our spicenlightenment Kapha aromatherapy Candle.

Coconut: Sweet and cooling, this richly nutritious food is abundantly excellent for Pitta and Vata and for Kapha in moderation. A wonderful tonic, the water being used for fasting, healing and detoxification and the fleshy part primarily for building ojas (life essence). Scientific research proves now what the Vedas have known since ancient times, that the saturated fatty acids and derivative compounds found in coconuts and coconut oil have significant benefits for a healthy immune system and metabolism. Coconut water contains a full range of B vitamins with the exception of vitamin B6 and B12. The Lauric acid found in the coconut has been used for centuries in cosmetic products as it is lubricating and nourishing for the skin. Recently published research has shown that natural coconut fat in the diet leads to a normalization of body lipids, and improves the immune system's anti-inflammatory response, (thus making this an especially good food for Pitta). Try cracking open a fresh coconut and experience all of it’s gifts. Found as a nourishing base oil for all except the Kapha herbal body bars.

Coriander: Whether it’s the green leafy fresh cilantro or the grounding earthy coriander seed, this is a food to always have on hand. The cilantro leaf acts as a cooling balm to Pitta or a bitter refreshment to Kapha and the seeds are humbly gracious to all doshas. Famous in Ayurveda as one of the three spices (along with fennel and cumin) used to balance and reset the body and mind, coriander is used for digestive disorders and to help in the assimilation of other herbs. Works on the digestive, respiratory and urinary systems, valuable for Pitta skin ailments and digestive issues where other pungent digestive spices are usually contraindicated. Found in our Pitta spicenlightenment aromatherapy candle.

Fennel: That lovely slightly ‘licorice tasting’ seed eaten as a digestive at the end of a meal in India, is a sweet and cooling spice that works to balance all the doshas. Part of the three spice blend along with cumin and coriander, which aids in digestion, assimilation, and clears stagnation, works well on it’s own to promote menstruation, increase the flow of milk in nursing moms, alleviate abdominal cramping and for cooling and calming the nerves. This makes fennel a specially therapeutic spice for fiery Pitta. Found in our Pitta spicenlightenment aromatherapy candle.

Ginger: A must have in every kitchen apothecary, the fresh rhizome brings flavor, pungency and sweetness to food and is used widely as a digestive. Also an excellent remedy for respiratory conditions of Kapha and Vata, ginger is an invigorating spice and is known as ‘the universal medicine’ for it’s versatility and healing properties. Also used for arthritic conditions to clear stagnation in the joints and stimulating blood flow. Can also be used as a poultice for areas of pain. Excellent as a tea for colds and coughs. Increases agni (digestive fire). Found as an essential oil in the Kapha spicenlightenment candle and Kapha spicebodhi bar.

Lemon: Cooling and cleansing, lemon has been known to healers as a purifying substance for the body and particularly the skin. Highly astringent, lemon clears stagnation and firms the skin, tissues and other organs. Even though it is sour in taste, it’s cooling aspect relieves Pitta, the sour taste balances Vata and as an expectorant, clears Kapha. A refreshing squeeze of fresh lemon in warm water first thing in the morning, promotes regular elimination and readies the body for good digestion for the day. Found in our uplifting and stimulating Kapha spicebodhi bar.

Lemongrass: Subtle and refreshing, cooling, pungent and bitter, this fragrant herb is also known as Malabar grass. Relieves digestive ailments and acts as a coolant to the body. Causes perspiration and increased elimination through the skin, ridding the body of impurities and clearing stagnation. Found in the purifying Kapha spicebodhi bar.

Sesame(tila): So nourishing and so satisfying, these magical sweet seeds are the base of all our Gomasalas. Whether a toasted and ground paste, a silky rich oil or those crunchy seeds themselves, these versatile seeds are rich in oils and minerals which strengthen the bones and muscles and act as a rejuvenative tonic especially for Vata. In Ayurveda, sesame seeds are known as sattvic, which means clarity, purity and wisdom, and so produces these qualities on the body and the mind.

Saffron: So concentrated is the stigma of the crocus flower, that only a tiny bit produces a potent effect. Known as a tonic especially for the female reproductive system, saffron promotes healthy tissue growth in the body and acts as an aphrodisiac. One of the best cooling spices for Pitta, saffron regulates liver function and rejuvenates the blood (circulation) and metabolism. Soothes menstrual pain and promotes fertility. Found in our Tridoshic spicenlightenment aromatherapy candle.

Geranium: This fragrant and refreshing plant is native to South Africa (same as our Spice Mistress!) An uplifting and balancing essential oil for body and mind as well as being calming, geranium helps to normalize hormonal levels. A brilliant choice for moisturizing the skin, with additional benefits of being astringent, anti- inflammatory and mildly anti-bacterial. Used to revitalize and restore tissue, it is not only excellent for tonifying but also helps to enhance positive energy and is gentle enough for the most sensitive skin. Found in our Spicebodhimama mother massage oil and Tridoshic spicebodhi soap.

Calendula: Calendula is used in a wide range of skin problems, including cracked and rough skin, nappy rash, grazes, cracked nipples, varicose veins and inflammations. Excellent for baby as a gentle and sweet tonic for a calming bath and massage practice. Found in our spicebodhibaba baby massage oil and soap.

Chamomile: A perfectly gentle herb with Analgesic, antibiotic, antidepressant anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, antispasmodic, bactericidal, and calmative properties, Chamomile is a nerve sedative, and an all-round tonic for the sensitive baby in us all. Found in our spicebodhibaba baby massage oil and soap.

Lemon: Lemon acts as an excellent antiseptic and general tonic to the body and blends well with other oils. A very uplifting detoxifying oil, cleansing and refreshing. Found in our Vata spicebodhi soap bar.

Mint: Refreshing and invigorating, mint brings relief and pampering to Pitta skin and to excess heat in the tissues. Mint has a general cooling effect on the body. It is clearing, aiding memory & easing fatigue. Found in our Pitta spicebodhi soap.

Orange: Another uplifting oil, especially for Vata types who find it difficult to quiet their busy thoughts. Orange is rich in the powerful antioxidant d-limonene. It also brings peace and happiness to the mind and body. Found in our Vata spicebodhi soap.

Rose: Rose is known as ‘flower of the heart’ and is generally affiliated to the female system. Rose increases love, compassion and devotion and acts as a female reproductive tonic. Rose relieves grief, tension and promotes nurturing and self-love. Also beneficial as a skin tonic, for dry skin, wrinkles, and for general detoxification of body and mind. Rose is known for its sensual aphrodisiac properties and is elevating to the mind, creating a profound sense of well-being. Found in our spicebodhibaba and spicebodhimama massage oil and soap and also in our Pitta soap, Tridoshic soap and spicenlightenment aromatherapy candle.

Sandalwood: Sandalwood is a sensual oil that is calming, balancing and harmonizing. It is the best aroma for the mind. Sandalwood is used as a heart tonic, cleanses the kidneys, reduces heat in the body, irritability and anxiety, promotes meditation and lifts depression. Found in our Pitta spicebodhi soap and our spicebodhimama massage oil and soap as well as our Pitta spicenlightenment aromatherapy candle.

Jatamansi (Spikenard): Regarded as an aromatic skin, brain and heart tonic, this relaxing herb nourishes and regenerates the skin and promotes meditation and peace. Increases awareness and has sedative properties which calms nervous disorders, headaches and difficult respiration. Boosts the immune system. Found in our Tridoshic spicebodhi soap and shampoo bar and our spicebodhimama massage oil and soap as well as our Tridoshic aromatherapy candle.

Vetiver: Known as ‘the oil of tranquility’, this is a deeply relaxing and grounding oil with a very deep earthy aroma. Used to calm the nerves and soothing to those who are overly sensitive or have an over stimulated mind. Vetiver oil is psychologically calming and stabilizing. Found in our Vata spicebodhi soap.

Mandarin: Mandarin is a gentle, soothing yet extremely uplifting scent, calming to the nervous system, lifts depression and brings a sense of peace and relief from overactive thinking. Useful for insomnia, nervousness, anxiety, and tension. Found in our Vata spiceenlightenment aromatherapy candle.

Himalayan clay: A purifying clay which brings circulation to the blood, vitality to the skin and removes impurities from the surface of the skin. Smoothes and polishes rough skin and invigorates sluggish skin. A beautifying remedy for fatigue and dull skin. Found in our Tridoshic and Kapha spicebodhi soap and our spicebodhimama soap.