|
|
|
| Coconut | Coriander | Mint | Cumin | Ginger | Cardamom | |
| 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. | |
| Coriander | Whether it’s the green leafy fresh cilantro or the grounding earthy coriander seed, this is an herb 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 balancing to all doshas. 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. |
| 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. |
| Another potent healer in the Ayurvedic apothecary, this aromatic seed in the shape of the crescent moon, holds it’s own mysterious power. Cumin is heating and is known to purify blood, aid in digestion and relieves indigestion and bloating. Cumin, along with coriander and fennel, creates the famous triad for restoring balance to the doshas. As a tea, this combination can be sipped daily. Cumin, even though heating is good for pitta as it purifies the blood and assists the liver in detoxification. Cumin is rich in iron and is also used as an antiseptic, both topically as a paste and taken internally as a tea or used as a spice in food. | |
| A must have in every kitchen apothecary, the fresh rhizome brings flavor, pungency and excitement to food and is used widely as a digestive. Also an excellent remedy for respiratory conditions for kapha and vata, ginger is an invigorating spice and is known as ‘the universal medicine’ for its versatility and healing properties. Also used for arthritic conditions to clear stagnation in the joints and for stimulating blood flow. Excellent as a tea for colds and coughs. Increases agni (digestive fire). | |
| 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. |
| For more Ayurvedic spice wisdom, check out The Mystic Masala website here | |