AYURVEDIC COOKING

In Ayurveda balance of diet is mandatory to ensure the dosha’s are in balance. The spices used commonly in the kitchen and their significance to mankind. Spices improve the digestion. In indian household the art of cooking has been handed over from grand mother’s to young ones. It is a joint effert by all women in general to prepare dishes.

Ayurveda provides detailed instructions of daily regimen, seasonal regimen, food, sleep so that health can be optimized and illness healed. Ayurveda is grounded in metaphysics of the five elements, earth (prithvi), water (jal), fire (agni), air (vayu) and ether or space (akash). Ayurveda stresses a balance of three elemental energies or dosha’s: vata, pitta and kapha.

Ayurveda notes that the cause of most physical illnesses is due to poor digestion; well digested foods mean nutrition is absorbed and fed to the body for health and immune strength. So let’s take a more grateful look at these ‘sacred crumbs’

Let’s take a look at the spices and the benefits.

 

1. Black Pepper ( Kalimirch)

Best for Dosha: Vayu and Kapha dosha (constitution) people

Best for Conditions: Burns up ama very well, colds, flu, cough, gargle for sore throat, fevers, colon cleanse, digests fat and obesity; metabolism, mucus, expectorant, sinus congestion, cold extremities, raises agni, epileptic seizures, with honey, clears Kapha from the system in the morning. External-inflammations, urticaria, erysipelas.

2. Cumin (Jeera)

Best for Dosha: Vayu, Pitta and Kapha dosha (constitution) people

Best for Conditions: digests bread,, gas, digestion, abdominal pain, distention, for overeating and eating heavy foods.

3. Cardamon ( Elaichi)

Best for Dosha: Vayu, Pitta and Kapha dosha (constitution) people

Best for Conditions: Absorption of nutrients, asthma, bronchitis, colds, cough, excellent for stomach complaints, hoarseness, indigestion, loss of taste, helps the spleen and pancreas, reduces Kapha in lungs and stomach, stimulates the mind, with milk it reduces mucus formation, detoxifies caffeine in coffee, nervous problems, digestion, vomiting, headache, belching, acid indigestion, nausea, expels Vayu in colon and digests foods in colon, convalescing from diarrhea, biliousness, respiratory disorders, involuntary urination.

4. Coriander ( dhania)

Best for Dosha: Vayu, Pitta and Kapha dosha (constitution) people

Best for Conditions: Griping, flatulent colic, rheumatism, neuralgia, indigestion, vomiting, intestinal disorders, removes excess Kapha, eyewash, conjunctivitis, relieves internal heat and thirst, skin/rash problems, urogenital system (burning urethra, cystitis, infections, etc.), sore throat, allergies, hay fever, for all Pitta disorders, burning, juice for allergies, hay fever, and skin rashes (and externally as well); antidotes hot pungent foods, bleeding hemorrhoids. Used to balance very hot foods and spices (eg, chillies).

5. Fennel (Sounf)

Best for Dosha: Vayu, Pitta and Kapha dosha (constitution) people

Best for Conditions: Abdominal pain (gas or indigestion), menstrual cramps, hernia, diarrhea, colic, vomiting, morning sickness, nausea, anorexia, cough, dry cough, promotes semen, increases vision, raises agni, difficult or burning urination, digestion-children and elderly; promotes menstruation, nursing mothers-increases breast milk flow.

6. Fenugreek ( Methi)

Best for Dosha: Vayu & Kapha dosha (constitution) people

Best for Conditions: Longevity, nerves, allergies, arthritis, skin, rejuvenation, diabetes, allergies, bronchitis, flu, chronic cough, dysentery, dyspepsia, convalescence, edema, toothache, sciatica, neurasthenia, counters cold (i.e., extremities, abdominal pain, indigestion, respiratory and reproductive systems, hair growth, promotes breast milk flow, liver hypo-function, seminal debility, debility, outdoor winter work).

Precaution: Do not use large quantities when pregnant.

7. Turmeric (Haldi)

Best for Dosha: Kapha/ good for all doshas in moderation

Best for Condition: Amenorrhea, anemia, arthritis, blood purifier, blood tissue formation, circulation, cooking spice, cough, diabetes, worms, jaundice, eye problems, fevers, gas, hemorrhoids, edema, indigestion, ligament stretching, metabolism regulator; mucus relief, and hysteria (from inhaling fumes); pharyngitis, protein digesting, skin disorders, abscess, urinary diseases, wound and bruise healer; a natural antibiotic that also improves intestinal flora; inflammatory bowel syndrome (e.g., ulcerative colitis), Chron’s Disease, chronic hepatitis, chronic bronchial asthma, psoriasis, all inflammatory conditions.

Spiritual Uses: Gives one the Divine Goddess’s energy and prosperity; Chakra and subtle body cleanser; limbers for Yoga asana practice.

So bring the family into the kitchen and share the magic of cooking, sprinkle a little more love in your life; save money, enhance health, and discover just how sacred the cooking experience can be!