Arjuna – Ancient Healer of the Heart

In India, the Terminalia Arjuna tree is considered so sacred that eleven of its leaves are offered for a healthy heart and good blood circulation to Lord Ganesh, the elephant-headed Hindu God who is known as the “remover of obstacles”. Through this offering, it is said that Lord Ganesh will bestow his great blessings. The…

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Your Digestion: Green Moong Daal Kitchari

Throughout time, humans have practiced various forms of fasting as a means to better health. In India, a “kitchari cleanse” is a temporary fast, commonly undertaken to reset the digestive system. It involves eating only kitchari prepared with ghee, spices and vegetables tailored to one’s specific dosha as explained by Ayurveda. A kitchari fast for…

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Arjuna Ksheerapaka – Arjuna Milk

Did you know there’s an old-time secret to a healthy heart? It lies in a simple Ayurvedic preparation known as Arjuna Ksheerapaka. Arjuna (Terminalia Arjuna), is an herb well known for its anti-inflammatory properties and beneficial effects on the heart. In this preparation, the powerful, healing forces of Arjuna are infused into cow’s milk which…

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The Use of Cannabis in Ayurveda

For thousands of years, the Cannabis plant has been used by practitioners of Ayurveda where. It has been part of Indian customs and rituals. For example, during Holi, the festival of colors, a cannabis drink called Bhang is consumed and distributed to the public. This custom is as old as 1000 BC. Apart from its…

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Ayurvedic Usage of Nutmeg

Nutmeg: Jaiphal – Nutmeg is an aphrodisiac, digestive tonic, very useful even with external application in case of headache, useful in cough, cold, asthma and more. Botanical Name – Myristica fragrans Henlt. Family – Myristicaceae Sanskrit Synonyms: Jatiphala, Malatiphala, Malatisuta – A fruit having fragrans (Jati or Malati means Jasmine, symbolic to fragrance). Soumansayani, Majjasaram…

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Spring Cleansing Ideas from Ayurveda

Spring marks the transition period between winter and summer. Spring lasts from March to May. As per Ayurvedic season classification, this period is called Vasanta. Need for spring body cleanse According to Ayurveda, the transition period between two seasons is called as “Rutusandhi”. During this period, body needs special preparation so as to get accustomed…

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whole nutmeg in a pile with white background

The Health Benefits of Nutmeg

Nutmeg is yet another wonderful spice with benefits that extend beyond its heavenly flavor and aroma. Its medicinal use dates back to the 12th century. Traditionally, many used it to treat gastrointestinal disorders and rheumatic pain (affecting joints and connective tissue). They also used it to treat wounds and infections.   As noted in this…

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The Health Benefits of Cumin

What is Cumin? Cumin is an awesome spice that enlivens all kinds of delicious, savory dishes from soups to mains to roasted nuts. “Cumin” refers to both the whole and ground seeds of the Cuminum cyminum plant, a member of the parsley family. It has a warm, earthy flavor and has an aroma with a…

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coriander seeds on white background

The Health Benefits of Coriander

Coriander comes from the round, tan-colored seeds of the coriander plant (Coriandrum sativum), a member of the parsley family. The word coriander describes the entire plant: leaves, stems, and seeds. However, when speaking of this spice, most people are referring to the spice produced from the seeds of the plant, and the leaves are commonly…

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ginger root next to lemons on cutting board

The Health Benefits of Ginger

What is Ginger? Hands down, ginger (Zingiber Officinale) is one of best super-foods on planet Earth. It’s an easily-available, affordable, seriously versatile, health-boosting anti-inflammatory goodie that brightens up everything from soup to nuts, mains to sides, and desserts to smoothies and teas. But ginger’s benefits extend way beyond culinary delicacies. In fact, it is one…

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fresh turmeric root

The Health Benefits of Turmeric

  The Health Benefits of Turmeric To the Hindu people of India, the importance of turmeric goes far beyond medicine. Turmeric is sacred! It is auspicious in every sense of the word. Although used medicinally for roughly 4,500 years, it continues to draw attention in modern times, primarily for its innate healing properties. According to…

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black cardamom on cutting board

The Health Benefits of Cardamom

What is Cardamom? Native to India, Bhutan, Nepal and Indonesia, cardamom (Elettaria Cardamom) is a member of the ginger and turmeric family. Like saffron and vanilla, it is one of the most expensive spices in the world, and worth every penny! In fact, it’s hard to describe the heavenly aroma and flavor of cardamom. It’s…

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stacked cinnamon sticks

The Health Benefits of Cinnamon

What is Cinnamon? Cinnamon is probably the most popular spice in the world. Dating back to ancient Egypt, humans have been using it to bring sweet-spicy flavor and delicate, heart-warming aroma to a wide assortment of traditional foods. Yet it is more than a culinary delight. Its medicinal qualities have been widely recognized for ages,…

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The Health Benefits of Tamarind

Where do I find Tamarind? If you enjoy Indian, Caribbean and Southeast Asian cuisine, you’ve probably had the pleasure of devouring tamarind (Tamarindus Indica). Its unmistakable sweet and sour flavor makes its way into delicious chutneys, marinades, sauces (like Worcestershire sauce). Also use it in main dishes, desserts and beverages. Tamarind grows like beans in…

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a few purple flowers growing from the dirt with a red stigma

The Health Benefits of Saffron

Why so expensive? Saffron (Crocus Sativus) is the most expensive spice in the world. Yet around the globe, from home cooks to the finest Michelin-Star chefs, people are willing to pay the price for its unique, delicate flavor and gorgeous golden-red color. Good quality saffron can weigh in around $1,500.00 per pound! Though expensive, the…

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