Archives for March 2021

Poppy Seeds (Ahiphena)

Mar 23, 2021 by Avi Kumar Leave a Comment

Poppy Seed Scientific Name

Papaver somniferum

Poppy Seed Other Names

English: Opium poppy, Garden poppy
Hindi: Aphim posta, Khuskhus, Posta
French: Pavot somnifère, Pavot à opium, Pavot des jardins
German: Mohn, Schlafmohn, Gartenmohn, Ölmohn, Opiummohn
Latin: Papaver
Spanish: Ababa, Adormidera (soporifera), Amapola, Amapola real, Semillas de Amapola
Sanskrit: Ahiphena

What is Poppy Seed?

Poppy seed is obtained from the poppy plant and known for it’s opoid content. It is also called as Khus-Khus in ayurveda and is used for it’s anti-inflammtory property. These are tiny kidney shaped seeds have a sweet nutty flavout and used to add texture and flavour to foods. Poppy seeds have high content of dietart fiber and minerals like iron and calcium.

It acts as magic in treating sleep disorders like insomnia, especially the ones caused by distress. Poppy seeds are used as pain reliever and immune-boosters. It contributes to bone and hair heath owing to it’s high calcium content.

Common forms of Poppy Seed

Seeds

Poppy Seed is commonly used for:

Treating insomnia

Promoting bone strength

Improving digestion

Treating mouth ulcers

Regulating of blood pressure

Improving vision

Treating kidney stones

Improving thyroid function

Managing diabetes

Natural Analgesic activity

Treating dandruff

Poppy Seed Dosage

No significant scientific data for dosage is available yet

Poppy Seed Side-effects and Warnings

Common side-effects: Drinking poppy seed tea is considered unsafe as it is made by soaking seeds in water and the outer surface of it can contain morphine and other opiates.
Not so common side-effects: Constipation.
Pregnant or Nursing Mothers: Not known. However, avoid use.
Children: Not known.

Where to Buy Poppy Seed in US?

Rosemary (Rusmari)

Mar 22, 2021 by Chinmayi Kulkarni Leave a Comment

Rosemary Scientific Name

Salvia rosmarinus

Rosemary Other Names

English: Rosemary
Hindi: Gulmehendi, Rosemary, Rujamari
French: Romarin, Rosmarin encens, Rosmarin, Ecensier
German: Rosmarin
Spanish: Romero
Latin: Rosmarinus officinalis
Sanskrit: Rusmari

What is Rosemary?

Rosemary also known as Rujamari or Rusmari in books of Ayurveda is an aromatic medicinal plant. It is a fragrant evergreen herb. It is used as a culinary condiment to make bodily perfumes and for its potential health benefits.

Rosemary oil helps in preventing wrinkles and signs of aging due to its antioxidant property. It also promotes hair regrowth in men by improving the blood circulation in the scalp. It’s leaves have a pungent slightly bitter taste and are generally used dried or fresh to season foods.

Common forms of Rosemary

Powder, Dried Leaves, Tea, Oil

Rosemary is commonly used for:

Boosting Memory
Improving digestion
Curing common cold
Treating Arthritis
Improving heart function
Treating depression
Immune-boostin properties
Reducing stress and imrpoving sleep
Treating epilepsy in some cases

Rosemary Dosage

Tea: 2 to 4 grams
Oil: Twice daily
Water: Twice a day. Dyspepsia, Stomach cramps, bloating, constipation, bronchial and ear, nose and throat infections can be treated with dosage of 2-4g of dried plant into 1 cup of boiling water taken 3 times a day after meals.

Rosemary Side-effects and Warnings

Common side-effects: Consumption in large amount can result in vomiting, skin redness, kidney irritation, uterine bleeding and allergic reactions.
Not so common side-effects: Not known.
Pregnant or Nursing Mothers: Might stimulate menstruation or affect the uterus which may lead to miscarriage.
Children: Not Known.

Where to Buy Rosemary in US?

Check out the Recipes that use Rosemary

Vegetable Soup 101

Mint (Pudhina)

Mar 21, 2021 by Avi Kumar Leave a Comment

Mint Scientific Name

Mentha

Mint Other Names

English: Mint, Miontas
Hindi: Pudhina, Podina
French: Aneth odorant, Fenouil bâtard, la menthe
Spanish: Menta
Latin: Maentha piperita Linn. Mentha spicata, Mentham
Sanskrit: Putiha, Podinaka, Phudino

What is Mint?

Mint is an Ayurvedic herb, highly prized for its innumerable therapeutic properties and often used for it’s freshness and taste. It belongs to the plant family Lamiaceae, however, there are more than 13-24 species of mint due to hybridization.

Mint is mainly known for it’s ability relax and reduce excessive contraction of intestinal muscles, which makes it a great remedy for Irritable Bowl Syndrome including indigestion and dyspepsia. Mint leaves are widely used fresh or dried in a spectrum of culinary dishes, Its’s leaves render a warm, fresh, aromatic sweet flavour and deliver a cool taste which is used in making tea, beverages, jellies, syrup, ice cream and candies.

Mint is found to improve haemoglobin content in blood and brain functionality as it is rich source of iron, potassium and manganese. Mint leaves are abundant source of antioxidants and phytonutrients and are rich in vitamin A, vitamin C, B-complex, Calcium.

Common forms of Mint

Leaf, Oil

Mint is commonly used for:

Maintaining digestive health & treating Nausea, Vommiting and Irritable Bowl Syndrome
Treating hypertension, stress and depression
Boosting immunity
Curing muscle and nerve pains and toothaches
Morning Sickness (Hyperemesis gravidarum)
Maintaining skin health
Promoting respiratory health and treating asthama and other Lung infections
Relieving headache
Boosting memory
Improving heart health and blood circulation
Assisting milk secretion during breast-feeding
Jet Lag
Urinary Tract infection (Cystitis)
Treating menstrual cramps

Mint Dosage

Leaf Juice: 5 to10 ml
Cold Infusion: 25 to 30 ml
Oil: 1 to 3 drops

Mint Side-effects and Warnings

Common side-effects: Heartburn, Dry mouth, Nausea and Vomiting.
Not so common side-effects: Not known.
Pregnant or Nursing Mothers: It is likely safe to consume in amount found normally in food but one should avoid taking it in larger therapeutic amounts of during pregnancy or lactation.
Children: Food amounts are likely safe.

Where to Buy Mint in US?

Check out the Recipes that use Mint

Fenugreek (Methi)

Mar 19, 2021 by Chinmayi Kulkarni Leave a Comment

Fenugreek Scientific Name

Trigonella foenum-graecum

Fenugreek Other Names

English: Fenugreek
Hindi: Methi, Sag methi (fresh leaves), Kasuri methi (dried leaves)
French: Fenugrec, Sénegré, Trigonelle
German: Bockshornklee, Griechisch Heu
Dutch: Fenegriek
Sanskrit: Methika, Methini

What is Fenugreek?

Fenugreek, clover like herb, is native to Mediterranean region and extensively used in Indian cooking. It’s seed smell like maple syrup, but has a distinctive bitter taste. Apart from being a flavoring agent It’s extracts are also used in soaps and cosmetics.

Fenugreek is a wonder medicine due to it’s active alkaloid called trigonelline that reduces blood sugar level and hence used in treating diabetes. Fenugreek also acts as a Glactogogue that increases milk secretion and hence often recommended for lactating mothers. Foods containing fenugreek seeds have also found to reduce menstrual cramps, correct poor menstrual flow and promote regular cycles.

Common forms of Fenugreek

Capsule, Tea, Tincture, Seeds, Fresh leaves

Fenugreek is commonly used for:

Treating digestive problems including constipation, loss of appetite and gastritis
Breastfeeding Problems
Boosting breast milk production and flow
Treating and managing diabetes
Treating low testosterone or libido
Curing painful menstruation
Managing menopause and related symptoms
Treating arthritis
Treating high blood pressure
Promoting weight loss
Menstrual Difficulties
Laryngitis
Preventing and treating Baldness
Treating migraines and headaches

Fenugreek Dosage

Seed: 1-2gram orally three times a day
Tea: 500mg seed/150ml water
Capsules: 610 milligram capsule three times a day

Fenugreek Side-effects and Warnings

Common side-effects: Diarrhea, Bleeding, Hypoglycemia .
Not so common side-effects: Allergic reactions.
Pregnant or Nursing Mothers: Consumption of fenugreek should be avoided as it contains oxytocin and acts as a uterine stimulant which could cause contractions and preterm labor.
Children: Not Known.

Where to Buy Fenugreek in US?

Check out the Recipes that use Fenugreek

Rasala (Medicated yoghurt) | Yusha (Medicated Soup) | Soft Quinoa and Black Urad Idli | Multi-grain Moringa Dosa | Medicated Rice Gruel (Peya)

Licorice Root (Yashtimadhu)

Mar 18, 2021 by Chinmayi Kulkarni Leave a Comment

Licorice root Scientific Name

Glycyrrhiza glabra

Licorice root Other Names

English: Spanish Juice, Black Sugar, Liquorice
Hindi: Mulethi, Mulaithi, Mulhathi, Yashtimadhu, Jetimadh
Marathi: Jeshtimadh
French: Réglisse
German: Süßholz, Lakritze
Spanish: Orozuz, Regaliz
Sanskrit: Madhuuka, Yashtimadhu

What is Licorice root?

Licorice root is considered one of the world’s oldest herbal remedies and is cultivated throughout Europe, Asia and Middle east. The active ingredient in Licorice is glycyrrhizin or “glycyrrhizin acid”. Licorice roots has been used for a long time to treat various ailments and flavoring in candies, beverages, food, tobacco products and medicines.

In Ayurveda, Licorice roots are a recommended treatment for eczema, swelling of the liver, mouth sores and many other conditions.

Common forms of Licorice root

Tea, Liquid, Powder, Capsules, Candy

Licorice root is commonly used for:

Removing dental plaque
Influenza
Treating menstrual cramps (dysmenorrhea)
Curative Cold Sores
Nightmares
Catarrh
Curing hepatitis
Cough
Treating high cholesterol
Lowering high potassium levels
Aiding in weight-loss
Treating stomach ulcers
Managing and treating Arthritis
Treating chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS)
Treating dark skin patches on the face (melasma)
Managing diabetes
Treating Indigestion (dyspepsia)
Relieving muscle cramps
Relieving pain in people with cancer
Preventing weak and brittle bones (osteoporosis)
Curing osteo-arthritis
Treating scaly, itchy skin (psoriasis)
Treating tuberculosis
Vaginal Yeast Infections

Licorice root Dosage

Licorice root can be used as tea, tincture, powder, or supplement, applied atopically as gel. There are no established standard limits for intake, however, it is recommended to keep the glycyrrhizin limits less than 100mg/day.

Licorice root Side-effects and Warnings

Common side-effects: Fatigue, Headache, Fluid retention and swelling, High blood pressure, Muscle weakness or cramping.
Not so common side-effects: Kidney failure, Paralysis.
Pregnant or Nursing Mothers: Licorice root consumption during preganancy can lead to adverse neurological effects in children later in life.
Children: Not Known.
Warnings:
Advisable for short term use only. Severe and life threatening side effects can be seen if used for longer interval of time.

Where to Buy Licorice root in US?

Caraway (Karavi) Seeds

Mar 17, 2021 by Chinmayi Kulkarni Leave a Comment

Caraway Seed Scientific Name

Carum carvi

Caraway Seed Other Names

English: Caraway, Carvies, Carum, Persian Cumin, Medidein Fennel, Wild Cumin, Carroway
Hindi: Gunyan, Jeerka, Jangi Dhania, Jeero, Kalazera, Kaalaa Jiiraa, Kalazira
French: Anis Des Vosges, Cumin De Montagne, Carvi, Cumin Des Prés, Carvi, Faux Cumin
German: Echter Kümmel, Feld-Kümmel, Feldkümmel, Gemeiner Kümmel
Spanish: Alcarahueya, Alcaravia, Alcaravea, Comino De Prado, Carvi
Latin: Carvum, Careum
Sanskrit: Karavi

What is Caraway Seed?

Caraway plant has interesting legends claiming that it prevents thefts and lovers from losing interest in each other. In Ayurveda, specifically, it is mostly used in the form of oil, fruit and seeds for its medicinal and healing properties.

Caraway seeds are rich in dietary fiber, essential to maintain digestive health, and acts a laxative to prevent constipation. The fiber adds bulk to the diet and improves bowel movement in the gut. The fiber from caraway seeds binds with the toxins (mainly carcinogens) and flushes them out of the body acting as an effective anti-carcinogen and protects the colon membrane. It also lowers the bad cholesterol level.

Common forms of Caraway Seed

Oil, Seeds, Powder

Caraway Seed is commonly used for:

Treating asthama
Curing poor appetite
Treating nausea, constipation, gas, stomach ache, indigestion (dyspepsia) etc.
Treating menstrual cramps, poor blood flow etc.
Increasing milk secretion in Lactating mothers.
Stabilizing blood sugar levels
Aiding weight-loss
Reducing and managing blood cholesterol levels
Improving sleep
Anti-oxidant property
Anti-carcinogenic property
Promoting heart health
Treating colds/congestion
Stopping endless coughs
Diuretic action

Caraway Seed Dosage

Oil: 50-100 mg of caraway oil per day has been used in combination with peppermint oil

Caraway Seed Side-effects and Warnings

Common side-effects: Liver damage if consumed in excess.
Not so common side-effects: People with sensitive skin can have rashes and itching.
Pregnant or Nursing Mothers: Possibly unsafe as caraway oil is been used to start menstruation which might lead to miscarriage.
Children: Not Known.
Warnings:
Using caraway oil with peppermint oil might lead to burping, heartburn and nausea.
Consumption of caraway seeds must be stopped before 2 weeks of scheduled surgery as it lowers blood pressure and acts as blood-thinner