Archives for Apr 17, 2021

Amchoor (Dry Mango Powder)

Apr 17, 2021 by Chinmayi Kulkarni Leave a Comment

Amchoor Scientific Name

Mangifera Indica

Amchoor Other Names

English: Dry Mango Powder, Ground Mango
Hindi: Amchur, Aamchoor
French: Poudre sèche la mangue
German: Mango pulver
Spanish: De mango polvo seco
Sanskrit: Aamra churna

What is Amchoor?

Amchoor or Dry Mango Powder is often used in Indian cooking to impart a tangy taste and flavor to foods.

Amchoor powder is known for it’s detoxifying property that is used to prevent and treat skin infections like acne and scurvy. It is found to enhance release of digestive enzymes and helps in preventing indigestion. It increases metabolism and promotes healthy appetite.

Common forms of Amchoor

Powder

Amchoor is commonly used for:

Improving digestion
Stimulating detoxification
Improving Eyesight
Promoting heart health
Treating and preventing Scurvy
Boosting metabolism and aiding weight loss
Treating acne

Amchoor Dosage

Powder: 1 tablespoon

Amchoor Side-effects and Warnings

Common side-effects: Excessive consumption can cause sore throat.
Not so common side-effects: People who have trouble digesting mangoes might have similar discomfor with Amchoor.
Pregnant or Nursing Mothers: Not Known.
Children: Not Known

Where to Buy Amchoor in US?

Check out the Recipes that use Amchoor

Turmeric Pickle | Baked Okra | Indian-style Quesadillas

Henna (Mehendi)

Apr 17, 2021 by Chinmayi Kulkarni Leave a Comment

Henna Scientific Name

Lawsonia inermis

Henna Other Names

English: Heena, Mignonette, Indian Privet
Hindi: Mehandi
Chinese: Hǎi nà
French: Henné
Spanish: Alheña
Sanskrit: Nil Madayantika, Mendika, Madayanti, Ranjaka

What is Henna?

Henna, popularly known for the temporary tattoos is obtained from an evergreen plant known as Madayantika. It is widely used in Ayurveda for it’s ropan i.e healing and sita i.e soothing property. The leaves of this tree are dried, crushed and made into a powder for use. This powder is then mixed with water to make a paste that is used to draw designs on the human hand or body. The red-orange dye molecule called Lawson present in the herb, leaves the imprint on the skin.

The Henna powder is also applied to the scalp and used as a natural hair pack, it imparts luster, conditioning and healthy texture to the hair. Henna keeps the hair dry and prevents excessive oil production on the scalp due to it’s Kashaya (astringent) and Ruksha (dry) properties.
Henna is known for its cooling effect and is often used in Ayurveda to soothe the burning feet and eyes especially during summers. Applying henna paste to feet helps in promoting balanced sleep. It is also used to promote healthy eyes.

Henna has anti-microbial and anti-inflammatory properties and is often used in treating itching, skin rashes, abrasions and wounds.

Common forms of Henna

Leaves, Flowers, Seeds, Powder

Henna is commonly used for:

Relieving headaches
Easing arthritis pain
Treating skin conditions
Promoting healthy hair
Curing fevers
Promoting healthy gums
Reducing pitta
Treating diaper rash
Curing dysentery
Detoxifying
Regulating blood pressure

Henna Dosage

Powder: ¼-½ teaspoon
Fresh Juice: 1-2 teaspoon

Henna Side-effects and Warnings

Common side-effects: Can cause, redness, itching, burning sensation especially if accidentally applied around eyes. It is also found to cause runny nose and wheezing.
Not so common side-effects: Not known.
Pregnant and Nursing Mothers: Avoid.
Children: Not known.

Where to Buy Henna in US?

Aprajita (Butterfly Pea)

Apr 17, 2021 by Avi Kumar Leave a Comment

Aprajita Scientific Name

Clitoria ternatea

Aprajita Other Names

English: Butterfly pea
Hindi: Koyala
Bengali: Aprajita
Unani: Mezereon
Sanskrit: Vishnukranta, Girikarnika, Yoni Pushpa, Kokila

What is Aprajita?

Aprajita is an ancient Indian herb used in Ayurveda as a memory booster and brain tonic. This herb is found to have certain chemicals that soothe and calm the nervous, circulatory and psychological systems of the body. Aparajita is widely used in Panchakarma Ayurvedic Treatments, which aim at balancing the doshas and focused on internal and external detoxification.

Common forms of Aprajita

Root, Bark, Seeds, Tea

Aprajita is commonly used for:

Improving memory and learning
Improving voice quality
Treating throat problems
Strengthening the heart and respiratory system
Purifying blood and improving skin conditions like breakouts, pimples, acne etc.
Treating Fever
Treating diarrhea, vomiting and gastritis

Aprajita Dosage

Root Powder: 1 to 3 gm.
Roasted Seed powder: 1 to 3 gm.

Aprajita Side-effects and Warnings

Common side-effects: Not Known
Not so common side-effects: Not Known.
Pregnant or Nursing Mothers: Not Known.
Children: Not Known.
Warning:
Excessive intake can be counter-intuitive and may cause diarrhea.