Spices and Ayurveda – 5

Spices and Ayurveda Pt. 5

By Sangeeta

I have written the Sanskrit name first, and then in brackets are the English names followed by the local Indian name.

Note: Many of these same herbs or spices are used in many other countries so you may be familiar or use them yourselves. Now you can see what Ayurveda says about them.

Admin
 

(13)AHIPHENUM (Poppy Seeds)

1. It reduces Pitta.
2. It is sweet in taste.


AHIPHENUM (Poppy seeds)

3. It is cooling, carminative and stomachic.
4. It is effective in thirst, fever, inflammation, and irritation of the stomach.
5. It helps to check vomiting in cholera.
6. It is used in treating insomnia.
7. It is beneficial in gripping pains after child birth, colic pains and pain in the testicles.
8. It is useful for rheumatism, cancer, carbuncles, abscesses, ulcers, leprosy, and syphilis.
9. It is very effective in bowel spasms, relieving pain and irritation of the bladder caused by stone.
10. It soothes muscular and neuralgic pains.
11. It is a good astringent for the intestine.
12. It strengthens the villi of the small intestine.

PRECAUTION – Ahiphenum can cause great harm if not properly used. It should not be eaten during pregnancy and kidney diseases.

(14)KUMKUM (Saffron)

[kesar]

1. It reduces Pitta and Vata.


Saffron crocus flowers (Saffron): Click image for credit.

2. It is bitter and pungent in taste.
3. It is a sedative to the brain – used in depression.
4. It stimulates the heart.
5. It strengthens the functioning of stomach and promotes its action.
6. It counteracts spasmodic disorders.
7. It is useful in promoting and regulating menstrual periods.
8. It is beneficial in the treatment of ailments concerning women – hysteria and leucorrhea.
9. It is useful in treating skin disorders.
10. It is a stimulant and promotes libido.

PRECAUTION – Kumkum should not be taken in large doses by pregnant women as it causes severe abortion.

(15)MADHURICA (Fennel Seeds)

[saunf]

1. It reduces Pitta.
2. It is sweet in taste.
3. It is aromatic, laxative and carminative.


Fennel seeds: Click image for credit.

4. It relieves flatulence – is a well known digestive aid.
5. It promotes the removal of catarrhal matters and phlegm from the bronchial tubes.
6. It is the safest herb for controlling dysentery and colitis.
7. It is useful in respiratory disorders like asthma and bronchitis.
8. It promotes menstruation and regulates monthly periods.
9. It is beneficial to the eyes – cures conjunctivitis.
10. It is an aphrodisiac.

(16)LABANGAM (Cloves)

[laung]

1. It reduces Kapha.
2. It is pungent in taste.


Dried Cloves: Click image for credit.

3. It is aromatic, carminative and stimulant.
4. It is useful in counteracting spasmodic disorders and relieves flatulence.
5. It stimulates sluggish circulation promoting digestion and metabolism.
6. It is used in various forms of gastric irritability and dyspepsia.
7. It is useful in treating cholera. It is an effective remedy for asthma.
8. It is the best remedy for inflammation around the eyelash.
9. It is used in toothaches to decrease pain and infection because of its antiseptic properties.
10. It acts as an excellent mouth freshener.
11. It relieves irritation in the throat and stops cough in the case of pharyngitis.
12. Externally, clove oil is applied to relieve muscle cramps.

You must also know why in many parts of India, after lunch or dinner, or otherwise also (sometimes), preparations of ‘Tambulam’ are eaten. Why Indian singers chew or keep just tambulam (not the preparation) on one side of their mouth while singing? Or, why Indian singers prefer to chew just tambulam?

TAMBULAM (Betel Leaf)

[paan ka patta and its preparation is called ‘paan’]

1. It reduces Pitta.
2. It is slightly bitter, astringent and pungent in taste.
3. It is cooling.
4. It is an aromatic stimulant and anti-flatulent.
5. It is beneficial in the treatment of nervous pain, nervous exhaustion and debility.


South Indian style Paan (Betel Leaf): Click image for credit.

6. It is a natural antiseptic.
7. It is used in treating respiratory tract problems including sore throat and cough.
8. It is useful in arresting secretion and bleeding.
9. It is used to improve the vocal cord, relax the mind, and create a feeling of well-being.
10. It relieves constipation in children.
11. It is a very effective remedy for wounds and boils.
12. It is a post-meal digestive stimulant.
13. m. It is recommended before and during sexual performance.
14. Its juice is diuretic and helps in easing urination.

PRECAUTION – Excessive chewing of tambulam results in dyspepsia, pyorrhea, cancer of the tongue and cheeks.

Copyright © 2011 SangeetaAyurveda.com

Spices Sequence Page