What is this universal medicine?
Author: Maharishi Ayurveda Date Posted:1 March 2016
Which spice commonly found in the kitchen is the best and most sattvic of spices and is known as the universal medicine in Ayurveda? Here are some more tips to help you guess. This amazing spice:
- Has a concentrated taste so a little goes a long way
- Helps relieve digestive complaints when taken with honey for Kapha types, rock sugar for Pitta types and rock salt for Vata types
- Helps to relieve gas and tummy cramps including menstrual cramps
- Makes a great paste for pain and headaches
- Helps maintain joint health
- Gives zest to vegetables and lentil dishes
- Is used in baking and desserts in combination with other spices such as cinnamon or nutmeg.
- Is used in savoury meals along with spices such as turmeric, cumin, coriander, fennel and cinnamon
Have you guessed it?
Yes, it’s ginger. Interestingly, ginger, turmeric and cardamom all belong to the same family called Zingiberaceae
How does ginger work it’s magic?
Ginger root can be taken as a dry powder or a juice. It works on all tissue elements and has a particularly positive effect on the digestive and respiratory systems. Ayurvedic texts classify ginger’s actions as being:
- Stimulant: stimulates by increasing heat in the digestion and respiratory systems
- Diaphoretic: causing the body to sweat
- Expectorant: promotes drainage of mucous from the lungs and sinuses
- Carminative: helps prevent the build-up of gas in the gastrointestinal track or aids in the expulsion of gas
- Anti-emetic: helps prevent nausea and vomiting
- Analgesic: helps relieve pain
This impressive list of actions for ginger root is enhanced when ginger is combined with other preparations to more finely target its use for mind-body balance. See how this is done in the formulations below…
- Digest Plus contains 17.89 % of dried ginger, haritaki, rock salt, fennel and Indian senna. This powerful formulation enhances appetite, digestive power and supports regular elimination along with supporting healthy liver and pancreatic function. This helps to balance stomach acidity and flatulence too.
- Chill out with Pitta Tea which contains an organic combination of rose petal, licorice, cardamom, ginger (12.5%) and cinnamon. It’s all about the combination of herbs and the overall effect they give. Ginger used in this formulation helps to enhance appetite and soothe stomach acidity.
- Warm up with Kapha Tea which contains 62.31% of dried ginger along with cloves, black pepper, cardamom, turmeric and saffron. This stimulating tea is a great ‘morning wake-up’ and is a must when congestion or a cold is lurking!
- Settle and relax with the sweet and soothing taste of Vata Tea. This tasty tea contains liquorice, ginger (23.08%), cardamom and cinnamon. This synergistic formula can help you stay calm and alert.
- Rejuvenation Plus contains mineral pitch, indian bedellium, Himalayan silver fir, ginger and 25 other ingredients. This incredible formula supports stamina, strength and natural immunity. A high potency combination of natural antioxidants and phytonutrients Rejuvenation Plus earns its name as it helps to nourish every layer of your body, especially the blood, muscle, bone and reproductive tissues.
Nature is so kind to us with the bounty she provides via our food. Wishing you the bliss of balance this week!
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Linda Sinden has been a practising Maharishi Ayurveda Consultant since 1990 and is a regular contributor to our weekly Insights. She has a practice in Auckland, New Zealand and also provides phone or Skype sessions for those who need assistance, but don’t have a consultant in their vicinity. Email: lindasinden@orbislife.co.nz Skype: Linda.Sinden |
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