Ayurvedic Herbs & Spices: Elixir of Life

India, a centre of spice origins (during the first millennium BC)

Many people have the impression that some spices specially garam masala, black pepper, lavang are the cause of diseases but this is a myth. The textbooks of Ayurveda and in particular the Puranas, the history of mankind, describe the exceptional healing powers of herbs and spices.

Masala

Because spices have very low-calorie content and are relatively inexpensive, they are reliable sources of antioxidants and other potential bioactive compounds in the diet.

Spices enliven, refresh, renew, rejuvenate, heal and make us whole again. Therefore we should love herbs and spices and treasure them.

The Veda and Vedic literature, with its 40 aspects, has many references to herbs and spices and is full of praise for their healing properties. In particular Rik Veda, the constitution of the universe, which is the first part of the Veda and is the foundation of all knowledge, often speaks in its hymns about the wonder of herbs.

The textbooks of Ayurveda and in particular the Puranas, the history of mankind, describe the exceptional healing powers of herbs and spices. They state that the greatest healing powers are possessed by the sacred mantras of the Veda. Pure and clear gems come next, followed by medicinal herbs and spices.  

Because herbs and spices have such radiance and healing power, it is often said that the Devas visit them and linger there for some time. The Devas are the impulses of creative intelligence that preserve everything and they embody the laws of nature.

Some of the spices grown in India today-long pepper, black pepper, cinnamon, turmeric, and cardamom — have been known here for thousands of years. Excavations in the Indus Valley reveal that herbs and spices had been used even before about 1000 B.C., sacrificial formulas of the Brahmanical system of religious belief, were formulated. The medical writings of both Charaka (first century A.D.) and Susruta II (second century A.D.) make frequent references to uses of herbs and spices covering the period back to about 500 B.C. Susruta II enumerated over seven hundred drugs of plant origin, including cinnamon, ginger, turmeric, and various kinds of pepper.

Practical advice

Spices should preferably be bought whole and then ground just before use. It is worthwhile buying a small, herb grinder, an electric coffee grinder or a mortar and pestle. Spices only unfold their full aroma when ground. Also, their healing properties are strengthened.

Important note:

Never use medicinal herbs as drugs. Used in excess all herbs are toxic and do not have the desired influence.

For more deep knowledge about the Herbs and Spices click the below Link

Ayurvedic Herbs & Spices: Elixir of Life

This book covers some of the most important aspects of the herbs & spices such as their medicinal, remedial effects, vitamins, antibacterial benefits, the effect on Doshas and many other aspects. At the end, I have included some of the masala powder recipes which will make your food healthy, delicious and easy to digest.

This is must read book for healthy kitchen and recepies.