Fresh Ginger Water

When the digestion feels weak there is gas and less appetite you can grate half an inch of fresh ginger boil in  1/2 litre of water for a few minutes. Strain and drink.

A great remedy to increase appetite is a teaspoon on of grated fresh ginger with lemon and salt half an hour before meals. Be careful not to take too much fresh ginger when it is hot since it may create more heat in the body and aggravate Pitta dosha.

Ginger has blood thickening qualities so it may be contraindicated if you are on blood thinning medication check with your doctor or naturopath.

When the digestion feels weak there is gas and less appetite you can grate half an inch of fresh ginger boil in  1/2 litre of water for a few minutes. Strain and drink.

A great remedy to increase appetite is a teaspoon on of grated fresh ginger with lemon and salt half an hour before meals. Be careful not to take too much fresh ginger when it is hot since it may create more heat in the body.

Ginger has blood thickening qualities so it may be contraindicated if you are on blood thinning medication check with your doctor or naturopath

Cumin Seed Water

For a refreshing drink or to use as your daily water intake take two teaspoons of cumin seeds per litre of water. Crush them in a pestle and mortar or in a plastic bag with a rolling pin. Put in the water and boil for a few minutes, strain and drink.

This increases the appetite and also restores the intestinal tract and is anti bactericidal. It also alleviates gas.

Cumin Seed Remedy

Take three tablespoons of cumin use the same process as the above but only use two cups of water and boil for a while so it reduces to one cup. This will be a dark strong liquid you may add some brown sugar or jaggery to your taste. This is best drunk early in the morning before food or in between meals, once a day. This is a great remedy for trapped wind and colicky pain in the intestines. This is too strong for children but they may take a few teaspoons of the above cumin water.

Floatea tea infuser

Ad Hoc design have produced a floating tea egg. For herbalists and loose tea lovers, this is the gadget for you. The simple design enables you to choose your herbs according to your Ayurvedic Constitution. AdHoc website

Calming Chamomile

Chamomile is one of the most popular healing herbs. Thought to calm the nerves and fight free radicals it contains antioxidant flavanoids. One of these, quercertin has powerful anti inflammatory properties helping to soothe the digestive tract. Chamomile is most commonly known as a mild sedative. When taken as a tea in the evening it can be combined with valerian and passion flower leaves to make a satisfying bedtime drink. Four teaspoons of leaves to be added to one cup of boiling water, one teaspoon of honey may be added as it cools. According to Ayurveda honey must never be heated or added to boiling hot drinks because it turns to visham (poison) known as ama in the body and becomes difficult to digest.

Amazing Almonds

Almonds are an ideal snack. Although they contain fat it is mono saturated and helps you feel fuller longer. Their high fibre content helps to maintain blood sugar levels. Rich is Vitamins E, B2, copper, manganese, magnesium, phosphorus and of course protein and calcium. Soak the almonds in hot water to remove their skins. Chew them well or grind them into almond milk.Twelve almonds contain around 100 calories their protein contents helps to support energy levels.

Shatarvari (Asparagus racemosus)

Shatavari (Asparagus racemosus)



This is the Indian species of Asparagus. It is used as a Rasayana (rejuvenative) remedy in Ayurveda. It is a tonic, especially for women. Promotes fertility and reduces menopausal symptoms. Shatavari may also be used for dry coughs and to heal or prevent gastric ulcers, this is due to its guru (heavy) and snigdha (oily) properties.

Its taste (rasa) is sweet and bitter. It is a nutritive tonic for the brain. Its property of balya (strength) gives strength to vata imbalances and weakness. It is also soothing when used as a diuretic. Research indicates Shatavari promotes cellular regenerations, enhances the immune function and increases corticosteroid production. .

Turnips and Turnip Greens

As autumn starts and the nights close in I shall post a selection of warming seasonal fruit and vegetables.
Turnips are first on the list!! They are root vegetables that were once a staple diet before the arrival of potatoes. They are rich in phytochemicals that can help protect our bodies against chronic disease. Less starch than potatoes they are slightly pungent. This makes them ideal for Kapha constitution.turnip greens are ideal for Vata and Pitta constitution should avoid unless eaten with other cooling foods or on extremely cold windy days. Ideal for soups and stews. Here is an Indian recipe to make them as a sabji (vegetable) to be eaten with rice or chapati.

MASALA SHALGAM (Turnip Masala)

Ingredients
• ½ kg turnips, peeled and cut into small pieces
• 1 tablespoon Oil (olive oil or sesame seed oil)
• 2 Onions, finely chopped
• 1 teaspoon mustard seeds
• 1 teaspoon cumin seeds
• 1 teaspoon Ginger, garlic paste
• ½ teaspoon Coriander powder
• 1 teaspoon Cumin powder
• ½ teaspoon Chilli powder
• Yoghurt 120 ml
• Coarse sea salt to taste

Preparation
Heat the oil. Add the mustard seeds and cumin seeds, wait until the pop. Then add the ginger and garlic paste and the onions, cook on high for 3 minutes. Pitta types avoid the mustard seeds and reduce the ginger garlic past to half a teaspoon.
Add the rest of the ingredients except the yoghurt and cover for 3 more minutes
Add the yoghurt and one tablespoon of water
Cook on a medium heat for 12 minutes until the turnip is well cooked
Garnish with chopped coriander leaves and serve

Tumeric the wonder Spice

Tumeric is a fragrant, yellow spice a food as well as a medicine. Botanically known as curcuma longa L. Volumes of evidence have exposed the anti cancer affect of its photochemical the curcuminoids. Additionally, it strengthens the immune system, lowers blood sugar and is regarded as a powerful anti inflammatory due to its potent COX2 enzyme inhibitor effect.
Most researchers advocate between 1000 to 3000 milligrams, this may be taken as a food supplement. There is also growing evidence it that curcumin is most effective at inhibiting the protein fragments that directly produce Alzheimer. It has also been noted that there is very little Alzheimer's amongst Indias’ aging population. The herb is used daily in their diet.

Juicy Cherries

Cherries are grown in over 20 countries worldwide. In Europe my favourite is the Picota Cherry from Spain. Picota cherries are handpicked in the Jerte Valley the western region of Southern Spain. They have been grown here since the 17th Century. With over 2 million cherry trees in this region the sight of their spring bloom must be amazing. The longer ripening of this variety of cherry gives their unique deep flavour. The season is between May and August.
Fourteen cherries give you fewer than 50 calories, approximately 20% of your Vitamin C intake. They are free from fat and have a low GI index rating of 22.
Emerging Evidence links cherries to health benefits from easing the pain of gout and arthritis to aiding natural sleep through the increase in melatonin. They reduce risk factors for heart disease, diabetes and certain cancers. Cherries also have among the highest levels of antioxidants and contain beta carotene; they provide a higher source than blueberries or strawberries. Cherries contain Vitamin A and C, bioflavonoid, potassium, magnesium, folate and iron and they are a high source of fibre in the diet. The plant pigment in cherries works with vitamin C to strengthen collagen, a fibrous protein in connective tissue. They are also a great source of nutrition for those who put a lot of strain on their joints.

Introduction to Ayurveda

Ayurveda is the ancient art of Indian Medicine and Healing. Thousands of years ago Indian Sages known as Rishis understood the power of healing was in connection with and in tune with the force of nature and all life. Ayurveda has been passed down for centuries originally an oral tradition it was first recorded by Caraka Samhita.

Ayurveda is a holistic system which recognises we are all unique individuals and aims to return us to balance and peace within. This herbal system not only focuses on herbal remedies, it informs us to make choices in our diet and lifestyle so that we may improve our health even before our body gives us the signals of dis – ease.

The wisdom of Ayurveda takes into account the seasons, environment and our stages in life and the challenges we face. Enabling us to adapt to our lifestyle reduce stress and stay in balance.