Dog Rose

 

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

Quinoa - the super grain !

Quinoa (pronounced Keen- Wah), originated from the Andean region of South America and has been one of the primary foods of the Inca Indians for more than 6,000 years. They called it ‘chisaya mama’ or the mother of all grains. Quinoa is the seed of a leafy plant related to spinach. Quinoa is a source of all the essential amino acids, an excellent source of protein, one of the best sources in the vegetable kingdom and contains lysine, an amino acid which helps the body to produce and process protein. A great source of B vitamins, folic acid and Vitamin E. It contains high levels of riboflavin, potassium and trace elements zinc, copper, magnesium and manganese.
Quinoa is excellent for those following a wheat and gluten free diet and may be substituted for almost any other grain. The seeds are covered with saponins which have a bitter taste naturally repelling insects and birds. Therefore Quinoa needs to be washed thoroughly before use, although the grain bought in packets may have been pre washed and the saponins removed. This grain is light for digestion and ideal for those convalescing or after a detoxification therapy such as Panchakarma. It may also be used for breakfast and is idea as a cold salad or in a casserole.

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.