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herbs

Elaichi – The Queen of Spices

Columbus wanted to discover India not only for its diamonds – but also for its spices. Though he landed else where, the Malabar coast of India was well known and famous for its exotic spices – queen among then is the Elaichi, Its flagrance; distinct taste are unique. Put a couple of Elaichi into your [...]

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The Garden of Goodness – Spinach

It is well known that leafy green vegetables are full of beneficial nutrients. Among the leafy greens, the humble, succulent spinach, a flowering plant native to Asia, provides more nutrients than any other food. NUTRITION VALUE Spinach, fresh, Steamed or boiled, has a large nutritional value. It has folic acid. Vitamins A,B,C, K, and E, [...]

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The Natural Carminative – Fennel

Habitat–Fennel, a hardy, perennial, umbelliferous herb, with yellow flowers and feathery leaves, grows wild in most parts of temperate Europe, but is generally considered indigenous to the shores of the Mediterranean, whence it spreads eastwards to India. It has followed civilization, especially where Italians have colonized, and may be found growing wild in many parts [...]

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The Sacred Basil – Tulasi

No Indian house is without a ‘Tulasi’ plant. Tulasi, called often as holy Basil, is famous for not only its medicinal values but also for its holy image. This sacred plant is worshipped virtually everyday in the morning and in the evening. Every Hindu household has this plant on a pedestal like ‘pot’ which has [...]

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The Magical Health Benefits of Spices

Spices are exotic additives to the food. They spruce up dull food – stuffs. They add flavor, taste and life to the food we eat be it vegetarian or non vegetarian. The spices also improve health. Right from ancient times Indians knew all about spices. Spices are of plant origin. In summer appropriate spices help [...]

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Herbs for the Heart

Cardiac problems arise due to improper diet, lack of water in the body and stressful life styles. These lead to thickening of arteries or hardening of arteries resulting in angio-obstruction and angina. Excessive physical and mental stress Spicy and oily food. Physiological toxins Fright and fatigue The heart and vascular system is one of the [...]

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How to Use Herbs

Indian kitchens, traditionally, have always some herbs or spices that can provide quick kitchen remedies or first aid in cases of emergencies. In the olden days hair and skin care products were mostly concocted and prepared at home. Ayurvedic products are now easily available. These products are prepared in standardized ways. Let us look at [...]

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HOW TO USE HERBS

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Fenugreek ? Methi Seeds

Fenugreek is one of the oldest herbal spice known to men. It was cultivated in India 3000 years ago. Native to South Europe and Asia, it was used by pharaohs of Egypt. Its Linnaeus classified name is ?TRIGONELLA FOENUM ? GRAECUM?. In sanskrit, it is ?Methi?. In vernacular ? Tamil ? ?vendayam?, Telugu ? Mentulu [...]

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Momordica charantia – Bitter Gourd

Bitter melon, also known as balsam pear, is a tropical vegetable widely cultivated in Asia, Africa and South America, and has been used extensively in folk medicine as a remedy for diabetes. Karela ? Bitter gourd is considered one of the most nutritious gourds and is a commercially important vegetable. Rich in vitamin A, vitamin [...]

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