Ayurveda In Your Kitchen

When set up properly, your kitchen can be the source of great healing medicine. Herbs and spices found in our kitchen can be used to ward off common ailments and these are effective and safe. Most of them are antiviral, antibacterial and have vitamins that our body requires. Here are few everyday basics to strengthen your kitchen’s ayurvedic power:


Ginger (Adrak)
Ginger is known for its anti inflammatory properties. It can be used for headaches. For instance, mixing equal parts of ginger juice and lemon juice and consuming it once or two times a day can provide relief from headache. You can also make a paste of one teaspoon of dry ginger powder along with two teaspoons of water; apply it on the forehead for a few minutes. It is also helpful in reducing joint pains, improves digestion and helps in nausea and vomiting.

Carom seeds (Ajwain)
Ajwain mixed with small amount of salt when sipped with warm water is very useful for treating indigestion and stomach pain. Paste of ajwain and jaggery is also helpful in asthma treatment. Drinking ajwain tea helps provide relief from cold.

Turmeric (Haldi)
It is an analgesic, anti-inflammatory and anti bacterial herb. It helps reduce joint pain and it also heals cuts, prevents infection and is used to treat wounds. Turmeric milk provides relief from aches and pains and also strengthens the spine and joints. It is a good remedy for cough and cold and also relieves headache

Basil leaves (Tulsi)
Basil leaves are used to treat ulcers, wounds and cuts due to its antiseptic properties. Grind basil leaves and mix with sandalwood powder, apply this mixture to reduce pain. A mixture of basil leaves juice and coconut oil can be applied on cuts and wounds to give relief. Chewing some fresh basil leaves gives relief from cold and flu. To get rid of sore throat, gargling with water boiled with basil leaves is a useful remedy.
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Fenugreek (Methi)
A spoon of fenugreek seeds mixed with a pinch of asafoetida (heeng) along with water provides relief from stomach pain. Fenugreek is also useful in diabetes as it has a high amount of soluble fibre which helps lower blood sugar by slowing down digestion of carbohydrates. Methi ladoos are used as a cure for joint or back pain.

Asafoetida (Hing)
It has antiviral, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties. It is very useful in treating stomach disorders and also helps to relieve chest congestion. Heating some asafoetida in about one and a half cup of water and drinking it a few times on a daily basis can provide relief from mild tension headaches. It can also help to alleviate toothache; keep a small piece of asafoetida on an aching tooth to get relief.

Bitter gourd (Karela)
It is useful in joint pains, digestion and gas problems. Bitter gourd is a very good remedy for diabetes, drinking bitter gourd juice empty stomach in the mornings can help keep diabetes under control. It is also a rich source of vitamins A, B1, B2, C and Iron.

Lemon (Nimbu)
Lemons are rich in vitamin C which protects against cold and flu. You can get relief from headache by drinking warm water mixed with lemon or have a steaming cup of lemon tea. Vitamin C is also significant for healthy glowing skin; it can be applied to scars or age spots to reduce their appearance. Drinking lemon water also helps get rid of toxins from the body which is useful in keeping the skin clear of blemishes.