The Yoga of Weight Loss: Lesson 6 Lesson Six: The importance of spices The YOGA OF WEIGHT LOSS 7 –week Metabolic Recalibration & Weight Management Program

The Yoga of Weight Loss: Lesson 6

Lesson Six: The importanceof spices

The YOGA OF WEIGHT LOSS7 –week Metabolic Recalibration & Weight Management Program


Buying Herbs & Spices :: A few simple rules Herbs and Spices start losing their potency in the first 3-5 days of

harvesting

Use herbs & spices within 6 months

Keep your spices in a cool dark and dry place

Keep your spices in air-tight containers

Buy your spices from reputable sources

Treat your spices with LOVE


Anise Seed :: Pimpinella anisum

Properties: Heating (V-, K-, P+)

Uses: Carminative, Galcatagogue, Expectorant, Antiseptic (to mucous membranes), Digestive Stimilant & Aphrodisiac

Overview: Anise is traditionally used in teas to prevent and treat colds, chest congestion. In addition, anise is used to ease menstrual cramps and reduces muscle spasms. Anise has also been effective with patients who suffer from Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) and those who suffer from emotional stress.

Anise oil has been used to treat head lice and cases of scabies, and used to make absinthe & aniseed toothpaste.

Nutritional Qualities: High in B-complex vitamins, Iron, Copper, Zinc, Potassium, Manganese, Magnesium and the antioxidant vitamins A & C

Simple Recipe: Menstrual-ease tea.Equal Parts Chamomile, Blue Vervrain & Anise seed. Mix together, and add 1 teaspoon to boiling water. Steep for 10 minutes, and enjoy. Seeds may be eaten.


Caraway Seed :: Carum carvi


Uses: Carminative, Digestive Stimulant & Aphrodisiac,Decongestant, Mild Antihistamine, Emmenagogue, Antirheumatic & Antispasmodic (lungs conditions)

Overview: Caraway seed has a wide range of uses; it’s used for conditions like eye infections, toothaches, can rid the body of yeast infections and battles Candida in the digestive tract. When mixed with peppermint, it can help reduce the symptoms of IBS and is effective against bronchitis.

Caraway seed is high his dietary fiber, can help reduce LDL cholesterol

Nutritional Qualities: High in Iron, Calcium, Copper, Potassium, Manganese, Magnesium, Selenium & Zinc. Contains Antioxidants A, B, C & E. Also contains Niacin.

Simple Recipe: Digest-ease tea.1 teaspoon of bruised Caraway seeds in one cup of boiling hot water. Allow to steep for 10 minutes and enjoy. Seeds may be eaten.


Coriander Seed :: Coriandrum sativum

Properties: Cooling (V+, K+, P=)

Uses: Alterative, Carminative, Diaphoretic, Diuretic &Anti-inflammatory

Overview: Coriander seed is used extensively in Indian cooking. It’s medicinal properties are primarily used to reduce swelling and inflammation of Rheumatoid Arthritis. Coriander seed is considered “Tridoshic” which means that it’s good for all body types.

Coriander seed is used as an immune system booster with people who have an repressed immune system . Coriander seed also contains high amounts of omega 6 fatty-acids and can help reduce LDL cholesterol. Coriander seed was also used to make absinthe.

Nutritional Qualities: High in dietary fiber, Omega 6, Iron, Copper, Calcium, Potassium, Manganese, Magnesium, Zinc & Antioxidant vitamin C

Simple Recipe: Immune Boost tea1 teaspoon fresh ground ginger, ½ teaspoon crushed coriander seed, ½ teaspoon crushed fennel seed. Add 1 cup boiling water, steep for 10 minutes


Cumin Seed :: Cuminum cyminum

Properties: Cooling (V=, K=, P-)

Uses: Anti-asthmatic, Expectorant, Digestive, Anti-inflammatory, Emmenagogue, antispasmodic & Diuretic.

Overview: Cumin is another spice which is used extensively in Indian cuisine. Its most commonly found in curry powder, but is also used to treat the symptoms of an upset stomach, disturbed digestion, malabsorption and excessive flatulence.

Cumin seed is also believed to have anti-carcinogenic properties, and is used to combat the effects of acidic and spicy foods, like tomatoes, chilies.

Nutritional Qualities: High in B complex vitamins, Iron, Copper, Potassium, Manganese, Selenium, Zinc & Magnesium. Cumin is also an antioxidant.

Simple Recipe: Pitta Churna (Table Spice)2 Tbsp Whole Fennel Seeds, 2 Tbsp Whole Coriander Seeds, 2 Tbsp Whole Cumin Seeds1 Tbsp Ground Turmeric, 1 Tbsp Whole Cardamom Seeds, 2 Tbsp chopped dry Mint Leaves,1/4 tsp Ground Ginger, 1/4 tsp Ground Cinnamon, 1 Tbsp Raw Sugar


Fennel Seed :: Foeniculum vulgareProperties: Cooling (V=, K=, P-)

Uses: Analgesic, Carmanitive, Digestive Stimulant, Diuretic, Antispasmodic, Depurative, Expectorant, Emmenagogue & Galactagogue

Overview: Fennel is a highly regarded spice in India, as it not only helps to suppress the appetite, but can also aid in the digestion process. Fennel can also help break up mucous in the chest cavity and lungs to reduce the symptoms of a cough. Fennel can increase the digestive fire without increasing the Pitta qualities (Fire).

Fennel also has estrogenic properties, and can help ease the monthly symptoms of the menstrual cycle, and can also benefit women in menopause.

Nutritional Qualities: High in Copper, Iron, Calcium, Potassium, Selenium, Zinc & Magnesium. Fennel can also help reduce LDL cholesterol, provides dietary fiber and is an antioxidant.

Simple Recipe: Fennel Tea1 teaspoon of bruised Fennel Seeds in 1 cup of boiling water. steep for 10 minutes, and enjoy.Taken 15 minutes before a meal, this tea can help control the appetite.


Mustard Seed :: Brassica juncea

Properties: Heating (V=, K=, P+)

Uses: Carminative, Digestive Stimulant, Expectorant & Antibacterial

Overview: Mustard is used in Ayurveda to increase the digestive fire and to also help increase blood circulation throughout the body. It is also used to expel excess mucous in the lungs, and can help to prevent flu.

Mustard oil has been shown to help improve circulation in the joints or arthritic patients, and helps to reduce the pain and swelling. Taking a mustard bath can also draw toxins out of the body through the skin.

Nutritional Qualities: High in Omega-3 Fatty acids, Magnesium & Phosphorus

Simple Recipe: Detoxifying Mustard Bath1/2 cup baking soda, 2 Tbsp powdered mustard, 2 drops rosemary essential oil, 2 drops eucalyptus essential oil


Ginger Root :: Zingiber officinale


Uses: Analgesic, Anodyne, Antioxidant, Antispasmodic, Aphrodisiac, Anti-arthritic, Digestive Stimulant, Expectorant Carminative & Diaphoretic

Overview: Ginger is one of the most studied and beneficial spices in the world. This root is used to treat an prevent sluggish digestions & metabolism. promotes a healthy appetite, calms an upset stomach, reduces menstrual cramps, colic, vomiting, indigestion, asthma, colds, coughs, colic and congestive conditions.

Ginger is also use to help prevent heart attacks, strokes and high blood pressure. It is used as an anti-inflammatory with digestive conditions.

Nutritional Qualities: High in B 5 & 6 Vitamins, Potassium, Manganese, Copper & Magnesium.

Simple Recipe: Ginger TeaGrate 1 teaspoon of fresh ginger into a cup of boiling water – enjoy every morning before breakfast.


Turmeric Root :: Curcuma longaProperties: Heating (V=, K=, P=)

Uses: Analgesic, Anti-inflammatory, Antibacterial, Antifungal, Antioxidant, Cholagogue (Stimulates gall bladder), Cox2 inhibitor, Depurative, Hepatic

Overview: Turmeric root is considered to be Tridoshic in Ayurveda, therefore, it greatly benefits all three doshas.

This golden spice is ubiquitous in Indian cuisine. Next to Ginger, Turmeric is considered the best spice for many symptoms, ranging from Acne, Allergies, Alzheimer’s, Arthritis, Asthma, High Cholesterol, Colitis, Depression, Diabetes, Dry eczema, Stimulates gall bladder problems, Gout, Heart disorders and high blood pressure, Liver disease, Obesity, Pain, Parkinson's Disease, Stroke and even Alzheimer's Disease and Dementia

Just a few grams of turmeric per day either in the form of powder, crushed root or fresh root can provide enough nutrients to help you keep away from anemia, neuritis, memory disorders and offer protection against cancers, infectious diseases, high blood pressure and strokes.

Nutritional Qualities: High in Vitamin B6, Choline, Niacin, Calcium, Iron, Potassium, Manganese, Copper, Zinc, and Magnesium, Vitamins A & C

Simple Recipe: Golden Milk11 teaspoon Turmeric in 1 cup of milk. Bring to a boil, strain and enjoy.


Cinnamon :: Cinnamomum zeylanicumProperties: Heating (V=, K=, P+)

Uses: Analgesic, Anti-inflammatory, Antibacterial, Anti-cancer, Antifungal, Antioxidant, Antiperspirant/Deodorant, Antispasmodic, Anti-viral, Aphrodisiac

Overview: Cinnamon is another spice widely used in Indian cooking. In Ayurveda, it is primarily used to control blood sugar levels and help people with a sweet tooth to curb their cravings.

Cinnamon also stimulates the central nervous system Helps to, decreases pain, in the body, helps to Increases circulation and is used to purify the blood.Much modern research has been spent on the benefits of Cinnamon in helping patients with type 1 & 2 diabetes. Indian Cinnamon comes from the same tree as bay leaves

Nutritional Qualities: Cinnamon is one of the foods with the highest Anti-oxidant strength in nature. High in Vitamin A, Niacin, Potassium, Calcium, Manganese, Iron, Zinc, and Magnesium

Simple Recipe: Honey Cinnamon1 teaspoon Honey with ½ Cinnamon powder. Mix well, and eat 10 minutes before a meal. This will help increase your metabolism and will actually help the body process fats more efficiently.

*If you are predominantly Pitta in nature, avoid this recipe unless under the advice of a certified health practitioner


Licorice :: Glycyrrhizza glabra

Properties: Cooling (V-, K+, P-)

Uses: Analgesic, Anti-inflammatory, Antibacterial, Anti-cancer, Antifungal, Antioxidant, Antispasmodic, Anti-viral, Aphrodisiac, Antiperspirant/Deodorant, Antitussive (Cough suppressant), Depurative, Digestive (Detox) & Phytoestrogen

Overview: The primary uses for Licorice in Ayurveda are to lubricate the joints and detoxify the body. It’s also used as a mild laxative, sedative and can be used for coughs, colds, bronchitis, sore throat, laryngitis and asthma.

Licorice is also used in Ayurveda to treat and prevent gastrointestinal ulcers and heartburn. Use of licorice can also strengthen the eyes, improves complexion as an external application, and can improve memory function.

Nutritional Qualities: High in: Calcium, Iron, Magnesium, Manganese, Phosphorus, Potassium, Sodium, Chromium, Cobalt, Selenium, Silicon, Zinc. Contains Vitamins: A, B1, B2, B5, B6, B9, E

Simple Recipe: Licorice tea1 teaspoon licorice powder in 1 cup of hot water. Drink before a meal


Cardamom :: Cardamomum elettaria

Properties: Cooling (V= K=, P=)

Uses: Expectorant, Cardiotonic, Carminative, Antiasthmatic, Antispasmodic, Analgesic & Aphrodisiac

Overview: Cardamom is traditionally used in Ayurveda to prevent and treat gas & distention. It is also used to to treat and prevent gum infection & inflammation, sore throat, lung infections, Sty, can help to dissolve kidney and gall stones and, if you are traveling in an are of the world with scorpions and sakes, it is used as an antidote to their venom.

Cardamom is being researched for its properties in treating and preventing inflammatory disease in the body, certain types of Cancer, unitary and gut disorders as well as it’s effect on lowering blood pressure.

Nutritional Qualities: High in: Potassium, Calcium, Magnesium, Copper, Iron and Manganese Niacin & Vitamin C

Simple Recipe: Licorice tea1 teaspoon licorice powder in 1 cup of hot water. Drink before a meal


Vata Churna Recipe

2 tablespoons cumin seeds2 tablespoons coriander seeds½ teaspoon cardamom seeds1 teaspoon ground licorice½ teaspoon ground ginger (dry)¼ teaspoon asafetida (hing)¼ teaspoon pink salt

Directions In a dry skillet, roast the cumin and coriander seeds until nutty.Transfer to a spice grinder and add cardamom seeds; process to a fine powder.Mix in ground licorice, ground ginger, asafetida, and salt.


Pitta Churna Recipe

2 Tbsp Whole Fennel Seeds2 Tbsp Whole Coriander Seeds2 Tbsp Whole Cumin Seeds1 Tbsp Ground Turmeric1 Tbsp Whole Cardamom Seeds2 Tbsp Chopped Fresh or Dried Mint Leaves1/4 tsp Ground Ginger1/4 tsp Ground Cinnamon1 Tbsp Raw Sugar DirectionsGently toast spices. Mix toasted spices together in an electric grinder, a spice mill or grind with a mortar & pestle. Pour mixture into a bowl, stir until well mixed.


Kapha Churna Recipe

2 Tbsp Whole Coriander Seeds1 Tbsp Whole Cumin Seeds1 Tbsp Whole Fenugreek Seeds1 Tbsp Ground Ginger (Dry)1 Tbsp Ground Turmeric (Dry)1 Tbsp Ground Cinnamon1 tsp Ground Clove1/2 tsp Black Pepper or Cayenne pepper DirectionsGently toast spices. Mix toasted spices together in an electric grinder, a spice mill or grind with a mortar & pestle. Pour mixture into a bowl, stir until well mixed.


Practical: Making your own spice mixes & using spices properly

Documents

The Yoga of Weight Loss: Lesson 6 Lesson Six: The importance of spices The YOGA OF WEIGHT LOSS 7 –week Metabolic Recalibration & Weight Management Program