Nettles: the Queen of minerals

Nettle is a herb that delivers a painful sting, so hikers tend to steer clear of it. But the leaves of this prickly plant pack a range of health-benefiting properties. Here's how this natural herb can be used as an alternative medicine and food. Nothing ore regarding that a fresh nettle pie or soup when we feel weak and need some herbal minerals and comfort.

Healing Properties
Nettle is particularly effective as a diuretic, so it helps

Brahmi: the herb of intelligence

A revered herb in India, this potent brain elixir has been known in Ayurvedic medicine to be a tonic for the brain. It enhances memory and cognition, boosts mental alertness, clarity and concentration and increases learning capacity.

Used by many students in India while studying for exams, Brahmi is touted as the herb for intelligence. It has been used for many different nervous system disorders, improving overall nervous system function. Current research is now supporting what has long been known by traditional healers about this mentally rejuvenating herb.

Elderberries: Close to your Lungs

Used for its antioxidant activity, to lower cholesterol, improve vision, boost the immune system, improve heart health and for coughs, colds, flu, bacterial and viral infections and tonsilitis. Elderberry juice was used to treat a flu epidemic in Panama in 1995.

Shatavary: The grace and the strength of the woman

One of the most powerful rejuvenating herbs in Ayurvedic medicine, Shatavari is commonly used in India for conditions affecting the female reproductive system, including the mood swings and irritation associated with premenstrual syndrome, as well as menopausal hot flashes.

Sometimes translated as “she who possesses 100 husbands,” Shatavari also has a reputation as a fertility-enhancing plant that improves the health of both male and female reproductive tissues.

Aswagandha: or the smell of a horse

Ashwagandha is one of the most vital herbs in Ayurvedic healing, has been used since ancient times for a wide variety of conditions, but is most well known for its restorative benefits.

In Sanskrit ashwagandha means “the smell of a horse,” indicating that the herb imparts the vigor and strength of a stallion, and it has traditionally been prescribed to help people strengthen their immune system after an illness. In fact, it’s frequently referred to as “Indian ginseng” because of its rejuvenating properties (although botanically, ginseng and ashwagandha are unrelated). In addition, ashwagandha is also used to enhance sexual potency for both men and women.

Your Daily Yoga

Your life style is not complete with a good physical movement Your diet will be stronger with a good digestive Yoga. The moon and sun salutations is a easy practice good for all doshas. Do a minumum of 3 rounds every morning and every evening.

Print this set will aid you to learn it correctly.

7 tips for a Successful Pesto

1.- Be sure that the herbs are washed and well dried before making pesto. Water will make it difficult to pound or puree the leaves.

2.- Season the finish pesto generously with salt to bring out the flavor of the herbs.

3.- Make sure all toasted nuts have been cooled to room temperature before pounding or processing. Warm nuts will make the pesto soggy.

Salsa Verde

All south American countries have a version of Salsa Verde. There are many variations on this sauce that any other. I really enjoy the licorice-y flavor on tarragon and chervil. Feel free to add fresh cilantro, rosemary, nettles, tulsi or your own personal favorite herb.

Olive, caper and mint Pesto.

I like those juice plump olives, available loose in deli stores for this pesto. I prefer the one that are not marinate in vinegar or are heavy on salt and other garlic sauce. Olives are fortifying for all doshas, as well as capers. Use this pesto not only over pasta, but add to marinates, mayonnaise, soups or top for open sandwich.

Mint, Parsley and Scallion Pesto

Grilled vegetables very much welcome pestos. This minty, cooling and digestive pesto is ideal for Pitta doshas. it is fortifying, invigorating and good for all ages.

Pine nuts, Basil and Parsley Pesto

 

The definition of pesto is not limited only to basil and cheese. Really any herb can be preserve in olive, coconut or sesame oil. A variation of herbs can be use for each dosha, as well as for certain health conditions. This classical pesto of basil and parsley with pine nuts add an dimension to any eggplant, zucchini, rice or salad. add more parsley in case of debility. You can also use the same recipe and add a 1 plum tomato, peeled, seeded and coarsely chopped for a more juicy pesto. Good for all doshas.

Cold Corn and Coconut Soup

Rather than cold, this soup is best served at room temperature on a hot summer’s day. Excellent for Pitta dosha. Add a Viveda spice mix for your dosha if you wish, or replace coconut milk with almond milk for Kapha and Vata doshas.  

Makes: 4 - 6 servings

Ingredients:

6         fresh cobs of corn

1 ½  cups  water

3 tsp Braggs

3 tsp coconut cream

1         avocado

        salt to taste

Directions:

Cut the grains of the corn off the cob. Place them in a blender with the water, Braggs and coconut cream.  Blend until creamy, strain (if needed) and serve with slices of avocado.  Add salt if necessary.  Serve intermediately to keep the corn enzymes.

Liver, Spleen, Gall Bladder rejuvenative Meal

Serve 4-5 people.
30 minutes.
V+, P K-

You can have this dish as a monodiet ( 10 days)  to recover from alcohol additions or to enhance the health and functions of liver, spleen and gall bladder. Serve with mung bean sprout salad as a meal.
It is also excellent for Pitta dosha, or for healing pitta conditions.

What is ayurverdic rejuvenation Therapy?

In order to keep inner stamina our doshas (constitution) need to be in balance and nourished. We are very eager to apply purification therapies and we forget that regeneration is as important as purification
(panchakarma).

Think about what are the factors that debilitates you, then apply the correct strategy. If you are lacking sleep then sleep is the most indicated therapy, if you are to self-centered them some service will help you. The key word is rejuvenation is nourishing which comes together with an attitude of care and respect for your nature.

Strawberry Chocolate jam

add jaggery or palm sugar instead of white sugar

Your concept of Jam won't be the same with this recipe. I don't use jams over bread any more, however over morning cereals is an exotic addition. This particular recipe use palm sugar and jaggery, so you can eat with confidence your sweets.

This recipe is fortifying for vatta dosha.
Kapha: add chilli or ginger.
Pitta: eat in moderation.

Ingredients:
4 cups organic strawberries clean and cut in slices.
2 tablespoons lemon juice.
1 tablespoon grated organic orange ring ( optional.)
3 tsp of satya spices heart blend ( main content is cocoa, chillies, cumin and 3 other spices.)

Sweet and sour Tamarid Chutney

This sweet and sour chutney can go over almost anything. It is traditional use in India over samosas or potatos.The sky is the limit with this chutney.

Tamarind (Tamarindus indica) alleviates vatha but increases kapha and pitta.

Dr. Seela Fernando, in her book Herbal Food and Medicines in Sri Lanka, says that tamarind is a common acid used largely in our diet, specifically in cooking meat. She dedicates an entire chapter to the curative value of tamarind.

Jaggery Spiced Walnuts

satyaspices.com

My Sunday ritual is to create spiced walnuts. They are a wonderful protein snack  and gratify my need of nutritional sugar. You can do this with any nuts, however I enjoy the texture of walnuts and the crunchy aspect that can be added to morning cereals, rice, stir fries and really almost any dish.
For kapha dosha use sunflower seeds or almonds.
For vatta use a mix of nuts.

Agua de Panela

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Panela is a sugar extract from sugar cane. It is a basic caloric food in Asia, India and South America. "Agua de panela" is a fortifying drink from Colombia.  It can be served hot or cold. Aguapanela is used as a base for coffee, hot chocolate and mixed with lime juice as medicine for the flu, a few hot panela tea can clear lungs and give energy. Served cold, Aguapanela with lime juice is great for hot summer days. Great for Pitta doshas and children.

Serve 5

Jaggery more than a natural sweetener

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What is jaggery

If you are not using jaggery in your cooking, this is the time where you can sustain your life style with a sweeter like no other.

When I refer to jeggery I am talking about a solid form of sugar made of sugarcane, or the date palm tree.

Cooling Aloe Rose Drink for Pitta Dosha

By Bala Freman

A sweet and refreshing elixir that is sure to please the most refined of Pitta doshas.
In Ayurveda, aloe vera gel is used as one of the most important tonics for the female reproductive system, the liver, and regulating pitta dosha. It has antisepting and anti-inflammatory qualities, is cooling for the body and soothes for dry or blemished skin.

Dandelion flower buds in ghee and Lemon.

satyaspices.com

Dandelions is not only a remedy but a food that can empower your vitality, digestion and weight  control. This generous plant, offer root, leaves and flowers to be prepare in different forms.

Here one of my favorite dish using the spring flower buds. Great for all doshas, specially for pitta and for pitta conditions like inflammations.

This food is low in Saturated Fat, and very low in Cholesterol. It is also a good source of Folate, Magnesium, Phosphorus and Copper, and a very good source of Dietary Fiber, Vitamin A, Vitamin C, Vitamin E (Alpha Tocopherol), Vitamin K, Thiamin, Riboflavin, Vitamin B6, Calcium, Iron, Potassium and Manganese.

Cacao and Blueberry Salad

A quick and nutrient-packed summertime snack that’s great for all doshas. Cacao beans are full of nutrients and antioxidants, and support the circulatory system and lower cholesterol.  The bean is also known to enhance your mood, improve your focus and suppress a cough!  Cacao is stimulating (can increase Vata), heating (increasing Pitta) and can be fattening (increasing Kapha) if taken in excess, but delicious in moderation.

Ingredients:

½ cup organic or local blueberries (tridoshic)

2 tbsp raw cacao nibs

1 tbsp hemp seeds (omit for Kapha)

Directions:

Throw together in a bowl and enjoy with a spoon.

Digestive Green Pesto

This elegant pesto is both light and satisfying, making great use of kale and any herbs you may have left in the kitchen. Ideal for Pittas and Kaphas. We’ve omitted garlic and onion from the recipe to support your meditation.

Makes: 2 ½ cups

Ingredients:

3 cups         chopped kale

4 stalks         chopped celery

1 handful chopped fresh herbs (basil, coriander, nettles)

2 tbsp         walnuts or sunflower seeds, toasted to enhance flavor

½  tsp         nutritional yeast

1         lemon or lime (juice & skin)

4 tbsp         olive oil (to taste, or more, depending on the consistency

2 tsp maple syrup (optional)

        salt to taste

Directions:

Blanch kale and celery on a stove for 3-5 minutes, then combine all ingredients in a food processor for about 2 minutes. Taste and see if it needs more of something, like salt or nutritional yeast. Serve while still warm over basmati rice or the grain of your choice, including quinoa (Vata- and Kapha-reducing), barley (Pitta- and Kapha-reducing) or millet (Kapha-reducing).  Also lovely on salad or cooked veggies!

Variations: 

You can vary the greens to suit your taste. Vatas can choose almonds, pecans, pine nuts or walnuts. Sunflower seeds are tridoshic. Lemon is best for Vata and Kapha (heating) and lime is best for Pitta. Sun dried tomatoes are also a lovely addition. 

Enjoy!