Kitchen Remedies

Now that you have a very general idea of Ayurvedic medicine and the focus of food and diet in the balancing of health you can now take this information with you as you explore different approaches to health care, treating disease, and eating a nutritious diet. Below I have listed some of the kitchen remedies that are found in Ayurveda. I have focused my attention on those foods that have been discussed in previous expeditions to Bolivia and Brazil as well as some more common foods that you may find in your kitchen. As you read about these foods think about your constitution and how these foods could help balance your health based on Ayurvedic principles.

Almond

• contains a high percentage of protein and many nutrients and trace minerals
• In Ayurvedic literature almonds are considered; thermogenic, laxative, diuretic, antiinflammatory, and a nerve tonic. Popular as a brain tonic and body coolant.
• A medicinal use - to get relief from sprains, mix equal parts of almond oil and garlic oil and massage over the affected area.

Black Pepper

• Aids in digestion by increasing gastrointestinal movements and helps expel gas
• Dilates renal arteries and superficial capillaries of the skin, therefore causes profuse sweating and urination
• Can be used medicinally to treat asthma, headaches due to congestion, cough, eczema, obesity, excessive sleep, and pimples. However, to treat the pimples you need to mix pepper powder with ox-bile and I am unsure as to where you can purchase oxbile so we may not want to try that one right away.

Cardamom

• Aids in digestion, anti-spasmodic, and relieves flatulence. Helps relieve nausea and vomiting and improves circulation. Cardamom can be added to tea, coffee, and milk to counteract their negative properties such as caffeine toxicity and phlegm formation.
• Eating a ripe banana with cardamom before bed cures constipation

Coconut

• Described as the Tree of Heaven, which is fitting since almost every part of the tree has medicinal properties
• Exceptionally high in nutrients, used extensively in Ayurvedic medicine
• Coconut water has high concentrations of potassium and chlorine. Matches our systems so well that is can be used as IV fluid. Can be used to treat heart, liver, and kidney disorders. Great way to cure dehydration and restore electrolyte imbalance.
• Coconut oil is also versatile and can be used from cooking to sunscreen.

Common Salt

• We discussed salt extensively for the Bolivia expedition so it comes as no surprise that Ayurvedic medicine would also rely on the health benefits of salt.
• Maintains fluid balance of the body, decreases muscle irritability, maintains acid base balance, and osmotic pressure.
• Sucking on a crystal of salt with clove can be helpful in removing mucus during bronchitis, colds, asthma, and pneumonia.

Mango

• Again this fruit was discussed in a previous expedition and is also known in Ayurveda for all parts of the tree having medicinal properties.
• Unripe mangoes are commonly used to treat a variety of gastrointestinal problems and because of their exceptionally high vitamin C content are great at boosting the immune system and helping fight off infections. It is important to note that unripe mango must be consumed in very small amounts as an excess can have an opposite effect and cause irritation of the throat and stomach.