The Kitchen seen as an Intensive Care Unit

Ayurveda emphasises on food more than medicine. As goes the common Indian saying that “Jaisa khayein ann, vaisa payein mann “. You are what you eat is the highest expression about importance of food. Hippocrates said, “Let food be your medicine”. If food is to be used as medicine then Kitchen is the laboratory to prepare that. Other stalwarts and visionaries of Ayurveda like Mahrishi Vagbhatt referred to the Kitchen as ‘Aushadhalya’ or hospital. Known as the father of Ayurveda, Acharaya Charak said ‘Ahara Vihar’; Ahara is a most important pillar of life. Acharya Sushruta said ‘human body is a product of food and food is harbinger of happiness and suffering.’

In modern prospective food can be linked to neurotransmitters in the brain. The most important transmitters serotonin and dopamine, are products of food consumed. The use of Kitchen spices is a healing art known to our ancestors through intuition, experience and wisdom. Spices are used in combination to enhance the aroma of foods as well as support gastrointestinal health. It is a scientific fact that 60 to 70% of immune system is located in digestive tract. If your digestion is strong then there is less probability of disease.

Time and again it has been observed that right combination of herbs is better than a single herb alone. Synergy of particular herbs boosts their individual powers. And the best combinations are the ones that work on all three pathways or doshas Vata, Pitta and Kapha. That’s why spices are not meant for use individually but in combination for maximum benefits. Some synergistic combinations which have stood the test of time are turmeric (Haldi) with milk; honey with lemon water, garlic with ginger and cloves is cinnamon. These are just few examples to quote.

Spices combined correctly can go a long way to protect your health. Below are some more effective combinations of spices which target all three pathways, as is the goal of Botany Bay Herbs with its medicines.

Five power-combinations:

• Turmeric (Haldi) and Black pepper with milk represents one of the most functionally versatile combinations. It can be used in muscular diseases, wound-healing, respiratory diseases and even as an antidepressant.
• Cloves, cinnamon and fenugreek can be highly effective in diabetes control and peripheral neuropathy. This combination can also be used in to manage dental problems and respiratory diseases.
• Lemon, honey and ginger combination is one of the best natural solutions for respiratory infections and common colds. If used timely it can help defer an antibiotic course.
• Honey, ginger and red chillies mixture act as an analgesic for treating anybody pains. It can also be beneficial for fighting obesity.
• Fenugreek, turmeric and black pepper can be used as a hair tonic to grow hair, greying of hair and hair fall.