Five more ayurvedic herbs and spices

We gather five more ayurvedic herbal treatments and spices or herbs for his or her medicinal and aphrodisiac benefits.

Ginger root A pungent root stated to possess a warming action around the organs. Great for the digestion, ginger root encourages producing enzymes within the stomach and digestive tract. It may also help nausea by reduction of acidity within the stomach. Used externally, it relieves joint problems by drawing the bloodstream towards the surface and wearing down harmful toxins.

To alleviate nausea or heartburn, drop two slivers of raw ginger root into a mug of tepid to warm water.

Ayurvedic doctors believe a highly effective remedy for impotence is ginger root juice, honey and soft-boiled egg during the night for just one month.

How to locate it: Because the king of herbal treatments since it is good for the entire body, ginger root can be used in most Indian dishes.

Asafoetida Produced from the main and stem of the fennel-like plant, Asafoetida - or Devil's Dung - includes a strong, pungent aroma. Its warmth qualities stimulate this enzymatic glands to create enzymes and break lower food, so reducing wind and bloatedness.

How to locate it: Used like a seasoning combined with oil or ghee and spread over vegetable, lentil and pulse dishes.

Cloves This aromatic dried flower bud is an efficient antiseptic. Its therapeutic qualities help tooth pain because clove oil is able to numb the affected region.

Clove is an especially good healbot, specifically for fever blisters and clearing sore throats, since it calms lower chemical responses within the body's cells and tissue.

Its warmth qualities assistance to break lower poisons within the bloodstream. The cloves' sharp oil causes it to be a highly effective cold reliever by encouraging the expulsion of mucus.

Add two cloves to boiling water. Leave overnight to infuse and drink each morning.

How to locate it: Cloves are put into grain and are utilized to make ghee.

Cumin A cooling spice generally accustomed to help digestion by focusing on the enzymes within the stomach. In traditional Indian medicine, cumin can be used like a mouth facial cleanser since it encourages salivation within the mouth. Indians frequently chew it or gargle to cleanse the mouth following a meal.

How to locate it: Cumin is a vital curry base and can be found in mild Madras curries.

Cardomom

A great detoxer, cardomom helps eliminate the renal system since it is a diuretic - stimulating the need to urinate. Its cooling property neutralises the warming spices or herbs and thus calms the intenstines - particuarly for individuals characterised by pitta. A great over-all revitalising spice.

How to locate it: In tea, birianis and all sorts of Madras curries.

• If you wish to taste the health advantages of ayurveda on your own, browse the Ayurveda Food Festival at London's Mela restaurant, 152-156 Shaftesbury Avenue, London WC2 tel: 020-7836 8635 or visit world wide web.melarestaurant.co.united kingdom. For ayurvedic dietary advice contact Angela Hope-Murray on 0118 9332135.