Hindu Path

India is a land of fascinating colours and age-old traditions, which have been passed down through the ages. Allowing the glory of nature to infuse one with a glow of vibrancy and well-being dates back to time immemorial. Here are just a few ways in which different spices and herbs act as natural remedies that can help relieve minor ailments and also double up as a beauty regime, as the ingredients work well both internally and externally.

This blend of spicy and sweet tea is very effective for eliminating minor energy blocks in the area of the spine. If taken during the onset of a cold, it helps prevent chills from developing. This is a perfect pick-me-up for the nerves and it gives a feeling of euphoria similar to that experienced after drinking a few glasses of wine.

Boil a bowlful of water for five minutes. Add two teaspoons of either Darjeeling or black Chinese tea leaves, with three cloves, four black peppercorns, four green cardamom seeds, half an inch of crushed root ginger and half a cinnamon stick. Leave to simmer for two minutes. Add a little milk then remove from the heat and strain. Add a teaspoon of honey if desired.

Breakfast with a ‘punch’

Mung bean sprouts are particularly good for women’s blood and bone strength. They are an excellent source of protein, fibre, calcium and iron. Wheat bran is high in the B vitamins. Peanuts are not only high in protein but also contain fibre, lecithin, selenium, which help maintain endocrine health and fight stress. Add to that a mixture of holistic spices and protein-rich yoghurt and you are power packed for the day!

1. First make Chaat Masala: combine one teaspoon each of black pepper, sea salt, cumin powder, oregano, aniseed, asafoetida and cayenne powder.
2. Then, in a bowl, mix green mung bean sprouts, four tablespoons of alfalfa sprouts (which have been soaked in hot water for fifteen minutes), wheat flakes, four tablespoons roasted wheat bran, a handful of peanuts, chopped cucumber and tomatoes.
3. Sprinkle a pinch of the chaat masala, salt and coriander leaves to the mixture. Add yoghurt, one teaspoon of olive oil and stir. Enjoy a colourful, healthy bowlful of energy-boosting breakfast.

A ‘heady’ bath time experience

Lather up for a bath time indulgence. Start off by massaging yoghurt on your scalp with your fingertips. Gently rub in circular motions to stimulate blood circulation to the roots of your hair. Wash after half-an-hour for nourished glossy tresses. Yoghurt helps prevent dandruff formation and conditions hair at the same time.

Preparation

Mix two parts of sweet lime juice with one part whey of yoghurt. With a cotton ball, cleanse your face and then apply a face mask of gram flour, cream collected from the top of boiled milk, and a few drops of rose water. Remove after thirty five minutes for a fresh glowing face. The face pack removes clogged dirt from the pores and dead skin cells from the face.

In the bath tub, add a few drops of your favourite essential oil, a few cloves, cinnamon and one litre of milk to pamper your body. Allow your hair to dry naturally and gently pat your body dry with your hands rather than a towel. Apply castor oil on eyebrows for an intense dark appeal and glycerine mixed with rose water on lips for that luscious wet look.

An ‘arsenal’ of natural medication

Arm your home and hearth with an array of herbal spices and natural ingredients, which offer remedies and relief from common everyday ailments. These concoctions are not a replacement for a visit to your GP.

Anaemia

Sesame seeds are excellent for the treatment of anaemia. Roasted and ground to a powder form, they can be sprinkled on almost all food preparations.

Constipation

Wheat bran is a natural laxative. Taken daily it can help regulate bowel movements.

Blocked sinuses

Grind a paste of garlic, ginger, cumin seeds, cinnamon and red-hot chillies together. Just mix a dab of the paste in your favourite curry. It not only enhances the flavour of the dish, but does wonders to clear your sinuses.

Intestinal gas

Use kitchen spices to help relieve this unpleasant feeling. Throw in a teaspoon each of aniseed, cumin seeds, star anise and fennel seeds in a bowl of boiling water. Simmer for two minutes, then sprinkle cinnamon powder and sweeten with honey. For best results drink hot.

Minor cuts

A pinch of turmeric powder dabbed on a minor cut is beneficial, as turmeric is well-known and revered for its antiseptic properties.