Joanna James
Also referred to as the 'Spice Island', Sri Lanka is home to a variety of herbs and spices. Thus, most of the local cuisine is flavoured by these wonderful condiments. Discovering the various latent benefits of these spices and herbs, traditional Ayurvedic healing uses them for medicinal purposes.
A spice used extensively in local cuisine and Ayurveda, this has a sharp sweet taste the seeds, oil and extracts of cardamom are believed to lower blood pressure and provide relief for digestive issues thus you would note are used widely at your Ayurveda hotel in Sri Lanka.
A sought after spice, sticks of cinnamon are extracted by cutting the stems of the tree and removing the inner bark. With a nice aroma, cinnamon is supposed to reduce blood sugar and cholesterol levels as well as act as an antioxidant.
Considered the golden spice due to its golden hue, turmeric is used in the cuisine of many hotels such as Heritance Ayurveda. A spice also used in Ayurveda healing for thousands of years it has not lost its popularity or versatility as an immunity booster, anti-inflammatory agent and protective agent of heart health.
This fragrant spice is made by crushing the seeds of the plant, Cuminum Cyminum. Adding a rich flavour to curries and even fish and meat. As medicinal value cumin helps control cholesterol and blood sugar whilst supporting better digestion of food.
A herb native to Western Asia, southern Europe and the Mediterranean, Fenugreek seeds is ideal to treat irritable skin conditions and is supposed to maintain cholesterol levels, enhance the production of breast milk, ease heartburn conditions and inflammations.
A dainty plant with fan-shaped leaves growing wild around water, this is also called the 'herb of longevity. Known to enhance memory power and reduce irritable skin conditions such as eczema and psoriasis.
This wonder adaptogen as referred to in Ayurveda, (a natural herb that helps the body adapt to outside stressors) is used in many different forms in cooking as well as Ayurveda. Be it fresh, dried, powdered or even as an oil. There are multiple benefits to using this herb such as lower blood sugar, soothing the stomach and being an antidepressant.
This aromatic spice is widely used for seasoning, however, it is an important healing spice in Ayurveda as a cleanser and an antioxidant. Black pepper works as an agent carrying the benefits of other herbs and spices to various parts of the body. Thus it enhances digestion and circulation stimulating appetite and health of the joints in the body.
An aromatic spice to be used sparingly. Using grated fresh is more effective than using the powdered form of Nut Meg. A warming spice with a pungent taste. In Ayurveda, nut med is used as a sleep inducer, as a stimulant for appetite and digestion.
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