Kitchen Remedies for Common Problems (Part 1)

It is well-known fact that every country has traditional cures for common diseases. Similarly in India also home recipes are advocated by Vaidyas and Hakims since antiquity because of ease of preparation and devoid of any side-effects. Availability of basic ingredients easily in and around our surroundings makes it an easier choice. Famous compendiums of Ayurveda viz. Charaka Samhita, Susruta Samhita, Ashtanga Hridaya, Medieval works such as Vrindamadhava, Chakradutta, Vangasena, Sarangadhara Samhita, Nighantus as well as latest scientific print journals and e-journals have elucidated the advantages of ‘Kitchen Remedies’.

Nearly 20 herbs viz. Ajamoda, Ardraka, Sunthi, Hingu, Haridra, Jeeraka, Methi, Rajika, Dhanyaka, Lasuna, Palandu, Curry leaf etc. are the commonly available in every kitchen. These herbs are useful for the management of more than 20 different conditions such as indigestion, abdominal colic, common cold, cough, fever, diarrhoea, joint pains, hyper-acidity, urticarial rash etc. Below is a list of such herbs for common ailments.

1.  AJAMODA (Celery seeds) Apiumgraveolens (Umebelliferae)

  • External application of Ajwain oil is beneficial in Swollen and Painful Joints.
  • Hot poultice of the seeds is useful as dry fomentation for hands and feet.
  • Intake of Ajwain seed powder one TSF (Tea Spoon Full) + One TSF dried ginger + One pinch black salt relieves Flatulence, Abdominal colic, Indigestion and Diarrhoea.
  • Hyper Acidity can be relieved by the internal administration of one TSF Ajwain seed powder + Rock salt.
  • Chewing of Ajwain seeds results in aversion towards Alcoholic Addiction.
  • Intake of Ajwain seeds mixed with jaggary relieves Urticarial Rash.
  • Goat’s ghee processed with Yavakshara and Ajamoda is useful in Hoarseness of voice.

2.  ARDRAKA (Ginger) Zingiber officinale (Zingiberaceace)

  • Paste of Ginger + Turmeric relieves Boils.
  • Ear drops of Ginger juice relives Earache
  • Chewing of a small piece of ginger with little salt before meals improves the Appetite and Taste.
  • Juice of ginger with honey relieves Cold, Cough and Pratishyaya – Sarangadhara Samhita Madhyama Khanda (Sa.Sa.M.K..1/13)

3.  DHANYAKA (Coriander), Coriandrum sativum (Umbelliferae)

  • Intake the decoction of Dhanyaka, Sunthi and Erandamoola relieves Amavata (Sa.Sa. M.K.2/63,64).
  • Decoction of Dhanyaka and sour and salt drugs relieves Jwara and Chardi-Susruta Samhita Uttara Tantra (Su.Sa.U.49/30).
  • Intake of cold infusion of Dhanyaka with sugar relieves Daha and Trishna (Sa.Sa. M.K.4/7,8)

4.  HARIDRA (Turmeric) Curcuma longa (Scitaminaceae)

  • Vyanga: Haridra and RaktaChandana are made into paste with buffallo’s milk and applied externally
  • Slipada and Dadru Kustha: Haridra powder is taken with jaggary and Cow’s urine

Will give advantages of more such herbs in the next article. Stay Natural-Stay Healthy!