"There has never been any great genius
without a spice of madness."
- Seneca the Younger
Using Spices for Gentle Daily Detox
Modern research is now taking notice of the incredible power of spices to support and bolster our health and immunity.
Spices are powerful antioxidants, anti-inflammatory, anti-aging and anti-cancer. They are ideal to help improve digestion by supporting your gut's microdome, and boosting your appetite (because they taste good!), digestion and metabolism. For are also essential to improve nutrient absorption of plant-based proteins.
This simple spice blend is designed to help safely detoxify the body-mind in a gentle and balancing way. It can also be adjusted to meet the needs of your dosha or season, using recommendations provided below.
Making a simple spice blend on the weekend (or whenever you have a little extra time) can quickly turn a simple meal into one that is fast, healthy, and tastes very gourmet and sophisticated.
Easy Detox Spice Blend
Ingredients:
2 tbsp organic ground turmeric
3/4 cup organic whole coriander seeds (or powder)
2 tbsp organic whole cumin seeds (or powder)
3/4 cup organic fennel seeds
Preparation:
HEAT: Turn on a cast iron pan (or dry skillet) on low to medium heat.
TOAST TO AWAKEN THE FLAVOURS: Toast the spices individually, starting with the seeds first. Measure each spice, toast gently until it becomes fragrant, then set aside. Powders need less time to roast, so you can do these second and keep a close eye on them. When you smell the spices, it means they are ready.
GRIND: You can grind using a mortar and pestle (where grinding each spice individually works best, or else in a coffee grinder or high-speed blender (where you can do they all together.
TASTE and enjoy....
Usage:
This simple blend can be used as a base to soups, curries, and stews while cooking, or added on top of your food before serving. Use approx 1/2 - 1 teaspoon per person, to taste.
Variations:
For inflammation: If you have a tendency toward hyperacidity or inflammation, increase the amount of fennel seeds to 8 tbsp - 10 tbsp
High estrogen: Reduce or avoid fennel If you have issues with high estrogen levels.
Notes:
As much as possible, try to use whole seed organic spices to get the full nutritional benefits, but you can also substitute powders in a pinch.
About the Author
Briya (Rachel) Freeman facilitates courses in meditation, ayurveda and modern spirituality. She is passionate about exploring the potentials of human consciousness in a way that respects, unites and transcends global culture and tradition.
Briya is a long-term student of Berdhanya Swami Tierra, a female mystic and shaman of South American origin. She also holds studies in ayurveda at Anjali School of Ayurveda (Kerala, India) and a Bachelor’s degree in Commerce from the University of Ottawa. She is the creator of Ayurveda for Vibrant Living, a practical exploration of the fundamentals of the science of self-healing. She can be reached at briyafreeman@gmail.com or at briyafreeman.com