A Hint of Spice

Benjamin Franklin said "Much Virtue in Herbs, little in Men.”
If you had been following my preceding posts about Indian Spices and their healing properties,you will have known the benefits of each of them.In this post I will give you information about Dill,Fennel and Ginger.

Dill

Dill seeds play a specific role in medicine.Dill seeds are often eaten after a meal,since they enhance the secretion of digestive juices,cleanse the mouth,and reduce flatulence.
The key benefits of Dill are-
  1.An infusion of seeds and water relieves colic and hiccups.
  2.Dill seeds soothe the stomach by enhancing the secretion of digestive juices.
  3.Relieves colds and flu.

Fennel Seed










Fennel is part of every Indian household's medicine chest.There are several varieties of fennel in India.The seeds when infused in water are given to infants to relieve wheezing,asthma,and colic,and to adults to reduce fevers and indigestion.Fennel seeds are also taken after meals as they act as breath freshener.
The key benefits are-
  1.It combats diseases of the chest,spleen and kidney.
  2.It reduces heat in the body.
  3.It provides an excellent remedy for stomach and intestinal disorders.

Ginger













This flavorful root has been used for centuries in Indian cuisine and medicine.Ginger has a hot,vibrant flavor and is an excellent aphrodisiac and digestive.It is good for rheumatism and relieves nausea.Chewing fresh ginger relieves sore throat and hoarseness.
The Key Benefits of ginger are-
  1.Combats cardiac disorders,since it has anti coagulant and anti cholestrol properties.
  2.Chewing fresh ginger cleanses the throat and tongue.
  3.Ginger tea warms the body and soothes fevers,motion sickness and nausea.

Bernard-Paul Heroux said "There is no trouble so great or grave that cannot be much diminished by a nice cup of tea." That is so so true.
The Indian word for Tea is "Chai" although in west it is more often referred as "Chai-Tea".I had to remind many friends and acquaintances ,that chai & tea refer to the same thing but alas.......you cannot correct everyone.Ask any Indian what Chai is to them.....For some it is drink to start your day fresh,for some others it is a much needed drink to give that drive away the mid day lethargy.For some others it is a way to meet new people,and for others it is to catch up with old friends.
Chai from India is a spiced milk tea that has become increasingly popular throughout the world. It is generally made up of:
• rich black tea
• milk
• a combination of various spices
• a sweetener

The spices are varied.....cardamom,ginger powder,cinnamon,cloves,black pepper etc.Chai Masalas are available in stores and believe me they make a marked difference in the taste of tea ,which has no spices.
Before I had purchased a coffee grinder,I used to buy the chai masala,but I always had the feeling that it lost it taste after some time even if I kept it in air tight conatiner.But then my coffee grinder is god send.Now I make the chai masala at home,once a month.That's what make it special!!!

INGREDIENTS
1 black cardamom pod
Seeds from 25 green cardamom pods
4 cloves
1/2 tea spoon fennel seeds (saunf)
1/4 teaspoon black peppercorns
1/4 teaspoon carom seeds(ajwain) - Optional
1 tea spoon dried, ground ginger powder(saunth)
1 tea spoon ground cinnamon powder

DIRECTIONS
1.Simple.....Put all the ingredients in a coffee grinder or if you have a magic bullet and grind the ingredients to a coarse texture.For 2 cups of tea you can use 1/4 tsp or more according to your taste.
'njoy!!!