Metabolism-boosting fat-burning spice mix is not just a hard-working super-powered digestion ignitor; This spice blend adds a beautiful aroma and taste to the dish and is very versatile.
Ajwain–pungent/very heating– (wild celery seed; also known as caraway, thymol, bishop’s weed, carom) – Stimulates digestion and eliminates toxins. Ajwain is a powerful decongestant for both the respiratory and digestive tracts. It clears out deep-seated Ama (a form of un-metabolized waste that cannot be utilized by the body*1) and revives abstracted and stagnant metabolic function. *2
Black pepper –pungent/heating– is one of the most potent digestive stimulants. It burns out Ama and cleanses the alimentary canal (energizing digestive fire to destroy toxins and digest food). It is an excellent antidote to cold food (like cucumbers) and excessive intake of raw food and salads.*2
Cardamom (green) – pungent/cooling – aids digestion, freshens mouth, helps with protein metabolism. Cardamom is one of the best and safest digestive stimulants. It awakens the spleen, stimulates samana vayu (balancing air), stimulates the mind and heart, and gives clarity and joy. Its quality is sattvic and it is particularly good for opening and soothing the flow of pranas (life energy) in the body. *2
Coriander and cumin are similar in properties. Both seeds are antidotes to hot and pungent foods; they increase digestion (1, 2, 3) and absorption of nutrients.
Coriander -sweet, astringent/cooling- relieves gas, binds toxins in the blood, protects from acidity.
Cumin –pungent, astringent/slightly heating- promotes weight loss (6, 7, 8), increases the activity of digestive enzymes, which speeds up digestion (4). It increases the release of bile from the liver, assisting with the digestion of fats and certain nutrients in your gut (5).
Ceylon cinnamon -sweet, pungent/heating- Promotes digestion. It is loaded with antioxidants. In antioxidant activity exceeds “superfoods” like garlic and oregano (30). In addition, it has potent anti-inflammatory properties (8, 9), reduces insulin resistance (31, 32), and lowers blood sugar (33, 34, 35), has anti-cancerous properties (36, 37, 38, 39, 40). Like ginger, it is almost a universal medicine. In addition, cinnamon helps with glucose and carbohydrate metabolism.
Fenugreek –pungent, bitter/heating– Fenugreek is a digestion-promoting seed. It regulates sugar and fat metabolism (9), supports the stamina of the liver and pancreas.
Kalonji –pungent, bitter/heating- (also known as Nigella sativa, black seed, black cumin) supports digestion, reduces mucous and bloating. Kalonji has a lot of benefits, including weight loss (13). The active components in kalonji seeds boost weight loss by affecting the expression of specific genes related to appetite control and fat loss (10, 11, 12)
Ginger -pungent/very heating- might be one of the most sattvic of spices. Known as “the universal medicine,” ginger improves digestion, breaks down fat in the stomach, reduces mucous, and helps with elimination. In addition, it supports weight loss (13) lowers blood sugar (14), and helps treat chronic indigestion (15).
Turmeric -bitter, pungent, astringent/heating- straightens digestion and helps improve intestinal flora. In addition, turmeric promotes proper metabolism in the body, correcting both excesses and deficiencies. It aids in the digestion of protein and breaks down fat in the liver. *2
Methods of Preparation
This spice mix can be made in two ways. You can make it as a raw spice blend or a dry-roasted one. I have both of them in my cupboard, and here is why. Even though ingredients are the same, they taste different, and the ways you use them when it comes to meal preparation are different.
Raw spice blends should be added at the beginning of the cooking process.
Dry-roasted spice blends are added to the recipes towards the end of the cooking process. Because the ingredients are pre-toasted, you can sprinkle the dry-roasted spice mix on the salad or add it to a dressing.
👩🏼🍳 THINGS I USED TO MAKE IT HAPPEN
These links will take you to a different website (like Amazon, etc.). If you purchase things you love using these links, I may receive a tiny commission that helps me to keep this project going at no extra cost to you. Thank you for supporting the Positive Pranic project.
So, here we go 🤗
- Coffee Grinder
seeds
- 3 tbsp coriander (seeds)
- 2 tbsp cumin (seeds)
- 1 tbsp fenugreek (seeds)
- 2 tsp ajwain (seeds)
- 1 tbsp kalonji (seeds)
- 1 tsp cardamom (seeds)
- 1 tsp black peppercorns
powders
- 2 tsp ginger (powder)
- 2 tsp turmeric (powder)
- 1 tsp Ceylon cinnamon (powder)
RAW METHOD*
- Mix all ingredients in the bowl, transfer the mixture into the electric grinder or spice mill and grind to a fine powder.
- Store in an airtight jar in a dark place**
DRY ROAST METHOD***
- Using a skillet, dry toast the spices. Fenugreek and cardmom can be roasted in the same pan. Ajwain and kalonji can also be roasted together. Coriander and cumin must be roasted in separate pans.Roast all on medium-low heat until fragrant, but don't let them brown. *****
- Transfer spices into a bowl immediately because even if you turn off the heat, they will continue cooking on a hot pan and might burn. While seeds are still hot, mix in cinnamon, ginger, and turmeric powders. Set aside to cool a bit.
- Grind to a fine powder using a coffee grinder****
- Place in an airtight spice jar and store in a cool, dark, dry place**
What about you?
Did you try this recipe? If yes, let me know how it went! Leave a comment below and share a picture of your spice mix on Instagram with the hashtag @positivepranic #positivepranic, so I can see your beautiful creation 🙂 or join the Positive Pranic Facebook group and share your pictures and experiences there 🙏
Be Alive 🌱,
❤ Love, Julia
Mindful Eating 🥢
see more spice mixes
REFERENCES
*1 Pole, Sebastian. Ayurvedic Medicine: The Principles of Traditional Practice. London: Churchill Livingston, 2006. Print. 44-46, 103-105.
*2 Dr. David Frawley and Dr. Vasant Lad. An Ayurvedic Guide to Herbal Medicine. Second revised and enlarged edition, 2001. Print 2008. p.155, 109, 150, 105
DISCLAIMER: The materials and the information contained on the Positive Pranic website are provided for general and educational purposes only and do not constitute any legal, medical, or other professional advice on any subject matter. None of the information on our videos is a substitute for a diagnosis and treatment by your health professional. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health providers prior to starting any new diet or treatment and with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. If you have or suspect that you have a medical problem, promptly contact your health care provider.
Can you use this mix to add to water to make a spice mix drink ?