Cinnamon Powder, organic, half pound

Cinnamomum cassia

Cinnamon is,of course, a wonderfully aromatic and exciting spice, but it has potent medicinal value as well. In Ayurveda, it is used to kindle digestive fire and remove toxins from the gastrointestinal tract. It is an important ingredient in Chyawanprash, usually being added towards the end of preparation. It is used to promote deep assimilation of nutrients as well as to nourish the reproductive systems of both men and women. It is antibacterial and antiviral as well as antifungal.

Ingredients: certified organic Cinnamomum cassia bark powder.

Banyan Botanicals, $

Turmeric Powder, organic, half pound

Curcuma longa

Turmeric is what gives curry its yellow color. It is a member of the ginger family and grows throughout the tropics. It aids digestion, especially the metabolism of fats which it also protects from oxidation and rancidity. Turmeric is a blood cleanser and is antitumoral and antiscarring. It is also hepatoprotective and provides moderate relief from pain by depleting pain receptors on nerve endings. Curcuma longa is the source of curcumin. Its action is enhanced when combined with long pepper.

Ingredients: certified organic Curcuma longa root powder.

Banyan Botanicals, $

Fennel Powder, organic, half pound

Foeniculum vulgare

Fennel is also a cooking spice that is used both in European cuisine, especially aperitifs and cheeses, as well as Asian cooking, being found in the five seed mix of panch pharon as well as many medicinal preparations. Fennel is both a digestive spice and nervine. It is often candied and taken after meals to aid digestion. It promotes healthy urination and menstruation and makes a relaxing addition to tea taken before bedtime. Used orally, the seed decoction or extract prevents dental caries and periodontal disease.

Ingredients: certified organic Foeniculum vulgare powder.

Banyan Botanicals, $

Pippali Fruit Powder, organic, half pound

Piper longum

Long pepper is in truly an immense number of Ayurvedic formulas. It is considered to be an aid to digestion and rejuvenating. Because it is warming, it relieves mucus congestion and aids breathing. It nourishes the blood, nerves, and reproductive tissues. If relieves congestion in the biliary ducts and is used as a sedative for sleep disorders and epilepsy. Mainly however, pippali is carminative and used to promote proper assimilation of nutrients.

Ingredients: certified organic Piper longum fruit powder.

Banyan Botanicals, $

Clove Powder, wildcrafted, one pound

Syzygium aromaticum

Clove buds are one of the most powerful antimicrobial and antifungal spices known. The powder can be used in cooking, added to toothpaste or tooth powder to reduce sensitivity, especially where there are oral infections and inflammation. Cloves are not a traditional ingredient in Chyawanprash but they are added to most products sold on the market today. Cloves are chemo protective, the mode of action being that they aid detoxification from carcinogens.

Ingredients: wildcrafted Syzygium aromaticum powder.

Vadik Herbs, $

Ginger Root Powder, organic, half pound

Zingiber officinale

Ginger is both a culinary spice and medicine. It is most famous as the herb of choice for motion sickness and most types of nausea, including morning sickness and reactions to chemotherapeutic drugs. It is pacifying to vata and removes excess kapha and is therefore an excellent tonic for the lungs. It is an appetite and circulatory stimulant and is used in most joint formulas because of its anti-inflammatory effects. It is an inhibitor of platelet aggregation and prostaglandins.

Ingredients: certified organic Zingiber officinale root powder.

Banyan Botanicals, $

Cumin Seeds, organic, half pound

Cuminum cyminum

Cumin seeds can be used whole or ground. They are a popular ingredient in the cuisine of many cultures and are one of the spices that aids digestion without aggravating the pitta dosha. Cumin can be used for flavor or to remove toxins in the digestive tract. They can also be chewed after eating to freshen the mouth and promote the complete digestion of foods. The seeds are mixed with saliva and the liquid part is swallowed while the seeds are normally spit out after the taste is gone.

Ingredients: whole organic Cuminum cyminum seeds.

Banyan Botanicals, $

Shankhapushpi Powder, organic, half pound

Evolvulus alsinoides

Shankhapushpi is used to support proper functioning of the brain and nervous system. It achieves this without "jazzing" up the synapses so its action is calming but clarifying. It is said to promote higher cerebral functions as well as mental and emotional well being.

Ingredients: organic Evolvulus alsinoides powder.

Banyan Botanicals, $