Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) is a perennial shrub that is also known as Indian ginseng or winter cherry. The root is the raw material used in medicine.
Ashwagandha roots are stout, long, tuberous, fleshy, and whitish-brown in color. They smell like a wet horse, which is why the name "ashwagandha" is derived from the words "ashwa" (horse) and "gandha" (smell).
Ashwagandha is used in Indian, Chinese, and Arabic traditional medicines. Practitioners use it as a general tonic to boost energy and reduce stress and anxiety. The root extract is recommended for medication and supplement purposes.
Ashwagandha might increase thyroid hormone levels. It should be used cautiously or avoided if you have a thyroid condition or take thyroid hormone medications.
Cumin seeds (Cuminum cyminum) are the dried seeds of the Cuminum cyminum plant, a member of the parsley family. They are ellipsoid, corrugated, greenish brown in color, and have a subtle odor and flavor. Cumin seeds can be used whole or as grounds.
Cumin seeds are used in many cuisines as a spice, flavoring agent, and food additive. They are a key ingredient in curry powders, seasonings for breads, cakes, and cheese, and in native dishes of Central and South America. Cumin seeds can also be cooked to add flavor to vegetables, rice dishes, and yogurt dressed salads.
Cumin seeds are a good source of iron, manganese, calcium, and magnesium. Cumin seeds are also used in traditional medicine as a stimulant, carminative, stomachic, and astringent.
Research has confirmed that cumin has health benefits such as:
Promoting digestion
Reducing food-borne infections
Promoting weight loss
Improving blood sugar and cholesterol levels.
Teja red chilies, also known as S17 type chilies, are a variety of Guntur chili that are mostly produced in southern India. They are known for their rich aroma, fierce hot flavor, and bright red color. Teja chilies are considered one of the hottest chilies in India.
Here are some characteristics of Teja chilies:
Pungency: 75,000â??110,000 SHU
Color: 50â??70 ASTA value
Capsaicin content: 0.50â??0.70% max
Size: Small size, normal seed content
Teja chilies are exported as whole dried red chilies or powder form. They are in high demand in both domestic and international markets. Teja chilies are also known for their strong flavor and ability to add color to curries and dishes.
Double polished turmeric is a powder that comes from the rhizomes of turmeric plants. The rhizomes are boiled in water and dried, and then ground into an orange-yellow powder.
Turmeric has many uses, including as a spice, food, cosmetic, and medicine. It's a staple in Middle Eastern and South Asian cooking, and gives curries their yellow color and flavor. It's also used as a coloring agent in cheese, butter, and other foods.
Double polished turmeric contains curcumin, a chemical that might reduce swelling. It has a warm, bitter taste.
Double polished turmeric can be used in medicinal oils, poultices, tonics, blood purifiers, and carminatives. It's also used as a painkiller and carminative.
