If you haven’t discovered Pukka Herbs, their amazing Ayurvedic supplements, and delicious life-enhancing teas, then you are definitely missing out on simple, delicious, inspiring ways to revolutionise your health.
Organic Ashwaghandha – The Ginseng of India
The perfectly symetrical flower of a mature organic Ashwagandha plant
The roots of Ashwagandha have been used in Ayurveda for over 2000 years
Malarayappa, an organic Ashwagandha farmer from North Karnataka
Ashwagandha has a gentle anti viral action, and helps to boots the immune system. It is ideal for those times when life is particularly demanding, and you need some gentle, organic rocket fuel. Ashwaghanda is called the Ginseng of India, and has been used safely for centuries as a tonic and adaptogen, which is said to impart the strength of the stallion. Whilst I haven’t noticed any sudden equine tendencies, or a liking for hay or Kendal Mint Cake, Ashwaghanda does works in the most subtle way to increase stamina, energy and clarity and leaves me feeling very serene.
Organic Aloe Vera Juice – An Elixir of Life
The Indian name for Aloe Vera is 'Kumari' meaning ‘young maiden’, referring to the traditional belief in its rejuvenative powers
Aloe harvesters at work in Texas, where two or three leaves per plant are harvested by hand once a year on a sunny dry morning
Turmeric, a member of the ginger family, native to tropical south Asia
The distinctive deep yellow of a freshly harvested turmeric rhizome
An organic Turmeric farmer in Sri Lanka shows the freshly harvested root
Finally, my third can’t live without discovery is miraculous Turmeric. There is plenty of excitement about this antioxidant-rich, remarkable spice. Sebastian says: “Turmeric is a wonderful spice that should be used everyday. It is very useful remedy to help maintain healthy joints, circulation, and it’s a great skin beautifier, because it purifies the blood. It directly inhibits the enzymes that cause inflammation in the body and can be used wherever there is pain in the joints, shoulders and back.”
Interestingly, scientists have also recently discovered that it has a preventive action with bowel cancer. I can tell you that it is also great for settling an upset stomach and has cleared up a nasty patch of dermatitis on my legs.
To celebrate the brilliant powers of turmeric and Ashwaghanda, Sebastian has given me the recipe for one of his favourite drinks: Golden Milk. I can tell you that it tastes absolutely delicious and sent me off into a blissful, restful night’s sleep.
Sebastian Pole’s Golden Milk Drink
Recipe:
1 cup almond or rice milk
2 tsp organic almond powder
2 cardamom pods
1/4 tsp turmeric
pinch of nutmeg
Heat, and add 1 tsp honey
Take with 1-2caps organic Ashwagandha at night
This helps to nourish the nervous system, reproductive system and helps you sleep. Pure Bliss!
Try it, and tell us what you think. To buy any of the featured Pukka Herbs Products go to www.pukkaherbs.com
© Alison Jane Reid January 2011
{ 5 comments… read them below or add one }
Interesting ideas for new things to have a go at growing! It’s surprising how many good things are in quite common fruit and veg. Blackcurrants are as good as the fashionable goji berries, easy to grow, and taste much better, a great source of vitamins and other things I can’t remember now; also Indian Mustard (Brassica juncea) which I usually bring to the produce market, is rich in antioxidants among other things.
Ken
Pukka Tea is fantastic – and doesn’t Sebastian look like Jemaine Clement from Flight of the Conchords?
I LOVE Pukka teas – Relax is my fave, so delicious! Great company & ethos too…nice piece.
great article! Seb as a 60′s rock icon, perfect, & you’ve picked some firm Pukka fav’s! Retweeting RIGHT NOW! Happy Fri
The Pukka Family
Hi Sebastian and Tim,
Since meeting you guys, I have become really interested in Ayurveda, the ancient medicine of India. I love the fact the nature has most of the answers for radiant health and wellbeing. Then Pukka delivers nature’s medicine cabinet in the delicious form of teas, amazing superfoods and dynamic spices. And let’s not forget how pretty and cool the packaging is!
So what’s next? Very Best Wishes, Ms Ethical Hedonist