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• Food-July

Nature’s pharmacy

Naini Setalvad shares valuable information on some indigenous healing plants which can effectively take care of a multitude of ailments

I am so happy to see in the last few years, the use of natural herbs, spices, and condiments by allopathic practitioners the world over. The ones that I advocate are obviously the ones which are grown locally in India. 

I have always suggested to my clients the use of natural substances to reverse, retard, and prevent diseases. I remember, at the beginning of my practice, I had numerous clients who were taking a variety of pills for constipation, acidity, elevated cholesterol, breathlessness,  and colds and coughs. I would gently integrate the following natural ingredients into their food to wean them off drugs.

• Isabgul: Two spoons of Isabgul with water, taken before a meal over a period of a few months helps lower your cholesterol levels. I remember when I was on my weight loss journey and had elevated cholesterol levels, my medical practitioner had prescribed me Isabgul to lower by lipid levels. Consumed after meals with water, Isabgul helps in preventing constipation too.

• Ginger:  Chewing on ginger or drinking ginger juice has instant benefits in preventing nausea, morning sickness, and motion sickness. So, whether you are on the road, on the sea, or airborne, choose ginger. I personally ensure that I never travel without my dried or fresh ginger root pieces. Marinating them with lemon and salt may prove more beneficial for some. 

• Indian gooseberry: Amla is your go-to which will help you fight against diseases as it helps build up your immunity. Cutting your risk of colds and other viruses, this tiny berry is one of the richest sources of Vitamin C. Not only is it the world’s richest and cheapest source of Vitamin C, but it also balances stomach acids, strengthens the heart and lungs, and is anti-carcinogenic in nature. One can simply add it to their vegetable juices or cut it into tiny pieces, sprinkle some salt, let it dehydrate for a few days, and then munch on it between meals.

• Aloe Vera:  The plant of immortality has innumerable benefits, medicinal as well as cosmetic. Its high concentration of sulphur, silicon, iron, zinc, and manganese creates an alkaline reaction in the body. This plant has anti-parasital effects and high levels of antioxidants like Vitamin A, C, and E. Its anti-inflammatory properties prevent arthritis and joint pains. I advise my clients that each leaf should be sliced, and the healing inner gel may be eaten as is and may even be used externally as a lotion. It contains plant steroids and salicylic acid, whose effect works almost like an aspirin, preventing inflammation. Cosmetically, legend has it that Cleopatra attributed her beauty to the massaging of fresh aloe vera gel. It prevents sunburns and heals wounds, provides an instant facelift, and makes the skin tighter. I would call it the best emollient on earth.

• Turmeric: Turmeric is more precious than gold. This is truly an anti-ageing food which improves memory and prevents Alzheimer’s and dementia. It is also a powerful antioxidant, preventing cancer cells from multiplying, and is an antidote for the common cold and cough by preventing inflammation in the lungs. A powerful blood purifier, turmeric is a natural antiseptic working wonders both within and on the surface of your body. Even today, when I cut my fingers, I put turmeric on it. Applied on the face with lemon juice, it beautifies the skin.

• Chai (tea):  Ah, chai! Legend has it that one day when Buddha was meditating, he started feeling drowsy. So he plucked an eyelash to wake himself up, and that fallen eyelash grew into the first chai plant. A steaming hot cup of masala chai is an amazing pick-me-up, works as a laxative, and prevents headaches. It also improves memory and concentration. A good Indian chai has these healing condiments: green cardamom pods, cinnamon sticks, ground cloves, ground ginger, black peppercorn, and black tea leaves. Sweeten it with stevia if required.

• Eucalyptus: Inhale a few drops of eucalyptus oil from your handkerchief or from a pot of boiling water and see the instant relief you get from the common cold. A minuscule amount rubbed on your forehead relieves a congested nose.

• Clove: Whenever anyone comes to me with a toothache or gum pain, I instantly ask them to order clove oil from the chemist. Rub a bit of it on the painful parts or just simply take a clove and keep one on the tooth and suck on it. The pain will steadily decline.

• Garlic: A multifaceted condiment, it is crucial in the battle against cardiovascular diseases. I have used garlic for many of my clients to reduce their cholesterol levels, and it has worked like a miracle. No wonder, garlic is available as pills. I often prescribe the tiny garlic pearls from Jammu to prevent joint pains. The natural chemicals in the juice of garlic are so potent and penetrating, that they help dissolve accumulation of plaque in the arteries as well as mucous in the sinus cavities, bronchial tubes, and lungs. Garlic is an age-old remedy for deworming the body and is one of the reasons why the Mediterranean people have a low cancer rate, as their diet incorporates garlic.

• Camphor: Take a deep breath and inhale camphor pieces wrapped in a thin muslin cloth. Do this daily and see how you breathe more freely. No wonder, many inhalers contain camphor.

• Natural Salt: Rock salt or sea salt gargles or drops put through the nose clear your throat and nasal cavities of phlegm. 

• Marigold: Sip on a herbal infusion made from the yellow-orange petals of the marigold flower (medically known as Calendula) or apply fresh petals boiled in cold pressed oil on your inflamed varicose veins.

So, it’s your choice. Pop the pill or pop the food!

Marigold herbal infusion
Ingredients:

3 cups of water
Petals of 2 marigold flowers

Method:
1. On a low flame, boil the marigold petals in the water.

2. Let it come to a boil and let the colour change to a pale yellow.

3. Strain and drink this water.

Marigold and oil concoction
Ingredients:

Petals of 3 marigold flowers
100 ml cold pressed sesame oil or coconut oil
Calendula ointment

Method:
1. On a low flame, boil the marigold petals in the cold pressed oil.

2. Let it come to a boil and switch off the flame. 

3. On cooling, store this mixture in a dark bottle and keep it refrigerated.

4. Combine small quantities of this mixture brought to room temperature with 5 grams of calendula ointment and apply to inflamed varicose veins.