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Organic Spices |
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Organic Amaranth ( Amaranthus) |
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Amaranth
is used in various cultures in some very interesting ways. In Mexico it
is popped and mixed with a sugar solution to make a confection called
"alegria" and milled and roasted amaranth seed is used to create a
traditional Mexican drink called "atole. In both Mexico and Peru the
amaranth leaves are gathered then used as a vegetable either boiled or
fried. In India amaranth is known as "rajeera" (the King's grain) and
is popped then used in confections called
"laddoos,". Amaranth can be cooked as a cereal, ground into flour,
popped like popcorn, sprouted, or toasted. The seeds can be cooked with
other whole grains, added to stir-fry or to soups and stews as a
nutrient dense thickening agent. Amaranth flour is used in making
pastas and baked goods. It must be mixed with other flours for baking
yeast breads, as it contains no gluten. One part amaranth flour to 3-4
parts wheat or other grain flours may be used. In the preparation of
flatbreads, pancakes and pastas, 100% amaranth flour can be used. |
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Organic Ajwain Seeds ( Trachyspermum ammi L. Sprague ) |
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Ajwain
is a popular spice throughout India . It used in savory snacks like
Farsan. Ajwain seeds are found in most Indian households due to their
medicinal properties. Ajwain is considered to be an effective medicine
for treating indigestion. Ajwain goes well with fish and curries. It
has a strong aroma when crushed. Otherwise, the seeds have little
aroma. It has hot taste and burning feeling on the tongue. I n India ,
where vegetables are popular since they provide a source of protein to
the many vegetarians, they are commonly flavoured with a perfumed
butter frequently containing ajwain. This seemingly simple preparation
is much more sophisticated than sheer heat treatment, since most aroma
compounds in spices are lipophilic and dissolve much better in fat than
in water. Thus, frying in butter not only enhances the fragrance
because of the high temperature, but also extracts the flavour to the
fat, whence it can be dispersed throughout the food efficiently. |
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Organic Garlic (Allium sativum ) |
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Garlic
has a powerful pungent or "hot" flavor when raw, which mellows
considerably when it is cooked. Raw or cooked, garlic is noted for its
strong characteristic odor, and for giving those who eat it a
distinctive breath odor as well. Garlic is most often used as a
seasoning or a condiment. When crushed or finely chopped it yields
allicin , a powerful antibiotic and anti-fungal compound ( phytoncide
). It also contains alliin , ajoene , enzymes , vitamin B ,
minerals , and flavonoids . Garlic cloves continue to be used by
aficionados as a remedy for infections (especially chest problems),
digestive disorders, and fungal infections such as thrush . They are
claimed to be an effective long-term remedy for cardiovascular problems
reducing excessive blood cholesterol levels, atherosclerosis , the risk
of thrombosis , and hypertension. Garlic is also alleged to help
regulate blood sugar levels, and so can be helpful in late-onset
diabetes . |
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Organic Ginger ( Zingiber Officnale Roscue ) |
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It
is one of the important spices all over the world and India is the
largest producer, consumer and exporter in the world. Ginger of
commerce is dried rhizome. It is marked in different forms such as raw
ginger, ginger powder , ginger oil, ginger oleoresin, gingerale, ginger
candy, ginger beer, ginger wine, ginger squash, ginger flakes. It is
used in food , beverages, confectionery and medicine.
It is one of the most popular flavouring agents known and used in
confectionery . It is also used as preserved ginger, ginger candy, and
as a caraminative and digestic stimulant. As a condiment , it is
extensively used in culinary preparations. |
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Organic Kalonji Seeds (Nigella sativa ) |
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Now
a days, it is cultivated throughout India , whereas it is wildly grown
too. Seeds are triangular in shape, black in colour and possess a
severe pungent smell, contain a considerable amount of oil. kalonji
removes the obstruction of any part of the body, expels the gases and
strengthens the stomach. It is Emmenagogue, Lactogogue and Diuretic. It
is an Anti-Helminthic, if taken with vinegar. It is useful in chronic
cold. Inhalation of its smell is useful in common
cold. The oil of Kalonji is effective in Alopecia. Half teaspoonful, if
boiled in water and taken, is helpful in Asthma and diffuses the toxic
effects of Bee and Wasps. Continuous use of kalonji is effective in mad
dog bites. Fumigation of kalonji is useful in Respiratory Diseases. It
is useful in Paralysis, Facial Palsy, Migraine, Amnesia and
Palpitation. It is also an Expectorant and Antipyretic. It normalizes
the secretions of stomach and pancreas.
This phenomenon is very much effective and significant in the treatment
of Diabetes Mellitus. It expels the Kidney and Urinary Bladder stones,
if taken with the syrup of honey. It is effective in Jaundice if taken
with milk. Its powder if taken with water is effective in treating
Haemorrhoids. If Kalonji seeds are boiled in vinegar and this solution
is applied on Gums and Teeth, it removes the Inflammation of the gums
and relieves the pain also.It is also reported that its fine powder is
effective if applied in early stages of Cataract. Kalonji is also used
in Skin disorders. The oil of the seeds is also effective in Earache.
If it is taken with Qust Sheering after breakfast and dinner, it is
effective in chronic Dysentery and Asthma |
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Organic Onion (Allium ) |
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Onions
are available in fresh, frozen, canned, and dehydrated forms. Onions
can be used, usually chopped or sliced, in almost every type of food,
including cooked foods and fresh salads, and as a spicy garnish; they
are rarely eaten on their own but usually act as accompaniment to the
main course. Depending on the variety, an onion can be sharp and
pungent or mild and even sweet. They appear to be at least somewhat
effective against colds, heart disease, diabetes , osteoporosis , and
other diseases and contain anti-inflammatory , anticholesterol,
anticancer, and antioxidant components such as quercetin . |
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Organic Oregano (Origanum vulgare) |
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Oregano
is an important culinary herb. It is particularly widely used in Greek
and Italian cuisines . It is the leaves that are used in cooking, and
the dried herb is often more flavourful than the fresh. It is a conditio sine qua non in Italian cuisine. It is used in tomato sauces, fried vegetables and
grilled meat. Oregano combine nicely with pickled olives, capers and
lovage leaves. Unlike most Italian herbs, oregano works with hot and
spicy food. Oregano adds flavour
to the Greek salad and is usually used separately or added to the
lemon-olive oil sauce that accompanies almost every fish or meat
barbecues and some casseroles. Oregano is high in antioxidant activity,
paticularly due to a high content of phenolic acids and flavonoids . |
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Organic Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis ) |
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The
fresh and dried leaves are used frequently in traditional Mediterranean
cuisine as a herb ; a tisane can also be made from them. They are
extensively used in cooking
, and when burned gives off a distinct mustard smell. Rosemary has been
found to be a stimulant and mild analgesic , and has been used to treat
headaches , epilepsy , poor circulation , and many ailments for which
stimulants are prescribed. Can be used as a disinfectant, as a mouth
wash and to treat fever or rheumatism. it can be used in hair lotions a
few drops of Rosemary oil massaged into the scalp then rinsed with an
infusion of nettles can revitalise the hair.
Used in this manner it supposed to prevent premature baldness. Rosemary
is also reported to stop dandruff. it can be used in hair lotions a few
drops of Rosemary oil massaged into the scalp then rinsed with an
infusion of nettles can revitalise the hair. Used in this manner it
supposed to prevent premature baldness. Rosemary is also reported to
stop dandruff. |
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Organic Senna Leaves ( Cassia angustifolia ) |
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Senna
is a powerful cathartic used in the treatment of constipation , working
through a stimulation of intestinal peristalsis. It is vital to
recognize, however, that the constipation is a result of something else
and not the initial cause and that this has to be sought and dealt
with. Senna is mainly for severe constipation, the constipation
following a fever or for clearing Pitta from the small intestines.
It is also used in hypertension and obesity.
• Senna leaf is a strong anthraquinone- containing purgative that is used only in acute constipation.
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Though senna is a laxative, which theoretically should be good for
vata, it is a peristalsis enhancer that will provoke vata in the long
run through its bitter taste and cold energy.
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Because of its substantial squeezing action, senna is usually used
along with carminative herbs, such as ginger and fennel. |
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Organic Star Anise ( Glycine max ) |
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Beans are classed as pulses whereas soybeans are classed as oilseeds . The word soy is derived from the Japanese word shoyu . Soybeans
can be broadly classified as "vegetable" (garden) or field (oil) types.
Vegetable types cook more easily, have a mild nutty flavor, better
texture, are larger in size, higher in protein, and lower in oil than
field types. Tofu and soymilk producers prefer the higher protein
cultivars bred from vegetable soybeans originally. The bulk of the
soybean crop is grown for oil
production, with the high-protein defatted and "toasted" soy meal used
as livestock feed. Soybeans are also the primary ingredient involved in
the production of soy sauce . In processing soybeans for oil extraction
and subsequent soy flour production, selection of high quality, sound,
clean, dehulled yellow soybeans is very important. Soybeans are a
source of complete protein . A complete protein is one that contains
significant amounts of
all the essential amino acids that must be provided to the human body
because of the body's inability to synthesize them. Infant formulas
based on soy are used by lactose-intolerant babies; and for babies that
are allergic to human milk proteins and cow milk proteins. The formulas
are sold in powdered, ready to feed, or concentrated liquid forms. |
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Bird Feed |
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Niger Seeds |
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Niger
Seeds ( Niger seed is a favorite food of Goldfinches. It resembles
small grains of wild rice and has a high fat and protein content. Niger
is also known as thistle. Many people think they will be growing
thistle weeds in their yard if they offer this seed. In fact, niger is
not a thistle at all. It's the seed of the niger plant native to
Ethiopia . Niger seed sold as birdseed is heated to prevent it from
germinating. Tube type feeders with small openings are used as Niger or
"Thistle" feeders. |
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Pulses |
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Arhar ( Cajanus cajan ) |
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It
is one of the important traditional crop of India. It is a highly
nutritious and rich in protein , carbohydrate , fibre and minerals.
Traditional Toor is a delicacy and is cooked in festivals and special
occasions. It is known for its enhanced taste. |
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Chick Peas ( Cicer arietinum) |
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Mature chickpeas can be eaten in salads, cooked in stews, ground into a flour called gram flour (also known as besan ,
and used in Indian cuisine ), ground and shaped in balls and fried as
falafel , stirred into a batter and baked to make farinata , cooked and
ground into a paste called hummus , or roasted, spiced and eaten as a
snack (e.g. leblebi ). In India, where they are referred to as "chana,"
chickpeas provide a major source of protein in a predominantly
vegetarian culture. Unripe chickpeas are often picked out of the pod
and eaten as a raw snack in many parts of India , and the plants are
eaten there as a green vegetable in salads . chickpeas are said to have
a very low glycemic making it good for many people with blood sugar
problems. |
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Urad ( Black Gram ) |
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It
is grown in the uplands of an altitude of 1000 - 1500m above sea level.
It is commonly cultivated for pulse and various preparations of Urad
have ritualistic. |
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Masoor ( Horse Gram ) |
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Grown
over a wide range of soil. It has also renowned for its perceived
medicinal properities used for relief from arthritis and kidney stones.
The whole is soaked then fried or boiled to make dal or soup. |
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Moong dal |
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Moong
dal/dahl in particular is very easy to digest. dal/dahls take on
seasonings and spices very well. dal/dahl is a very comforting food
just like chicken soup. In Malaysia a sweet porridge served warm has
mung beans as its base, then palm sugar and coconut milk are added.
Friend of the heart. Diets rich in whole grain foods and other plant
foods low in total fat, saturated fat and cholesterol, may reduce the
risk of heart disease and some cancers. |
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Rajma ( Red Kidney Beans ) |
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Dark Red Kidney Beans are large and kidney-shaped with a deep glossy red color. They have a solid flavor and texture. |
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Oil |
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Castor Oil ( Ricinus communis ) |
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Castor oil is a vegetable oil obtained from the castor bean . castor oil production goes into medical or health store products. It is used to ease constipation and as an emetic to induce vomiting . Consumption of large amounts of castor oil (below lethal doses, such as one bottle) can induce labor in near-term pregnant women. Castor oil and its derivatives have applications in the manufacturing of soaps , lubricants , hydraulic and brake fluids , paints , dyes , coatings , inks , cold resistant plastics , waxes and polishes, nylon , pharmaceuticals and perfumes . |
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Neem Oil (Azadirachta indica ) |
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Neem oil is a vegetable oil pressed from the fruits and seeds of Neem ( Azadirachta indica ), an evergreen tree which is endemic to the Indian sub-continent and has been introduced to many other areas in the tropics. Neem oil is not used for cooking purposes but, in India and Bangladesh , it is used for preparing cosmetics (soap, hair products, body hygiene creams, hand creams) and in Ayurvedic , Unani and folklore traditional medicine, in the treatment of a wide range of afflictions. Neem include the treatment of fever, leprosy , malaria , ophthalmia and tuberculosis . Neem include use as an anthelmintic , antifeedant, antiseptic , diuretic , emmenagogue , contraceptive , febrifuge , parasiticide, pediculocide and insecticide. |
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Rosemary Oil ( Rosmarinus officinalis ) |
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Extracts
of rosemary are often found in proprietary soaps, perfumes, toilet
waters and hair preparations. As a hair treatment, since massaging the
scalp stimulates the circulation, helps decrease dandruff and
encourages hair growth, massaging using one part rosemary oil. Rosemary
contains compounds that will retard the breakdown of acetylcholine, a
neurotransmitter (brain chemical) playing a key role in cognition and
reasoning. As these compounds can be absorbed through the skin, regular
use of a rosemary shampoo, either a commercial one or rosemary tincture
added to a herbal shampoo could prove beneficial. |
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Thyme Oil ( Thymus serpyllum ) |
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Thyme
is used for flavoring cheeses, soups, stews, stuffings, meats, fishes,
dressings, sauces, and honey. The essential oil and oleoresin of thyme
are also used in the flavor and food industries. The oil is used in the
flavoring of toothpaste, mouthwashes, and cough medicines. The oil is
also used in the manufacture of perfumes and cosmetics. Thyme has
antioxidant properties. As a medicinal plant, thyme has traditionally
been considered an anthelmintic, antispasmodic, carminative,
emmenagogue, expectorant, rubefactient, sedative,
stimulant, and tonic. The plant has been used as a folk medicine
against asthma, arteriosclerosis, colic, bronchitis, coughs, diarrhea,
and rheumatism. Thyme has been used to promote perspiration. |
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Starch |
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Arrowroot (Maranta arundinacea) |
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Arrowroot
is used as an article of diet in the form of biscuits , puddings ,
jellies , cakes , etc., and also with beef tea , milk or veal broth ,
noodles in Korean cuisine, or boiled with a little flavoring added, as
an easily digestible food for children and people with dietary
restrictions. |
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Maize ( Zea mays ) |
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The
primary use for maize is as a feed for livestock , forage, silage or
grain. Silage is made by fermentation of chopped green cornstalks. The
grain also has many industrial uses, including transformation into
plastics and fabrics. Some is hydrolyzed and enzymatically treated to
produce syrups, particularly high fructose corn syrup , a sweetener,
and some is fermented and distilled to produce grain alcohol .
Grain alcohol from maize is traditionally the source of bourbon whiskey
. Increasingly ethanol is being used at low concentrations (10% or
less) as an additive in gasoline ( gasohol ) for motor fuels to
increase the octane rating, lower pollutants, and reduce petroleum use.
Sweetcorn is a genetic variation that is high in sugars and low in
starch that is served like a vegetable . Popcorn is kernels of certain
varieties that explode when heated, forming a fluffy piece and are
eaten as a snack. |
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Ayurvedic Formulations |
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Amla ( Emblica Officinalis ) |
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It
is a tonic, has a haematinic and lipalytic function useful in Scurvy
and Jaundice, prevents Indigestion and controls acidity as well as it's
a natural source of anti-ageing. It is one of the supplement used in
hyperacidity and Liver disorders. It stops premature greying or
hair-loss, encourages nail and hair growth, improves eye-sight,
cleanses the mouth, nourishes the teeth, bones. Cleanses the intestine and regulates blood sugar.
Benefits of Amla
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Enhances production of Red Blood Cells. Strengthens teeth, hair and nails.
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Regulates Blood Sugar and prevents lipid peroxidation in cell membranes.
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Very Powerful anti-inflammatory herb. Useful in hemorrhoids, gastritis and colitis.
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Useful
in eye problems especially in inflammations. Having been shown to
improve nearsightedness significantly in recent studies, amla is the
most frequently used cataract medicine. Amla is a potent inhibitor of
free radicals, which are one cause of cataracts.
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Prevents premature greying of hair and makes them strong and free from dandruff.
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Increases all-round immunity in the body against heart and nervous disorders.
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Bahada / Harida / Honey |
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Honey
is significantly sweeter than table sugar and has attractive chemical
properties for baking. Honey has a distinctive flavor which leads some
people to prefer it over sugar and other sweeteners . Liquid honey does
not spoil. Because of its high sugar concentration, it kills bacteria
by plasmolysis . Natural airborne yeasts cannot become active in it
because the moisture content is too low. Natural, raw honey varies from
14% to 18% moisture content. As long as the moisture content
remains under 18%, virtually no organism can successfully multiply to
significant amounts in honey. The main uses of honey are in cooking ,
baking, spreading on bread or toast, and as an addition to various
beverages such as tea . Because honey is hygroscopic (drawing moisture
from the air), a small quantity of honey added to a pastry recipe will
retard staling. Raw honey also contains enzymes that help in its
digestion , several vitamins and antioxidants . Honey is the main ingredient in the alcoholic beverage mead , which is also known as honey wine , and metheglin. It is also used as an adjunct in beer . |
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Heena (Lawsonia inermis) |
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Henna is used as a dye , particularly in hair coloring , and temporary body art known as mehndi . The
dye is extracted from the dried leaf and petioles of the plant. Mehndi
is the application of henna as a temporary form of skin decoration.
Henna paste is usually applied to the skin using a plastic cone or a
paint brush, but sometimes a small metal-tipped jacquard bottle used
for silk painting is used. The affected area is then wrapped with
tissue, plastic, or medical tape to lock in body heat, creating a more
intense colour on the skin. The wrap is worn overnight
and then removed. The final colour is reddish brown and can last
anywhere from two weeks to several months depending on the quality of
the paste. |
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Holy Basil ( Ocimum basilicum ) |
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Basil
is most commonly used fresh, and in cooked recipes, is generally added
at the last moment, as cooking destroys the flavour quickly. Basil,
like other aromatic plants such as fennel and tarragon , contains
Estragole , a known carcinogen and teratogen in rats and mice. |
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Triphala |
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Triphala
is an effective blood purifier that stimulates bile secretion as it
detoxifies the liver, helps digestion andassimilation, and
significantly reduces serum cholesterol and lipid levels throughout
body.
• improves digestion
• is antioxidant rich
• improves circulation (cardiotonic and capillary strengthening flavonoids)
• potentiates adrenergic function (helps the body recover from stress)
• contains linoleic acid (an essential fatty acid) and phospholipids
• lowers blood pressure
• exerts a marked heart-protective and cardio-tonic effect
• reduces serum cholesterol
• improves liver function and is liver protective
• is anti-inflammatory (constituents include Vit. C and quercetin)
• is expectorant
• has anti-viral (HIV, AIDS, herpes, CMV) properties
• has anti-bacterial properties
• has anti-cancer properties
• has anti-allergy properties
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Cereals |
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Organic Wheat ( Triticum ) |
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Wheat
is widely cultivated as a cash crop because it produces a good yield
per unit area, grows well in a temperate climate even with a moderately
short growing season , and yields a versatile, high-quality flour that
is widely used in baking . Most breads are made with wheat flour,
including many breads named for the other grains they contain like most
rye and oat breads.
Many other popular foods are made from wheat flour as well, resulting
in a large demand for the grain even in economies with a significant
food surplus . |
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Organic Rice ( Oryza sativa ) |
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Rice
is the world's third largest crop, behind maize (corn) and wheat .
Although its species are native to South Asia and certain parts of
Africa , centuries of trade and exportation has made it commonplace in
many cultures. The seeds of the rice plant are first milled to remove
the outer husks of the grain; this creates brown rice . This process
may be continued, removing the germ and the rest of the husk, called
bran at this point, creating white rice . The white rice may then be buffed with glucose or talc powder (often called polished rice ),
parboiled , or processed into flour . The white rice may also be
enriched to add nutrients, especially those lost during the milling
process. The raw rice may be ground into flour for many uses as well,
including making many kinds of beverages such as amazake
, horchata , rice milk , and sake . Rice flour is generally safe for
people on a gluten-free diet . Rice may also be made into various types
of noodles . Rice is cooked by boiling or steaming . It can be cooked
in just enough water to cook it through, or it can be cooked in a large
quantity of water which is drained before serving. |
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