A churna is a mixture of Ayurvedic herbs and spices intentionally combined for medicinal purposes and combine all six of the ayurvedic tastes: sweet, sour, salty, pungent, bitter, and astringent. Incorporating the correct churna designed to support your unique doshic constitution can be an extremely useful way to encourage change in your physiology. Spices, after all, are tiny pieces of powerful intelligence.
Ayurvedic spices have strong medicinal properties. For example, ground ginger provides a pungent flavor but also calms the stomach and promotes good digestion. Turmeric contains curcumin, which has many scientifically-proven health benefits, such as the potential to prevent heart disease, Alzheimer's and cancer. It's a potent anti-inflammatory and antioxidant and may also help improve symptoms of depression and arthritis. Cumin is also known to help the body in its detoxification efforts as well improving digestion.
Below are three basic churna recipes for the 3 Dosha types.
DIRECTIONS: Churnas can be sauteed in ghee or butter before being added to a dish, or sprinkled on while cooking. Gently dry roast the spices in a pan. Mix them together in an electric grinder or grind the spices with a mortar & pestle. Combine the ingredients well before transferring the powder to an airtight container.
Helpful hint: Bring a small amount with you when traveling or eating away from home. Include these in your meals on a regular basis and see how you feel! Also a wonderful way to specialize the needs for individuals enjoying the same meal.
Vata Churna:
2 tbsp whole Fennel seeds
2 tbsp whole Coriander seeds
2 tbsp whole Cumin seeds
1 tbsp ground Turmeric
2 tbsp ground Ginger
2 tsp Sea Salt
1 tsp Asafaetida powder (also known as Hing- be careful with this herb if you are prone to headaches)
1 tbsp Organic Sugar (optional)
Best used while cooking vegetables, soups, and rice. Excellent for grounding and calming
Pitta Churna:
2 tbsp whole Fennel seeds 2 tbsp whole Coriander seeds 2 tbsp whole Cumin seeds 1 tbsp ground Turmeric 1 tbsp whole Cardamom seeds 2 tbsp chopped fresh or dried Mint leaves 1/4 tsp ground Ginger 1/4 tsp ground Cinnamon 1 tbsp raw Cane Sugar (optional)
Use on cooked vegetables before serving, soups, and sprinkle on cooked warm rice with butter or ghee. Brings a cooling effect to your physiology.
Kapha Churna:
2 tbsp whole Coriander seeds
1 tbsp whole Cumin seeds
1 tbsp whole Fenugreek seeds 1 tbsp ground Ginger 1 tbsp ground Turmeric 1 tbsp ground Cinnamon 1 tsp ground Clove 1/2 tsp Black Pepper or Cayenne or Chili powder
A spicy energizing mix, can be added to vegetables, proteins and delicious on rice.
While freshly ground churnas are most beneficial, you can also order pre-made churnas on Amazon!
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