Ayurveda has lots to offer when it comes to benefits from beauty to health. Seeds come in various varieties and can offer multiple benefits and uses and even have medicinal properties.
Let’s look into some of the benefits and uses of various types of Ayurvedic seeds:
1. Fennel seeds:
Fennel seeds, also known as “saunf” have a distinct taste and smell, but are highly beneficial to improve and aid digestion and treat digestive issues, suppress appetite and aid weight loss, combat bad breath, protect heart health and reduce blood pressure, prevent and fight cancer and can detoxify the body.
To use:
These seeds can be either consumed plain, added to culinary preparations or even added into water to make fennel tea.
2. Cumin seeds:
Cumin seeds or “jeera” seeds are very commonly used in Indian households not only because of its distinct flavour but also because they are beneficial to overall health and immunity as they have antioxidants that can fight free radical damage. They have properties that can prevent and fight cancer, control blood sugar, relieve digestive problems, as it is cooling in nature, can keep cholesterol in check, can help reduce pain and inflammation and aid weight loss
To use:
You can add them into your culinary preparations or drink cumin-soaked water or make some fennel tea to consume.
3. Fenugreek seeds:
These seeds are commonly known as “methi” seeds. Consumption of fenugreek seeds or fenugreek seed water, has been associated with a lot of benefits to both health and beauty. It can help regulate blood sugar levels, aid weight loss, improve and reduce digestive issues, keep cholesterol levels under control, can provide pain from painful period cramps, can help increase libido, increase the production of milk in lactating mother and also improve skin and hair health.
To use:
Fenugreek seeds can be sprouted and added to a salad, in a leafy vegetable curry or even as a spice to add flavour to your food. You can also drink fenugreek water for beauty and health benefits and use ground fenugreek seeds as a hair growth mask. It is important to note that fenugreek seeds cannot be consumed in large quantities as they are heaty by nature. READ MORE – Fenugreek Powder to stop hair fall
4. Basil seeds:
Basil seeds, also known as “sabja” seeds, are often confused with chia seeds but are different from each other. These seeds are rich in minerals and vitamins and can promote better bone health. They are rich in fibre and can promote better digestion and keep the gut healthy. It can help keep blood sugar under control and improve cholesterol levels.
To use:
You can add these seeds into your smoothies or cold drinks. You can also add some into your cereal bowl or drop some into your salad. These seeds are flavourless and can help thicken mixtures. READ MORE – BASIL SEEDS WATER for glowing skin and healthy hair
5. Sesame seeds:
Sesame seeds also known as “til” seeds, are the seeds from which gingelly oil is made. Sesame seeds are a rich source of vitamin B6 which is important for the central nervous system and metabolic functioning. These seeds are rich in antioxidants which can aid immune system functioning and fight free radical damage. They are beneficial for people with thyroid. Consuming these seeds can help keep heart diseases, cancer and PCOS at bay and fight pain and inflammation.
To use:
You can make sesame seed oil (for massages, hair growth and pain relief), add them into cereals, granola bars, curries, sweet preparations, health drinks etc.
6. Carom seeds:
Often found in the kitchen of many Indian homes, ajwain seeds, also known as carom seeds can often be confused with anise, cumin or fennel seeds, because of its similarity in shape and colour. But it is important to know that these seeds are all very different and each has its own varied uses like boosting of immune system functioning, regulation of cholesterol and blood pressure levels, aiding of weight loss, reduction of inflammation in the body, keeping acidity and indigestion at bay and to regularize irregular periods and lactation in women.
To use:
You can add carom seeds while cooking to any curries or dry items as a taste enhancer and also reduce acidity which you can get after eating some types of foods. You can also drink carom water for overall health and better digestion.
7. Coriander seeds:
Coriander (well-known as ‘dhania’ in India) is a commonly used herb which is very well-known for its distinct taste and multiple benefits like maintaining blood sugar levels, aiding better skin health, regulation of the menstrual cycle, to cure mouth ulcers and sores, to promote hair growth (using coriander seed oil), aid digestion and can overall boost one’s immunity.
To use:
You can add crushed, whole or ground coriander seeds into your culinary preparation for better flavour and you can also add coriander seed powder to water and make a cup of coriander tea. READ MORE – Ayurveda Miracle CCF Tea Recipe with Three Ingredients
8. Poppy seeds:
Poppy seeds are helpful in promoting digestion, improving hair and skin health, can reduce and relieve pain as they have anti-inflammatory properties. They can also help reduce the risk of heart diseases and promote better overall health and immune system functioning.
To use:
Apart from being able to add these seeds into various cuisines, these seeds can be used as dressing in salads and fruit salads and also added into various types of breads, cakes, crusts, pancake, pastries and sweets.