A to Z
23 ingredient guides A kitchen spice for digestion rituals Ajwain Carom seeds · Ajowan · Yavani Ajwain, or carom seeds, are a sharp, aromatic staple of Indian kitchens. Here is what ajwain is, how it is used in tadka, parathas and ajwain water, and its Ayurvedic place. In 1 formula Read guide Valued for soothing, cooling care Aloe Vera Ghritkumari · Kumari · Gwarpatha Ghritkumari, the cooling aloe on every Indian balcony, is valued in Ayurveda for its soothing gel. Learn how to use it on skin and hair, and what to watch for. In 2 formulas Read guide A sour Rasayana fruit Amla Indian gooseberry · Amalaki · Aonla A plain guide to amla, the Indian gooseberry: what it is, why Ayurveda holds amalaki in high regard, the many ways Indian homes use it and sensible safety notes. In 1 formula Read guide A classic Ayurvedic Rasayana Ashwagandha Indian ginseng · Winter cherry · Asgandh A plain guide to ashwagandha, the Indian winter cherry root: its Sanskrit name, its place as a Rasayana in Ayurveda, the forms it comes in and sensible safety notes. In 4 formulas Read guide Kitchen spice and Ayurvedic seed Fenugreek Methi · Methi dana · Kasuri methi A plain guide to fenugreek, or methi: the seed and leaf every Indian kitchen knows, how Ayurveda describes it, the ways it is used at home and sensible safety notes. In 1 formula Read guide A gentle clay for fresh-feeling skin French Pink Clay Pink clay · Rose clay · Pink kaolin A gentle blend of kaolin and red clays, French pink clay is a modern cousin of the multani mitti pack. Learn how to mix it, apply it and use it safely. In 1 formula Read guide A souring fruit from Kerala kitchens Garcinia Cambogia Kudampuli · Malabar tamarind · Fish tamarind Garcinia cambogia is kudampuli, the smoky, sour Malabar tamarind of Kerala fish curries. Here is what it is, how it is used and where it appears in our formulas. In 1 formula Read guide A Rasayana herb with a spiny fruit Gokshura Gokhru · Gokshur · Puncture vine A plain guide to gokshura, or gokhru: the spiny puncture vine fruit, its traditional place in Ayurvedic blends, how it is commonly taken and sensible safety notes. In 3 formulas Read guide A light, everyday leaf tea Green Tea Hari chai · Green chai · Green tea extract Green tea comes from the same plant as everyday chai. Here is how it differs from black tea, how India enjoys it, from kahwa to tulsi blends, and how to brew it well. In 1 formula Read guide An everyday spice of Indian tadka Jeera Cumin · Zeera · Jira Jeera, or cumin, is the warm, earthy seed behind countless Indian tadkas. Here is what it is, how it is used, from jeera water to roasted jeera, and its place in Ayurveda. In 1 formula Read guide A classical Ayurvedic seed Kaunch Beej Kapikacchu · Velvet bean · Kevanch A plain guide to kaunch beej, the velvet bean seed Ayurveda calls kapikacchu: what it is, how it is traditionally processed and the safety points worth knowing. In 1 formula Read guide Classical oil for a luminous look Kumkumadi Kumkumadi tailam · Kumkumadi thailam · Kumkumadi oil Kumkumadi tailam is a classical saffron-led face oil from Ayurveda. Learn what goes into it, how to massage it in and how to use it safely. In 1 formula Read guide Valued in Ayurveda for complexion Licorice Mulethi · Yashtimadhu · Madhuka Mulethi, the sweet root Ayurveda calls yashtimadhu, has a long place in Indian face packs and oils. Learn what it is, how it is used and how to use it safely. In 3 formulas Read guide The drumstick tree, known as Shigru Moringa Drumstick tree · Sahjan · Saijan A plain guide to moringa, the drumstick tree: its Hindi and Sanskrit names, how Ayurveda describes it, its many uses in Indian kitchens and sensible safety notes. In 1 formula Read guide Valued for clean, fresh-feeling skin Neem Nimba · Indian lilac · Margosa From datun to festival doorways, neem is part of Indian life. Here is how this bitter tree is traditionally used on skin and hair, and how to use it safely. In 1 formula Read guide A zesty pack for a fresh glow Orange Peel Santra chilka · Santre ka chilka · Naranga Sun-dried santra peels are a classic Indian winter project. Learn how orange peel powder is used in face packs and ubtans, and how to use it safely. In 1 formula Read guide Valued for cooling, fragrant care Rose Petal Gulab · Gulab ki pankhuri · Shatapatri Gulab is part of Indian weddings, temples and summer kitchens. Here is how rose petal powder is traditionally used in face packs and ubtans, and how to use it safely. In 1 formula Read guide A prized white root of central India Safed Musli White musli · Dholi musli · Shweta musli A plain guide to safed musli: the white tuberous root of central India, its traditional place as a Rasayana in Ayurveda, how it is taken and sensible safety notes. In 2 formulas Read guide Treasured for a luminous look Saffron Kesar · Kumkuma · Zafran Kesar, the golden thread of Kashmir, has long been treasured in Ayurveda and Indian beauty rituals. Learn how it is used, how to spot the real thing and safety tips. In 1 formula Read guide A cooling Ayurvedic Rasayana Shatavari Shatavar · Satavari · Indian asparagus A plain guide to shatavari, the wild asparagus root: its Sanskrit name, its traditional place as a cooling Rasayana in Ayurveda, how it is taken at home and safety notes. In 3 formulas Read guide A Himalayan resin valued in Ayurveda Shilajit Shilajatu · Silajit · Mumijo Shilajit is a dark, mineral-rich resin that seeps from Himalayan rock. Here is how it is collected and purified, and how Ayurveda has traditionally valued it. In 1 formula Read guide A classic three-fruit Ayurvedic blend Triphala Trifala · Triphala churna · Three fruits Triphala, meaning three fruits, blends amalaki, bibhitaki and haritaki. Here is what goes into it and how this classic churna is traditionally taken. In 1 formula Read guide Traditionally valued for radiance Turmeric Haldi · Haridra · Kasturi haldi Haldi, or haridra, is India's golden kitchen spice and wedding-ritual staple. Here is how it is traditionally used on skin, how to avoid stains and where it appears in our oils. In 2 formulas Read guide The Wellness Journal is for general education and inspiration only. It isn’t medical advice — please speak to a doctor or qualified Ayurvedic practitioner about any health concern, and patch test new products before use.
