“Everything old is new again” is popular, especially when it comes to nutrition and wellness. Every awesome “new” superfood, meditation technique, or healing modality, is something that ancient cultures have been using for hundreds, even thousands, of years. With the myriad challenges that modern life presents, it’s more important than ever to experiment with these ancient healing foods and techniques to support physical, mental, and emotional growth.
After I became a professional plant-based chef nine years ago, one of my greatest joys was to seek out and experiment with new foods. I have experimented with Ayurvedic herbs to assist with physical recovery after intense workouts, increase my immunity, boost my libido, and enjoy more restful sleep.
As a yoga practitioner since 2006, I am consistently looking for foods and supplements that can support my practice—be it enhanced mental clarity during meditation or quicker rejuvenation after physically challenging classes. It’s been a fun, interesting, and educational process to learn how to integrate Ayurvedic herbs and foods into my existing recipes and to develop dishes with specific functional benefits.
Using Ayurvedic Herbs and Superfoods
Combining Ayurvedic herbs and spices with plant-based superfoods can balance your doshas (the energetics of the body), increase energy levels, boost the immune system, and promote healthy digestion. With protein-rich and antioxidant-dense superfoods such as hemp seeds, chia seeds, and goji berries, you can easily integrate these wonder foods into your recipes with key Ayurvedic herbs to accomplish physical goals and meet your daily nutritional needs.
For example, adding fresh pineapple, turmeric root, and hemp seeds to your morning smoothie increases nutrient density while pumping up the anti-inflammatory benefits. Simply add a healthy dose of ashwaganda, holy basil, and chia seeds to your next salad dressing or favorite sauce to increase your energy, immunity, and mental clarity.
It’s actually quite easy to add Ayurvedic herbs to your recipes, especially when you obtain them in the form of cold-extracted powders or pre-ground, dried varietals. In those forms, add a small amount of an herb to your recipe and then adjust for potency and flavor profile. The dynamic color palettes and flavors of Ayurvedic herbs act as sublime supplemental boosts in many classic Indian dishes, such as curries, daals, lassis, and chutneys.
Ayurvedic Herbal Superfoods
Ashwaganda
This is the “ginseng” of Ayurvedic medicine and is considered a true adaptogen—a term used to describe herbs and foods that improve physical energy and athletic ability under highly stressful conditions. It has the ability to increase your immunity to colds or infections and also increase sexual capacity and fertility. It’s easy to use in smoothies, savory sauces, or even cooked soups.
Holy Basil
Another potent adaptogenic herb that is a member of the mint family. It has been shown to enhance the body’s natural response to physical or emotional stress. It is also a powerful antioxidant that can improve your mental clarity. I like to have this herb during intensely stressful times in my life or when my workload is extra heavy. It’s easy to consume as a loose-leaf tea or integrated into tonic beverages or smoothies as a powder.
Turmeric Root
One of the world’s most potent anti-inflammatory foods, this richly colored, golden root is available in whole food form or as a cold-extracted powder and is easy to use in beverages, teas, and savory dishes. I like to consume turmeric after my workouts to reduce tissue and joint inflammation or during allergy season when my respiratory system is out of balance.
It’s never been easier or more beneficial to use potent, Ayurvedic herbs in your everyday recipes. With the often hectic pace of modern life and the multiple stressors encountered daily, it’s never been more important to arm yourself with these naturally adaptogenic, antioxidant-rich and nutrient-dense foods. It’s an exciting time to play with these powerful ingredients while tapping into the ancient wisdom of yoga and Ayurveda to support your life goals.
Golden Turmeric Milk Recipe
Serves 2-3 people
This drink was inspired by all of the new, natural products on the market that feature turmeric. I wanted to create something warm, nourishing, and revitalizing after my yoga practice. This Golden Turmeric Milk can be enjoyed hot or cold, depending on the season and your dosha. Served warm, it’s very grounding and feels deeply nourishing to my dry, airy vata constitution.
Ingredients
1 1/2 cups raw coconut water
1 1/2 cups full-fat coconut milk
4-inch piece fresh turmeric root, sliced
2-inch piece fresh ginger root, sliced
2 TBS bee free Honee or grade-B maple syrup
10-12 drops liquid stevia, plain flavor
1 tsp ground cinnamon
1/4 tsp ground cardamom
1/8 tsp holy basil powder
1/4 tsp ashwaganda powder
1 TBS raw coconut oil
1/2 tsp cold-extracted turmeric powder
Preparation:
In a medium saucepan, bring all ingredients to a rolling boil, then reduce heat to low and simmer, uncovered, for five to 10 minutes. Whisk vigorously a few times while simmering. Remove from heat and cover with a lid for another five minutes. Place a fine mesh strainer over a blender carafe and pour in the liquid, straining out the large chunks of ginger and turmeric root. Blend the milk for 30 seconds on high speed until frothy and well combined. Serve hot in a mug or chill in the refrigerator in a glass container. Shake well before serving or reheating.
Celebrity vegan and raw food chef Jason Wrobel (aka J-Wro) is the host of the plant-based cooking series, How To Live to 100, on Cooking Channel. The healing properties and outrageous tastes of his dishes have rendered his recipes favorites among celebrity clients and regular folk alike. Jason also hosts the popular YouTube channel The J-Wro Show®. His DVD, Simple Vegan Classics, has taught thousands of people how to prepare easy and nutritious raw foods at home. Jason will release a new recipe & lifestyle book with Hay House in 2015.
Vegan chef and wellness expert Jason Wrobel offers up a comprehensive recipe and lifestyle book with practical tips for creating drool-worthy dishes with specific nutritional benefits. In Eaternity, Jason explains which foods contain active ingredients to support health and longevity. hayhouse.com