Amruta Balli (Giloy/ Guduchi)

We have a small community garden at my parent's place. Of late, owing to health consciousness amongst people, lot of herbs and unique varieties of species are finding their rightful place in the garden. Mom takes keen interest in studying and learning about various herbs which support health and well being. She passes on her knowledge to friends and family who have benefited immensely on the health front. She also provides rare herb saplings to our gardener who happily obliges and tends the plants.

The garden has become a mini herb garden now so to say! Folks from the community are also taking active interest in maintaining and preserving the green eco life. :)

I was recently introduced to this precious variety of herb popularly known as Giloy in Hindi. Giloy grows in a creeper form and has large heart shaped leaves which grow in abundance. Mostly they are found clinging to large Mango trees. Giloy is known as Amruta Balli in Kannada and Guduchi in Sanskrit. The scientific name of Giloy is Tinospora Cordifolia. The leaves have mild bitter flavour and are effective when consumed raw or in processed form. Owing to the popular demand for this creeper, many nurseries are also selling the saplings for a reasonable sum. For individuals who do not have facility to grow the sapling, the powdered form of this herb is available in India which can also be substituted and used in regular diet.

Few health benefits of Amruta Balli are as follows:

- The leaves, stems protect the body against various forms of toxins and are very useful in flushing them out.

- It is used for curing fever, urinary disorders, rheumatism, jaundice and various other diseases.

- If taken regularly, the body's immune system gets strengthened and gains balance.

- The plant is particularly important and known for curing swine flu symptoms and gained lot of demand during the swine flu epidemic in Bangalore some time back.

- The leaves are recommended for daily intake (1 per day) for Diabetic patients. Preferably to be consumed early in the morning on empty stomach.

- Regular consumption of Amruta Balli is also supportive in weight regulation and balance of vital body nutrients.

Ginger Powder (Sonth Pudi/ Sonthi Pitti)

I have an ongoing fascination for Herbs, Spices and Spice powders. To withstand the long and chilly tormenting winters in US I had bought a pack of dry Ginger powder this year. Mom insisted I keep this powder handy in my kitchen. Little did I realise there were so many benefits which are packed in this aromatic powder. I am sure you would be thinking that if fresh Ginger root can be used why bother to use Ginger powder. The biggest advantage of Ginger powder is that you can control the portions and the effect is many times stronger than that of fresh Ginger root. Ginger powder is known as Sonthi Pitti in Konkani. Its also known as Sonth Pudi and is a yellow, rough powder with strong aroma. As a kid, Mom gave me tiny portions of this mixed with honey to keep cold and cough away.

I am listing few health benefits of Ginger powder in daily diet:
- Ginger powder can be added in beverages like Tea or Coffee to improve metabolism and aid digestion.
- Ginger keeps bloating, nausea, indigestion at bay and strengths your immune system.
- The oils in Ginger are very strong and if taken regularly aid in combating Arthritis.
- Ginger being a stomach friendly herb, packs lot of benefits to keep toxic elements, worms and harmful bacteria away.

Kitchen use of Ginger powder:
- Ginger powder can be easily added in soups, stews, breads, cookies and pies.
- They are also widely used in Asian, Thai cuisines to make hot piping stews with vegetables and meat.
- Ginger powder can be mixed with honey to soothe sore throat, cough and cold.
- Mix Ginger powder (about 1/3 teaspoon) wit Tea to cure chills, cold and flu symptoms. Ginger has this uncanny ability to elevate body temperature thereby making you feel warm.
- Make Kashaya - a soothing herbal drink with 1/3 teaspoon Ginger powder, 1/3 teaspoon Pepper powder, 1/2 teaspoon Jaggery, 2-3 straws of Lemon Grass and bring to boil. Mix in 1/2 cup of milk and 1/2 cup of hot water and gulp it down in one shot. I will be posting a detailed recipe on this soon.


This is a work-in-progress post. I would be updating it regularly as and when I get more info around this wonderful spice powder.