Fragrant November Greetings!
Namaste! Fragrant Sesame! These past weeks I have been enjoying the rich gifts of that tiny little power-packed seed - a tried and true treasure in every Ayurvedic kitchen apothecary.
There is so much to say about the potent sesame seed that has been revered in the Vedic texts and also has a rich mythology in many other wisdom cultures. It has been said that women of ancient Babylon would eat sesame seeds crushed with honey to prolong their youth and beauty. Well, I have been enjoying this same treat (known as halva) to satisfy my sweet tooth as a nourishing grounding snack! With the Fall season at its peak when the airy Vata type needs the most nourishment, the generous use of sesame seeds (and sesame oil) to feed the body internally and externally is both an ancient wisdom and a growing practice.
Of course I am excited to share more on the benefits of the amazing SESAME seed, which along with flax seeds, contain the highest content of lignans which are health-boosting antioxidant phytoestrogens. Take a look and learn more about this miraculous seed in this month's video installment of ‘Aromatic Spice Wisdom’!
Meet me there!
In this month's ‘PANCHA Q’ we are honored to interview Wade Imre Morissette, yogi, musician and teacher. Wade shares a gem in his interview “ never let your life lose the time for self care.” I could not agree more and appreciate this strong and simple reminder of the importance in connecting to your self first.
Finally, there is still time to
sign up for my IHM Training and Ayurvedic/Yoga retreat in BALI in January! We're very excited about it!
Stay nourished, stay warm and stay connected!
With Fragrant Blessings as always,
Spice Mistress Glynnis
* * *
SESAME SEEDS (Sesamum indicum) the tiny miracle!
In this minute power-packed seed comes an apothecary for almost every ailment, especially for the Fall season and the Vata Dosha! Here is a little recipe to add nourishment and deliciousness to your Fall meals. Just sprinkle lavishly!
Toasty Tasty Sesame Spice Blend (Gomasala):
Ingredients
-
4 TBSP brown unhulled sesame seeds
-
1/2 tsp fennel seeds
-
1/2 tsp coriander seeds
-
1/2 tsp cumin seeds
-
pinch of salt
Method
-
Toast seeds together in a cast iron pan or heavy-bottomed stainless steel pan on low heat until the seeds start ‘popping’ and the aromatic molecules have been released - your nose will know! Careful not to burn!
-
With a mortar and pestle or (gasp!) an electric blender, lightly ‘crack’ the seeds until the spices have melded with the seeds, you want to keep some substance and texture so it is preferable not to pulverise these
-
Add the salt and meld together.
Voila! Easy and very delicious as a condiment on grains, veggies, soups, you name it. Great for the Fall, nourishing for Vata, satisfying to the taste buds. Enjoy!
Ayurvedic benefits of Sesame oil/seeds specifically for Vata Season:
-
Good for the health of the teeth and gums:
- Chewing the seeds strengthens teeth
- Swishing a teaspoon of sesame
oil in the mouth for a few minutes daily after brushing (called ‘oil pulling’) dramatically reduces the bacteria in the mouth that cause gingivitis as well as nourishing gum
s and strengthening teeth
-
Improves digestive power
-
Improves intelligence-nourishes the mind
-
Enhances quality of the skin and hair. Tonifies and strengthens skin, muscles, nerves, when used for massage
-
Pacifies Vata dosha
-
Laxative - lubricates and nourishes the colon
-
Softens, tones and moisturizes the skin
-
Helps to strengthen muscles and joints, bringing flexibility over time
-
Calms the mind and induces deep relaxation, encouraging sound sleep.
A healthy body, a healthy spirit and a healthy planet.
* * *
Pancha Q - with Wade Morissette
Personal insights of an Ayurvedic life
An
ongoing series asking 5 (Panch) Questions (Q) about personal journeys of spiritual growth.
This month, the Spice Mistress interviews Wade Imre Morissette, yogi, musician and teacher, from Vancouver, Canada. Read the full interview!
Connecting to Facebook
