Organic Pitta Churna

Description

Thousands of years before scientific data was presented by modern medicine as evidence of the mind-body connection, the ancient wise men of India are said to have developed Ayurveda, which continues to be one of the world’s most sophisticated and powerful mind-body health systems based on the assumption that health and wellbeing rely on the subtle balance between the body, mind and spirit. In Ayurvedic medicine spices are considered some of the original "superfoods”, and an Ayurvedic practitioner is as likely to recommend specific spices to include in your diet as to suggest herbal supplements for you to take when treating you for various ailments.

In the ancient Sanskrit language Churna means “powder”.  

What is Ayurveda?

The Vedic age, also known as the Vedic period (1500 - 500 BC), was the time frame in Indian history during which the “Vedas” were composed. Written by ancient Aryans in Vedic Sanskrit, these documents are the earliest layer of Sanskrit literature and the oldest scriptures of Hinduism. Hindus hold these texts scared and they're considered to be "impersonal and without a recognized author". Written documentation of Ayurvedic medicine dates back as far as 3500 BC (modern Christianity recognized the first book of Vedas in approximately 1500 BC). There are numerous historians who are of the opinion that Ayurveda dates back much further than that and that up to that point it had been transmitted orally from one generation to another for thousands of years. 

Ayurveda is made up of two Sanskrit words -- "Ayu" which means "life" and "Veda" which means "the knowledge of". It is accepted by practitioners of Ayurveda that the premise of disease is the natural end result of living out of harmony with our environment. Ayurveda recognizes that the symptoms of disease are the body's way of communicating disharmony. Ayurveda's approach to dealing with disease is to reestablish harmony between one's self and their environment. Once harmony has been restored, symptoms recede and healing is said to have occurred.

Ayurveda understands each person and the disease they’re manifesting are unique. Ayurveda doesn’t look to treat a disease as much as it approaches the cure of a person. While you've certainly heard that no two people are alike, Ayurvedic medicine believes that no two diseases are alike either. The Ayurveda approach is very different than how modern western medicine looks at such problems. Western medicine tends to look for a drug that will cure a statistically significant number of people who display signs of a specific disease or ailment, while Ayurvedic medicine looks for a cure to treat each unique individual person. Their belief is that as no disease affects two people in precisely the same way, so no two cures should be expected to be exactly the same.

Ayurveda teaches that we’re all made up of the same five elements: air, earth, fire, water and space, but that we're also unique, due to the varying degrees of each of the energies we possess. Ayurveda accepts that there are three energies that control the universe or cosmos: Kapha - the binding energy, Pitta - the energy of transformation and Vata - the energy of movement.

Vata, Pitta, and Kapha, with their corresponding basic constituencies, shape our personalities. The unique combination of these three doshas creates seven basic personality types. Also known as mind-body types, the doshas express unique blends of physical, emotional, and mental characteristics. Each person has all three doshas, but in varying proportions. 

The exact Dosha proportions determine one's physiological and personality traits which includes their individual likes and dislikes. For example, Vata dominate types are more comfortable in hot weather rather than cold and Kapha dominant types are more apt to crave spicy foods than the other Dosha dominant types. Pitta dominant individuals are passionate and dedicated, but can be overly competitive, intolerant, and irritable.

Vata qualities reflect the elements of air and space, Pitta qualities reflect the elements of fire and water and Kapha reflects the elements of water and earth. 

When we’re in balance, according to Ayurveda, we covet foods that are good for us. But when we’re out of alignment our mind, body, or spirit connection is not in sync with our body’s inner intelligence. According to the Ayurvedic theory of disease, the root cause of most ailments, disorders and disease is poor digestion. This is known as “beej bhoomi”, which translates roughly to "breeding ground". Disease is thought to flourish in these seedbeds when fed by unhealthy toxins. These toxins are called ama (pronounced "aa-ma"), which in Sanskrit translates to "immature, undigested or unripe". All toxic matter inside of you is considered ama -- no matter if it’s in the form of acid, bile, food or negative thoughts.

In Ayurvedic medicine, most spices are said to enhance digestion. Not only do spices support proper digestion, but they also help eradicate excess ama, making them beneficial when added to your daily diet. Asafoetida, black pepper, cardamom, cayenne, cinnamon, coriander, cumin, fennel, ginger, mint, nutmeg and turmeric are among the spices that cleanse ama from the body and thwart digestive disorders such as bloating and gas.

Pitta Dosha

Pitta individuals are generally athletic with toned bodies and are of medium build and height. They're most likely driven, success-oriented and very competitive. With a natural ability to lead they tend to be highly organized, intelligent and astute business leaders. Natural athletes, Pittas gravitate towards intense physical activities, but should also be aware not to push too hard and be cognizant of the tendency to become overly aggressive, judgmental and lose their temper quickly. They thrive when they pace themselves by deliberately slowing down to achieve balance.

To keep Pitta in balance, eat fruits that soothe pitta. These will typically be sweet and somewhat astringent. Vegetables will generally be somewhat sweet and either bitter, astringent, or both. Grains are frequently staples in the ideal pitta diet and one should gravitate to those that are cooling, sweet, dry, and grounding.

Pitta Balancing Foods and Spices

Pitta types usually have a voracious appetite and can eat large and filling meals. They often crave hot, spicy, intoxicating foods and beverages, but they also love cooling foods and cold drinks. They generally do best with foods that are sweet and cooling. This type should gravitate towards naturally sweet foods like sweet fruits, most grains, squashes, root vegetables, milk, ghee, and fresh yogurt. To satisfy bitter tastes lean towards kale, collard greens, bitter melon and dark chocolate. For astringent flavors look to black-eyed peas, chick peas, apples, broccoli, cauliflower and cranberries. For grains, this Dosha does best on amaranth, couscous, oats, quinoa and basmati rice.

Pitta-balancing spices include basil, coriander, cumin, dill, fennel, parsley, saffron and turmeric.

How to Use

We advise adding it early to the cooking process rather than sprinkling it on prepared food. For best results infuse your Pitta Churna with either ghee or oil before cooking your vegetables in this infused mixture until soft (fork soft not mushy soft).  

What's In It

Organic fennel, organic cumin, organic turmeric, organic coriander and organic cardamom.

Flavor Profile

Noticeable anise-licorice flavor with earthy warm undertones. 

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Nutritional Information
Serving Size: 1 Teaspoon, Amount Per Serving: Calories 10, Total Fat 0.5g (0% DV), Sat. Fat 0g (0% DV), Trans Fat 0g (0% DV), Cholest. 0mg (0% DV), Sodium 0mg (0% DV), Total Carb. 2g (1% DV), Dietary Fiber 1g (4% DV), Sugars 0g, Protein <1g (1% DV), Vitamin D 0mcg (0% DV), Calcium 0mg (0% DV), Iron 0mg (0% DV), Potassium 63.4mg (2% DV) Percent Daily Values DV) are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.