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wellness Indian Spices for Beautiful Skin An Ayurvedic Approach by Shelley Burns Ayurveda, India���s traditional medicine, is based on preventing poor health through daily habits, including using food as medicine. Treatments and lifestyle recommendations depend on each individual���s unique combination of doshas���the different types of energy that are thought to control the various functions of the body, mind, and spirit. In ayurvedic medicine, coriander, cumin, and fennel are considered useful for the skin. These are all warming spices that are very good for digestion. Good digestion has a great effect on overall health. When digestion is sluggish, toxins will find other ways to escape���with an inevitable effect on the skin. Coriander Coriander seeds, known as dhaniya in India, are produced from the flowering part of the Coriandrum sativum plant, also known as cilantro. The seeds have a lemony flavor and are rich in antioxidants, especially vitamin A, which is exceptional for creating a more even skin tone by decreasing blemishes and redness in the skin. Cumin Confusingly, there are two unrelated seeds that share this name, and both are used in Indian cuisine and ayurvedic medicine. The first, sometimes called white cumin, comes from Cuminum cyminum, a member of the parsley family. It has a nutty taste, and is a key ingredient in curry powder. White cumin contains vitamin E, known for its antiinflammatory properties, and essential oils that have antifungal and antimicrobial properties. The other type of cumin, sometimes called black cumin, comes from Nigella sativa. It can be used interchangeably with white cumin, but has a sweeter, more peppery taste. Fennel The seeds of the fennel plant (Foeniculum vulgare) are called saunf in India and have a taste similar to licorice or anise. You may have seen these seeds at Indian restaurants, where they are often used as a plain or sugarcoated after-dinner treat. The bulb and other parts of the plant are high in vitamin C, while the seeds are rich in phytonutrients, including the anti-inflammatory compound anethole and the flavonoids quercetin and rutin. In ayurvedic medicine, these three herbs are often combined to improve skin health and treat acne and digestive problems. Blend them together in equal amounts when cooking. To make a classic ayurvedic tea, add half a teaspoon each of whole coriander, cumin, and fennel seeds to 4���5 cups of boiling water and continue to boil covered for about five minutes. Strain out the seeds and take some time to enjoy this wonderful brew with your favorite read. Shelley Burns, a doctor of naturopathic medicine, completed studies at the Canadian College of Naturopathic Medicine, and has certification in complementary and integrative medicine from Harvard University. She can be reached at the Executive Health Centre at 416-222-5880 or shelley.burns@executivehealthcentre.com. Get connected to your peers @ www.skincareprofessionals.com 9