Ayurveda doesn’t say ‘no’, it says when and how. Local yogi Katherine Clapner uses asafoetida, black cardamom, apricot and rose hips in her recipe for Soraya 3.0 – The Soft Butter Toffee. What does Ayurveda say?

Asafoetida, aka Hing, is used to boost digestion and remove toxins. Ayurveda recommends it for Vata disorder, reducing gas and bloating, especially in recipes with beans and veggies. It’s an antispasmodic and warmth to the body. It’s helpful for PMS and should not be used in pregnancy. It’s known as the Food of the Gods – and also Devil’s Dung. It smells like socks stuck in a gym locker for 6 weeks (so store it in a tightly closed container), but when cooked in ghee or oils, the odor turns into a great spice to improve circulation in cold hands and feet.

Black Cardamom, like Hing, balances Vata and reduces Kapha (stagnation). It tastes sour and bitter, with a spicy effect. It is used to reduce pain, boost digestion, remove bad odors, nausea and motion sickness, and improve the condition of your skin. It’s also known as Greater Cardamom and is grown in the Himalayas of Northeast India, Assam and Bengal. Because of its spicy post digestive effect, avoid it if you have acid stomach.

Apricot, aka Prunus Armeniaca –or- Jardalu, Khubani or Khumani helps reduce blood pressure, cholesterol, high blood glucose, and lowers the risk of heart disease. Fresh apricots are great for the immune system and beneficial for people with type-2 diabetes.

Rose Hips – a Stone Age remedy. Rose hips are what’s left after the bloom fades and the petals fall off. It’s packed with vitamin C and vitamin A – great for skin and the immune system. It supports healthy digestion and acts as a mild laxative. Denmark and Germany are doing research that shows a reduction in rheumatoid arthritis because of its benefits as an anti-inflammatory. It’s full of anti-oxidants said to prevent cancer, and reduces your chances of illness from bacteria and virus.

Today I’m balancing my Vata and Kapha with chocolate. Living the Yoga. Living the Ayurveda. Living the Dream.