RECIPE ~ Churans (Dosha Spice Mixes)

Especially in households where each person is a different dosha, these spice mixes called "churans" can help balance out meals that are either tri-doshic or, say, too Vata for the Kapha in the family. Sprinkle these on foods for a touch of flavour that your body will thank you for! Pictured here a blend I made using ingredients from the Pitta and the Kapha churans, since I'm a Pitta-Kapha (without mango powder as it was unavailable).

VATA-BALANCING CHURAN
3 tsp ground fennel or anise
1 tsp each turmeric, ground cumin, ground ginger, black pepper, cardamom, salt, turbinado sugar, fenugreek and dried mango powder

PITTA-BALANCING CHURAN
6 tsp ground fennel
2 tsp each ground coriander and ground cumin
1 tsp each turmeric, salt, turbinado sugar and dried mango powder

KAPHA-BALANCING CHURAN
2 tsp each ground ginger, black pepper and turmeric
1 tsp each ground coriander, ground cumin, sweet paprika, salt, turbinado sugar and dried mango powder

For all spice mixes, mix well and store in an airtight container. Sprinkle on foods while cooking for yourself or add to finished meals (soups, salads, sandwiches, stews, rice, casseroles, pasta dishes, vegetables, etc).

Alternately, choose 3 or 4 spices/herbs from the lists below, according to your dosha, and follow the same directions as for the spice mixes above:

VATA SPICES
cardamom, ginger, cumin, cinnamon, salt, cloves, mustard seed, black pepper

PITTA SPICES
coriander, fennel, cumin, dill, mint, turmeric

KAPHA SPICES
turmeric, ginger, mustard seeds, cayenne pepper, anise, black pepper, basil, parsley