Author: Esther Neela M.

A blog from a Zen living enthusiast. I am into Meditation, Reiki, Yoga, Qigong, The Tapping Solution and Natural Therapies such as Ayurveda. Life moments are to be treated like a treasure. After all, life is indeed a treasure!

Spices! Cardamom…

There are many spices that are used for both healing and cooking purposes. While all spices have their benefits, I wish to particularly highlight on one spice today: Cardamom.

Yes! Cardamom….I am a person who is easily swayed by my sense of smell when it comes to perfumes, spices and essential oils. One of my all time favourite will be Cardamom. Below is an image of cardamom (if you do not know it). Some call it as “Queen of Spices”.

There are two types of cardamom: green and black (or brown). The green type is the more common type.

Shutterstock Picture of Cardamom - Esther Neela Blog

In general, cardamom is used as a treatment for mouth ulcers, bad breath, digestive problems, and even depression.

Ayurveda uses this quite extensively for many purposes. But I am not going to go into further details on that.

I am easily attracted by this due to the fragrance. I use this extensively for my cooking and when the fragrance of this particular spice hits my senses, I feel great….

Below are some websites that talks extensively on this spice. Recently, Crabtree and Evelyn had this used in their Xmas editions….A look at some of their items below (images taken from Crabtree and Evelyn website)…I have eaten the chocolate biscuits with a hint of cardamom…I do like the fragrance of the cardamom, but I do find the chocolate a bit overwhelming.

Crabtree and Evelyn White Cardamom Indulgent Treats - Esther Neela BlogCrabtree and Evelyn All Butter Dark Chocolate and Cardamom Biscuits - Esther Neela Blog

So, if you are like me, who love the fragrance of cardamom…let us all appreciate and enjoy one of nature’s creation…. 🙂

Some websites listing all on the spice cardamom:

From Myspicer.com
https://www.myspicer.com/history-cardamom/

From IndianMirror
http://www.indianmirror.com/ayurveda/indian-spices/cardamom.html

From WebMD
https://www.webmd.com/vitamins-supplements/ingredientmono-614-cardamom.aspx?activeingredientid=614&

From Organic Facts
https://www.organicfacts.net/health-benefits/herbs-and-spices/health-benefits-of-cardamom.html

From Nutrition and You.com
https://www.nutrition-and-you.com/cardamom.html

Recipe using Cardamom
Semiya Payasam (Rich Indian Dessert)
If you have eaten out at an Indian Restaurant, mainly South Indian Restaurant, this dessert is usually popular. It is one of my favourite too :).
Check out the recipe below…
http://www.happyandharried.com/2016/08/31/semiya-payasam-kheer/

Shutterstock Picture of Payasam - Esther Neela Blog

There are many other recipes for using cardamom in your daily dish. You can search for those…

Have a great weekend!

Spices Pictures - Esther Neela Blog

 

You can be thankful today for Literacy….

The simple fact that you are able to read and understand – this is already something that you should be thankful for!

There are so many people around the world who is not able to afford a basic education. We might not be able to help everyone in the world to achieve a basic literacy level. In our community or somewhere we live, we can always look for opportunities to provide someone with a chance to educate themselves or volunteer at a reading club or via any reliable charity organisation to donate for a child’s education and more.

You can be thankful today for Literacy.... - Esther Neela Blog

 

Zodiacs and Crystal Stones

In the past, I shared quite a number of information and articles on the various healing stones and its properties. If you are still in doubt on some crystals or stones, the most informative website that will come handy for you will be this: Healing Crystals for You

If you are unsure where to start on knowing the crystals and their properties, I suggest you start with your Zodiac sign and the appropriate stones. While many may argue (or even debate) on the correctness of this, I feel that it is more safe to start with that than purchasing a stone unknowingly.
Another way is to trust your instincts. If one particular stone has been attracting you with its vibration, then my suggestion is to go for it….
Okay, back to Zodiacs and the Stones….visit this page….
Soon I will be sharing in depth with you on how some crystal stones has assisted me or my student in our daily life…
Zodiacs and Crystal Stones - Esther Neela Blog

An Inspiration to all….Singapore’s first female Olympian, Tang Pui Wah

Found this video on one of the many Singaporeans who inspire anyone – be it young or old….be it in any year…all of these adds to our life some meaning and soul searching too!

As such, this is one of the many videos that has captured my attention – on Singapore’s first female Olympian, Tang Pui Wah.
An Inspiration to all....Esther Neela Blog