There are so many powders available at an Indian grocery but I have no idea what they are. So I went through and wrote down the names of some interesting looking powders. Just FYI, here is what I found. And there are still more I didn't have time to write down.
- Steve N Dagar phool powder - A wild lichen. Alsi powder - flaxseed Anardana powder - wild Indian pomegranate Aritha - soap nuts Neem leaf powder Shikakai powder - A natural hair shampoo. Shikakai also acts as a detangler Methi - fenugreek Dhanajiru - Spice blend of cumin, coriander, black pepper, and turmeric. Masala powder - curry powder Chana - flour made from chickpeas Gram flour - flour made from chickpeas but somehow different from Chana Cala chana - Black Chick peas Ildi flour - Made from rice and udad dal (beans) Garcinia cambogia - Dried fruit. Contains Hydroxycitric Acid. Acacia concinna - See Shikakai. This is the whole dried fruit (not powdered) Trifla powder - (aka Triphala) Triphala is an Ayurvedic herbal rasayana formula consisting of equal parts of three myrobalans, taken without seed: Amalaki (Emblica officinalis), Bibhitaki (Terminalia bellirica), and Haritaki (Terminalia chebula), with potential anti-cancer properties. Triphala is used to promote appetite and digestion, increase the number of red blood cells, and aid in removal of undesirable fat in the body. When dissolved in the mouth, Triphala is used to clear congestion and headaches. Other claimed benefits include helping maintain normal blood sugar levels, as well as improvement in skin tone and colour. In recent years, a number of research studies have found new uses for this herb, including treatment for various forms of cancer. It is also found to have high antioxidant qualities, and is even useful for treatment against noise and stress induced conditions. Jamun powder - The bark, fruits, leaves ad seeds of Eugenia jambulana are used for medical purposes. The leaves and bark are used for controlling blood pressure and bleeding gums. Wine and vinegar are made from the fruit. Considering its unique medicinal value, the berries are quite reasonably priced. In the Indo-Pakistan subcontinent Jamun and its seed have long been used in eastern medicines and are gaining interest in the West for treatment of diabetes and ailments related to digestive tract. Intake of Jamun is considered beneficial and cheaper way to control diabetes. The glucoside in jamun stops conversion of starch into glucose and this helps in controlling blood-sugar. Various local and foreign researchers have confirmed it through clinical trials. Practitioners of medicines report that jamun pulp lowers blood-sugar level in about 30 minutes, while its seed lowers blood-sugar level in about 24 hours. Over a period of several weeks it can reduces the thirst associated with diabetes and decrease the quantity of urine output and in some cases can help reduce the use of insulin. Researchers are investigating its potential also as a male contraceptive. Jamun seed has gastro-protective properties. In case of peptic ulcer jamun is most effective as it helps in promotion of mucosal defensive factors and antioxidant status and decreasing lipid peroxidation. Jamun also has anti-cancer and anti-viral potentials. Its fruit extract inhibits growth and induces apoptosis of breast cancer. Beside this, jamun juice is carminative, mild astringent, stomachic, diuretic and gives a soothing effect on human digestive system. The juice of ripe fruit is used for preparing sauces as well as beverages. It is also dried with salt and preserved as a digestive powder or churan. Jamun seeds also have hypoglycemia, anti-inflammatory, anti- bacterial, anti-HIV and anti-diarrhoeal effects. Bitter gourd powder - Controls blood sugar levels. Lodh powder - See http://www.herbal-supplements-for-you.com/herbs/lodh-tree.htm
