The 10 Staples

1) Ginger (Powder & Fresh)

Ayurvedic lens: Warming, kindles agni (digestive fire), helps move stagnation after delivery in small amounts.
Modern notes: Contains gingerols; studied for nausea support and general digestive comfort.
How to use: Simmer in tea or add a pinch of dry ginger (sonth) to khichdi or fresh ginger in soups such as Green Moong Bean Soup (see recipe). 
Advise: If reflux or heat signs are strong, use mildly and observe comfort.

2) Garlic

Ayurvedic lens: Warming, grounding; used traditionally in small amounts for strength and circulation.
Modern notes: Rich in allicin; associated with immune and cardiovascular support.
How to use: Lightly sauté in ghee for dals, soups, or greens.
Advise: Flavor can be strong while nursing — observe your baby’s comfort and your digestion.

3) Fenugreek (Seeds, Leaves, or Powder)

Ayurvedic lens: Bitter-sweet, gently warming; classically used in postpartum laddoos and teas.
Modern notes: Often discussed for lactation support; may influence blood sugar.
How to use: Dry-roast seeds for tadka, add methi leaves to dals/veg, use a pinch of powder in laddoos.
Advise: May lower blood sugar; consult your provider if diabetic or on relevant medications.

4) Jaggery

Ayurvedic lens: Unrefined sweetness that is strengthening (brimhana) and grounding post-birth.
Modern notes: Mineral-containing sweetener; gentler flavor than white sugar.
How to use: Sweeten stewed fruit, laddoos/desserts, or warm milk preparations.
Advise: Sweeteners are still sweets — use modestly.

5) Ajwain / Ajma (Carom Seed)

Ayurvedic lens: Strongly aromatic and Vata balancing; a classic postpartum support for gas and sluggish digestion. 
Modern notes: Thymol-rich; used traditionally for carminative effects (digestive relief). Naturally anti-inflammatory and immunity boosting. 
How to use: Ajwain water/kaḍhā (see recipe), a pinch in tadka for dals, or in postpartum snacks.
Advise: Pungent — use sparingly and taste as you go.

6) Garden Cress Seeds (Halim/Aliv)

Ayurvedic lens: Rejuvenating and strengthening; often included in postpartum sweets.
Modern notes: Naturally rich in iron and other beneficial minerals and vitamins. Important for improving hemoglobin levels. 
How to use: Soak and add to warm milk puddings, desserts, or porridges.
Advise: If prone to constipation, pair with ghee and warm liquids; ask your provider about iron needs.

7) Ghee

Ayurvedic lens: Ojas-building, lubricating, and grounding; medicated ghees are used traditionally with guidance. (Please contact us to inquire about consultations, if seeking individual recommendations for yourself or a client.)
Modern notes: Source of essential fat-soluble vitamins and healthy fats to support sustained energy and hormonal balance.
How to use: Drizzle over rice/soups; add a small spoon to warm milk. Also, an essential addition to nourishing desserts such as Badam Pak (see recipe). 
Advise: If using medicated ghees — consult your provider if nursing, pregnant, or on medications.

8) Core Spices (Black Pepper, Cinnamon, Turmeric, Saffron)

Ayurvedic lens:

• Black Pepper moves stagnation;
• Cinnamon warms and sweetens;
• Turmeric is tridoshic in culinary amounts;
• Saffron uplifts the mind in culinary doses.

Modern notes: Black Pepper is beneficial for digestion and increased nutrient absorption. Cinnamon is known to aid in blood sugar control. Turmeric is widely studied for antioxidant compounds (curcumin). Saffron is rich in antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties. (among many other beneficial properties)
How to use: Add to khichdi, soups, porridges, and golden milk; saffron: 1–3 strands only.
Advise: Avoid high-dose supplements unless advised; culinary use is the focus here.

9) Acacia arabica / Babul Resin (Gond)

Ayurvedic lens: Used in traditional postpartum laddoos for strength and stability.
Modern notes: Plant gum used for texture/binding; adds body to sweets and snacks. Great source of prebiotic fiber and is a natural demulcent (soothes digestive/mucus membrane irritation or inflammation). 
How to use: Roast lightly in ghee until it puffs; fold into laddoos with nuts, jaggery, and spices.
Advise: Enjoy in modest amounts; sweets are energizing but dense.

10) Sesame Oil

Ayurvedic lens: Warm, heavy, grounding — classic abhyanga (self-massage) oil for postpartum (external use).
Modern notes: Emollient; supports skin barrier and relaxation rituals. Rich in vitamins and minerals essential for recovery (such as Calcium, Magnesium, Iron, and Zinc)
How to use: Gentle self-massage before a warm shower; culinary use in small amounts for certain dishes.
Advise: Sesame allergy is real — avoid if sensitive; perform a patch test before widespread use; if you have had a C-section, consult with your practitioner regarding topical use during recovery.