From curries to panjiris, dry ginger is a spice used in a plethora of ways. Commonly known as saunth or sonth, this spice is also known for its medicinal properties. Right from treating digestion to curing diabetes, from curing joint aches to treating cough and cold, saunth is a magical spice as per Ayurveda and can do a lot. Those who don’t know, saunth is actually a dried and powdered form of ginger.
You better not have this spice in summers as it is known for keeping the body warm. This is why it is added to Punjabi Panjiri and laddoos made for lactating mothers. Besides, a pinch of saunth is also used in chai and chutneys to enhance the flavour. It can also be used in gravies, tandoori starters, soups and even cookies but in very small quantities because of its warm potency.
But when was this spice first recognized? Well, saunth’s history is as rich as its properties. Saunth is believed to have originated in India as well as China and is reportedly more than 5000 years old. As per some experts, this spice also finds its mention in Charak Samhita’s ‘Haritvarga’ chapter which was reportedly written somewhere around the 7th or 8th century BC. Buddhist Monk Fahiyan, who had come to India, imparted information about saunth being cultivated in China. It was then just a matter of time when this spice gained quite a popularity.
Did you know that Mughals were obsessed with saunth once? If some legends are to be believed, saunth was much recognized during the Mughal period. When there was a rule of Emperor Akbar in Agra, a saunth mandi was established and from this mandi, this medicinal spice was transported to many nearby regions as well as Lahore which also had a large-scale saunth market. Even though saunth or dry ginger is not transported on such a large scale now, India remains to be one of the top producers of this spice in the world.
Talking about the Ayurvedic significance, saunth has ample health benefits. Its warming effect can provide relief from burning sensation in the stomach, can treat headaches and throat pain, can prevent cough and cold and can even burn fat and prevent obesity. No wonder this spice has been given a special medicine status in Ayurveda. But one should always use this spice in a small quantity otherwise it can lead to a burning sensation in the chest. Besides, its excessive usage can cause blisters in the mouth and rashes on the skin. Moderation is always important.