Here at Stonehouse 27 we believe that you are what you eat, which is why we make sure that all of our sauces are nutritious and nourishing. In our recipes, we use only the freshest, healthiest ingredients. Our sauces are free of refined sugar (a major cause of diabetes and obesity), and instead use agave nectar, a low-glycemic index sweetener, which is a great alterative for diabetics. Stonehouse 27 uses only natural ingredients, and never adds preservatives, so you know that your sauce is all natural and fresh, and doesn’t need a lot of salt to bring out the flavors of our herbs, spices and vegetables.

Dr. Weil has talked extensively about the anti-inflammatory health benefits of certain foods and spices, and many of Dr. Weil’s favorite herbs and spices can be found in Stonehouse 27’s simmer sauces, among them ginger, turmeric and garlic. His findings are in line with the ancient medicine of India, known as Ayurveda, which has employed natural ingredients in strengthening the body, nourishing the soul and balancing the mind for over three thousand years. Below is a list of our most common ingredients and the naturally powerful health benefits that they can provide to you and your family.

Cumin (Cuminum cyminum) In Europe during the Middle Ages it was thought that cumin could prevent both your chicken and your lover from wandering. As great as this is, the many applications of Cumin in Western and Eastern medicine are far more impressive. In the West, cumin was considered a natural remedy for the common cold, while in the East, it was used to sooth stomach problems and gastric complications. In Ayurveda, cumin is a natural detoxifier, and helps break down and digest toxic elements in the body.

Cilantro and Coriander (Coriandrum sativum) This potent herb, which also goes by the name cilantro, is perhaps one of the most nutritionally dense herbs there is. Full of minerals and vitamins, Coriander contains calcium, phosphorous, iron, Vitamin C and B vitamins, and can be used to treat a vitamin-deficiency. A natural, digestive tonic, coriander is often given to children and people suffering from illness to stimulate the appetite and improve digestion, and it is also one of the major ingredients used in ancient Ayurvedic remedies to treat morning sickness and colic. Adding cilantro and coriander can also help lower cholesterol levels and by lowering LDL cholesterol (also known as bad cholesterol) and increasing good HDL cholesterol.

Cardamom (Elettaria cardamomum) This rich, fragrant spice is perhaps one of the most unique and sought-after flavors in the whole world, and is often used in baked goods and desserts, as well as Indian dishes, and to flavor coffees and teas. One of the places cardamom is commonly found is in pansupari, which is often served after lunch and dinner in India, where it is combined with clove, betel nut, fennel, licorice and other ingredients that are said to promote good digestion. Ayurvedic doctors often combine it with cloves, ginger, and coriander to create a natural and effective remedy for stomach ailments. Another health benefit of cardamom is that it can relieve tension headaches, which are all too common in this day and age. Cardamom is also a natural diuretic, and can promote the natural elimination of toxins from the body.

Cinnamon (Cinnamomum Zeylanicum) This American favorite has actually been used in ancient Indian medicine to purify the body and relieving distention in the abdomen. Ayurvedic medicine also believes that cinnamon can naturally increase brain function, and commonly use it as an ingredient in natural brain and memory tonics. Cinnamon’s warming properties also make it an excellent cure for congestion and muscle pain, and can be applied topically or ingested by people suffering from coughs, colds, sore thoughts, and even as a natural cure for sinus infections and headaches. To treat congestion, a thin paste can be made out of cinnamon and applied to the congested areas for 10-15, which will warm up and release the congestion. (Note, this will burn slightly and turn the skin red for a half hour, so it is better to do it before bed) Indian beauticians also use cinnamon to brighten skin.

Cloves (Eugenia caryophyllata) The name of this potent spice comes from the Latin name for nail, clavus, which is exactly what it looks like. A powerful anti-inflammatory, cloves have been used for centuries to naturally treat dental pain and muscle aches, and has eve been suggested that it can reduce fevers and boost the immune system. Various concoctions featuring cloves are used the world over to treat stomach pain and indigestions. Cloves are naturally rich in Manganese, an essential mineral that promotes muscle function and can help alleviate TMJ and insomnia.

Paprika (Capsicum annum) This bright red, mild chili pepper is slightly pungent and has warming properties that can enhance circulation, help treat nervous and joint problems, and has also been shown to have anti-cancer properties. Like other chili varieties, it is loaded with vitamin C, which not only strengthens the immune system, but can help fight off colds, respiratory illnesses and chronic infections, while at the same time strengthening the eyes.

Turmeric (Curcuma longa) This powerful antioxidant and anti-inflammatory herb is a cousin of ginger, and is most commonly known for giving much of Indian food its deep, golden yellow color. Turmeric is an indispensible part of Indian life, and even newborn babies receive a bath in a mixture of milk and turmeric. Dr. Andrew Weil has lauded the medicinal benefits of turmeric and its ability to help relieve arthritis, tendinitis and bursitis. Turmeric has many applications. Mixed with honey or warm milk is a considered a soothing tonic for the throat used by many singers, and also to treat other inflammations of the lungs and throat. Turmeric can also cure many skin problems, and is an excellent options for those suffering from chronic skin problems. Finally, turmeric is an excellent, natural source of iron, and has been prescribed to pregnant women in India for three millennia.

Sesame Seeds (Sesamum indicum) It is hard to believe that these little seeds can pack such a huge nutritious punch, but they do! Sesame seeds are rich in manganese, copper, calcium, and vitamins B1 and E, and have been shown to have anti-oxidant, anti-cancer and cholesterol reducing properties. In ancient times, Babylonian women would eat halva (sesame seeds mixed with honey) to improve the tone of their skin, and Roman soldiers were known to consume them as a source of energy and power. In Ayurvedic medicine, sesame oil is used for massage, and is said to be particularly beneficial for people suffering from nervous aggravation. The hull of the sesame seed is not digestible by humans, and in order to obtain the most nutritional benefit they should be ground before consumption.

Black Mustard Seeds (Brassica nigra) These pungent little seeds are a relative of the broccoli plant, and can provide many of the same health benefits. Black mustard seeds are an excellent, natural anti-inflammatory, and are an excellent source of omega-3 fatty acids as well as a good source of iron, calcium, zinc, manganese, magnesium, protein, niacin and dietary fiber. Black mustard seeds are also a natural source of tryptophan and can help alleviate restlessness, insomnia and can alleviate muscle problems. Furthermore it is an excellent source of beta-carotine, which is reflected in its traditional Ayurvedic use to strengthen the eyes and cure them of illnesses.

Pepper (Pimento officinalis) While pepper is as common as salt on the everyday table, there is nothing usual about its healing abilities. Black better is a digestive that can naturally cleanse the system, stimulate the appetite and circulation, while delivering an anti-cancer punch. Pepper is rich in manganese, iron and vitamin K, and can help promote good muscle health and help the body absorb calcium. It is also an excellent source of dietary fiber, which can help lower cholesterol and promote good digestion.

Chili Powder (Capsicum) Most people are surprised to learn that chili peppers are a fairly new addition to Indian cuisine, which arrived with the Portuguese sailors about 400 years ago. However, its warming qualities make it a perfect fit for the Indian kitchen and Ayurvedic medicine, and it is commonly prescribed to aid in digestion and soothe sore throats. Another interesting fact is that chili peppers are excellent sources of vitamins A and C.

Star Anise (Illicium verum) This visually striking spice has been used for centuries in both Chinese and Indian medical practices and star anise, mixed with ginger and clove, is often prescribed to as a natural way to treat indigestion and nausea. Star anise has a warming quality and its oil can also be used to treat inflammatory pains, particularly rheumatism.

Fennel seeds (Foeniculum vulgare) This sweet, aromatic flower of the fennel plant is another ingredient that is popular both in Western and Eastern medicine. According to Ayurvedic practitioners, fennel is considered a cooling herb, and can help relieve indigestion, and also works as a natural anti-inflammatory. It is another ingredient in pansupari, and is said to settle the stomach. In Europe, fennel tea is often consumed before meals to curb the appetite, and after to aid in digestion.

Nutmeg and Mace (Myristica Fragrans) Nutmeg and mace are two parts of the same fruit, the nutmeg being the stone, and the mace the soft flesh that surrounds it in the shell. In the West, nutmeg is primarily used to add depth to cream based sauces, but its powers reach far beyond that. In the Ayurvedic tradition, nutmeg is used both as an aphrodisiac and a powerful sedative. Recently medical studies have also shown that nutmeg is a natural anti-depressant. Nutmeg is perhaps one of the most potent spices there is, and should never be consumed in excess. In the Ayurvedic tradition, excessive consumption can cause the body to become heavy and sluggish, and in the modern medical research has shown that overdoses can cause psychedelic effects and death.

Ginger (Zingiber officinale) This spicy, fragrant root has been used for centuries in both the Chinese and Indian medical traditions to relieve congestion, motion sickness, sprains, arthritis and other inflammatory illnesses. In the Ayurvedic tradition, ginger is used to treat a large number of digestive issues, ranging from gas, to indigestion, nausea and vomiting. It is also useful in the treatment of acute and chronic respiratory ailments, and helps digest and cleanse the body of toxins. According to the Sanhitas, the original Ayurvedic texts, ginger can also act as an aphrodisiac by stimulating the body. Please note that ginger is a natural blood thinner, so it should be consumed sparingly two weeks prior to surgery.

Garlic (Allium sativum) For centuries, garlic has been known as a panacea, a cure-all, for almost every illness under the sky, from colds to infections, high blood pressure, and even vampire bites. Garlic works by strengthening the immune system, allowing the body to better fight infections, and it is also used to treat stomach bugs and high blood pressure. In Ayurvedic medicine, it is considered a strengthening herb that can tonify the heart the heart and the lungs, and even today some Indian families use garlic as a natural cure for asthma and bronchitis.

Curry Leaves (Murraya koenigi) The shiny, aromatic leaves of the curry plant are perhaps one of the most recognizable Indian tastes in the West. While curry has been used for thousands of years by Ayurvedic practitioners to treat ingestion, nausea, to stimulate appetite and improve digestion, recent Ayurvedic medical findings have also shown that a paste of these leaves can help in controlling non-insulin dependent diabetes mellitus. Traditional healers in India have observed that curry leaves can also have a positive effect on the skin, lessening the irritation from bug bites, burns, abrasions and bruises.

Tamarind (Tamarindus indica) The sweet and tangy flesh of the tamarind pod has been used to cure various ailments in all parts of the world. Like bananas, tamarind is rich in potassium, which helps promote muscle function; works as a natural cure for tension and anxiety and can help reduce the risk of high blood pressure and stroke. Furthermore, potassium keeps nerve impulses firing in top form, and releases energy from protein, fat and carbohydrates during metabolism. Potassium is often found in salmon, chicken and whole milk, making tamarind and excellent source of potassium for vegans and vegetarians. In Ayurvedic medicine, the seeds and pulp of tamarind are used as a cure for nausea and other stomach ailments, and an infusion of the leaves is often used to treat ulcers and other skin infections.

Dates (Phoenix dactylifera) These delicious fruits are not only high in soluble dietary fiber, but also contain polyphenols (such as quercetin, one of Dr. Weil’s highest ranked herbs) a powerful anti-oxidant that can help prevent cardiovascular disease and cancer. Dates are also an excellent source of B-vitamins, including thiamin, riboflavin, niacin, vitamin B-6 and pantothenic acid, which help metabolize carbohydrates, regulate glucose levels and fatty acids, and produce hemoglobin, red and white blood cells which strengthen the overall health of the body. Overall dates are an excellent, fat and cholesterol-free snack for anyone who wants a natural energy boost.

Cashew (Anacardium occidentale) Cashew nuts, which are the seeds of the Brazilian cashew apple, are not only one of the most low-fat nuts, but contain the most unsaturated fatty acids of all others nuts, approximately 75% of their total fat count. Furthermore, 75% percent of the unsaturated fat found in cashews is oleic acid (the same heart-healthy monounsaturated fat found in olive oil), which has been shown to promote good cardiovascular health, including in patients who have diabetes. Cashews are also rich in copper, an anti-oxidant mineral that helps the body utilize iron, boosting energy and strengthening the bones and blood vessels. Cashews are also a great source of magnesium, which strengthens bones and helps relax the body. And if all that wasn’t enough, regular consumption of cashews has also been shown to prevent gallstones and lower the risk of weight gain.