Classical Ayurvedic Profile & Preparation
The crimson of rogan josh — ratanjot is a colour dravya: steeped in hot fat it bleeds ruby red, doing with pigment what Kashmiri cooking declines to do with chili heat.
Traditional Preparation (Samskara)
Dry root briefly steeped in hot fat and removed — a dye bath, not an ingredient. Traditional use never eats the root itself; keep it that way.
Classical Provenance: Kashmiri wazwan tradition; Unani external use (ratanjot).
Synergistic Combinations (Samyoga)
- steeped in hot oil/ghee for rogan josh colour
- in traditional hair oils (external)
- strained out before serving (colour stays, root goes)
Contraindications & Viruddha Āhāra (Food Incompatibilities)
- Contraindication: internal medicinal use (pyrrolizidine alkaloids — modern hepatotoxicity caution; colour-steeping and straining is the traditional safe use)
- Contraindication: pregnancy
Verified USDA Nutrition Facts for Alkanet root
Complete macronutrient, vitamin, and mineral profile per 100 grams and per 1 tsp (2g):
