bezar

Bezoar (also spelled bezar or bezoar stone) is a mass of indigestible material that accumulates in the gastrointestinal tract, historically believed to possess mystical and medicinal properties in medieval and Islamic medicine. In culinary and medicinal contexts, the term "bezar" typically refers to Persian and Middle Eastern spice blends or preparations that contain mineral-rich or bitter compounds, particularly those used as digestive aids and tonics. The term derives from Persian pāzahr, meaning "poison antidote," reflecting its historical use in traditional medicine. In some regional preparations, bezar refers to mixtures containing ingredients like burnt minerals, aromatic spices, and medicinal herbs ground into fine powders, historically prescribed for digestive complaints and general wellness.

Bezar preparations have been used in Persian, Middle Eastern, and South Asian culinary traditions primarily as a health tonic and digestive aid rather than as a conventional culinary seasoning. These blends are often mixed into warm milk, honey, or water as a beverage, or incorporated into traditional medicine formulations. In historical pharmacy and culinary practice, bezar mixtures were prescribed for ailments including indigestion, flatulence, and general malaise, representing the intersection of food, spice, and medicine in pre-modern cultures.