It is officially spring in most of the world, and in Ayurveda, spring is the season where Kapha Dosha is most dominant in nature and can most easily accumulate excessively in us.
To stay balanced during this cool, damp season, favor the tastes pungent, bitter and astringent. Using spices in your daily cooking that are pungent, bitter or astringent will help to balance your body and mind. It will also increase metabolism, strengthen digestion and decrease allergy symptoms and excess mucus. Not to mention playing with spices in your cooking is fun and brings delicious smells to your kitchen and flavors to your food!
Turmeric
This root has a fresh, earthy and woody aroma and taste. It is only lightly bitter and astringent, moderately pungent and warm and musky. It is well-known the world over for its numerous health benefits. It acts as an antioxidant, antibacterial, anti-arthritic and anti-inflammatory aid.
Turmeric is also used in the formulation of many classical Ayurvedic remedies. Ashwagandha Arishtam, Mahatiktam Kwatham Tablets, Manjishthadi Kwatham Tablets and Nalpamaradi Coconut Skin Oil are just a few.
Coriander
Coriander is used in a seed or powder form in cooking. It is sweet with a hint of spice and pungency. It acts as a diuretic and diaphoretic. It strengthens digestion, relieves gas and bloating and soothes inflammation, arthritic and rheumatic pain, headaches, coughs and stress.
We have several products that use coriander as a healing agent: Guluchyadi Kwatham Tablets and Maha Rasnadi Kwatham Tablets.
Black Pepper
Black Pepper comes as either a whole peppercorn or ground up into a powder. It is hot and pungent with a strong aftertaste. It strengthens digestion, relieves gas and bloating and protects the liver against solvents. It also opens the pores to allow for the release of toxins through sweat and inhibits parasites.
Products that use black pepper: Kalyana Ksharam, Amrita Arishtam and Kaisora Guggulu Vatika.
Ginger
Ginger is a root that is used powdered or fresh. Its tastes are hot and pungent, and should be used less when someone is experiencing an excess of Pitta Dosha. Ginger is warming for the body, and it stimulates digestion, boosts circulation. It supports the body's natural cleansing processes through the skin, kidneys and bowels.
Arya Vaidya Sala products that contain ginger: Kalyana Ksharam, Vyoshadi Vatakam and Amrita Arishtam, among many others.
Fenugreek
For many, Fenugreek has a bitter taste similar to celery. It has many incredible benefits, including acting as an overall rejuvenative and aphrodisiac. It is warming for the body, enhances digestion, increases the flow of milk in nursing mothers and helps to reduce cholesterol.
The healing process can take time. But making changes in what you eat and how you live can have a dramatic effect on your overall health, oftentimes in as little as a couple weeks! For more cooking inspiration, check out more of our Ayurvedic recipes. To book a consultation with one of our affiliated practitioners and begin your healing journey, please contact us.
Disclaimer
The purpose of this article is to provide information about Ayurveda. This information is not intended for use in the diagnosis, treatment, cure or prevention of any disease. If you have serious acute or chronic health problems, please consult a trained health professional or physician. If you are seeking the health advice of a certified Ayurvedic practitioner or doctor, please call us at (800) 215 – 9934 or email us. We will provide you with the contact information of our affiliated Ayurvedic professionals. Check with your physician before taking herbs or using essential oils when pregnant or nursing.