Ayurvedic Spice Guide

Here is some useful information on various common spices. Please note that it contains some information that pertains specifically to ayurvedic principles. However, if you are not interested in ayurvedic cooking, you may still find these hints meaningful and helpful. It never hurts to try something new.

HING (Asafoetida)
- Dispels gas and cramping
- Destroys parasites
- Cleanses intestinal tract

AJWAN
- Decongests digestive and respiratory tracts
- Attacks high Vata and Kapha

GARLIC (not recommended for the serious Yogi – increases Rajas)
- Increases Pitta; pacifies Vata and Kapha
- Rejuvenates body
- Natural antibiotic
- Dulls and irritates the mind

CARDAMOM
- Pacifies all 3 doshas
- Increases joy and vitality in the body
- Neutralizes mucus-forming from milk and detoxifies caffeine

TURMERIC
- Balances doshas
- Purifies blood, mind and skin
- Natural antibiotic, yet strengthens intestinal flora
- Cleanses charkas, subtle channels and helps ligaments
- Helps digest protein
- Promotes proper metabolism

SAFFRON
- Balances all 3 doshas
- Regulates menstrual cycle and spleen/ liver
- Increases love, devotion and compassion

BLACK PEPPER
- Increases Pitta, pacifies Vata and Kapha
- Destroys digestive toxins
- Antidote for excessive raw foods

MUSTARD SEEDS
- Increases appetite
- Dispels gas and toxins
- Stimulates circulation

LEMON
- Increases Pitta

LIME
- Does not aggravate Pitta

ONION (not recommended for the serious Yogi – increases Rajas)
- Strengthening
- Increases appetite

CUMIN
- Antidote for hot, pungent foods (tomato, chilies, etc.)
- Pacifies Vata and Kapha

FENUGREEK
- Pacifies Vata and Kapha
- Rejuvenates and tones entire body

GINGER
- Pacifies Vata and Kapha
- Relieves gas, cramps and nausea
- Inflames the appetite
- Digests toxins in the body

CORIANDER SEED
- Cooling
- Pacifies all 3 doshas
- Excellent for urinary tract

CINNAMON
- Pacifies Vata and Kapha
- Strengthens and harmonizes the flow of circulation, the heart and kidneys

CHILIES
- Increases Pitta
- Reduces Kapha
- Burns toxins from colon