The Book of Ayurveda

Judith H Morrison

Part Three: Maintaining Wellness

Food and Diet

SPICES AND HERBS

In addition to adding deliciousness to food, spices and herbs stimulate the appetite
and aid digestion, by increasing secretion of digestive juices, by increasing absorption in
the intestines, by reducing gases, and by influencing the doshas.

Coriander
Cooling PPP (P=pacifies, I=increases, *=pacifies unless used in excess)

Helps counteract the effects of pungent foods. Eases gases and generally tones the
digestive system. use whole seed or powdered. Uses leaves as a garnish.

Black Pepper
Heating P* I P

Increases appetite and agni. Aids the digestion of dairy products. Too muc will cause
irratation and dryness. Use freshly ground.

Cardamom
Heating P P* P

Kindles agni without increasing pitta, unless used in excess. Reduces the mucus-forming
effects of dairy products. use in coffee to counter some effects of caffeine. Use
powdered or whole seeds

Tumeric
Heating P* P*

Strengthens digestion and generally improves metabolsim. Aids the digestion of

proteinn. The root is used ground. Widely used in Indian cooking, giving dishes a
yellow color. It can stain clothes, work surfaces and china.

Cinnamom
Heating P P* P

Stimulates agni. It is less likely than ginger to effect pitta. Use powdered, sticks or
pieces.

Cumin
Slightly heating P P* P
Pacifics vata and kapha without increasing pitta useless used in excess. Helps reduce
ama and gases and tones the digestive system. Use the seeds whole or powdered.

Fennel
Cooling P P P

Increases agni without increasing pitta. Helps prevent gases. Either chew the seeds after
a meal or add to vegetables that tend to produce gas when cooking. Use seeds, whole or
powdered.

Clove
Heating P I P

Stimulates agni and helps with absorption. Use whole or ground.

Ginger
Heating P I P

Highly regarded in Ayurveda. Works on all tissues, especially digestive and respiratory.
Stimulates agni, helps relieve gases and constipation, and vata or kapha indigestion. Do
not use if there is high pitta, temperature, bleeding conditions, or ulcers. Use root, either
fresh or dried. Fresh is best for vata and dried for kapha.

Nutmeg
Heating P I P

Helps with absorption. Is calming. Use ground and sparingly.