The Relationship Between Spices & Doshas

Spices play an important role in the nutritional science of Ayurveda. Spices are used as medicinal plants and are meant to be consumed daily in small quantities. They also help make our food more flavourful in addition to balancing the three doshas, the basic human types.

Not all spices are equally suitable for each type of dosha. Here's more information!

What if I'm not just one dosha?

All three doshas are present in every human being, and no person is just one type. Nevertheless, in most cases, one dosha dominates others. When our doshas are out of balance, we could become ill, so it is important to keep our doshas balanced.

Ayurveda, one of the oldest medical systems in the world, considers people a combination of body, mind and soul. Spices can also help to balance disturbances in our lives.

Ayurveda always tries to treat the cause, not just the symptoms of an issue.

Suitable spices for the three doshas

Here's a quick overview of the prevailing basic of types of doshas and which spices are particularly suitable for them.

Vata: for people who are dominated by Vata, sweet, warming and soothing spices are best:

• Anise
• Arnica
• Dill
• Rose hip
• Ginger
• Cardamom
• Lavender
• Nutmeg
• Oregano
• Liquorice
• Thyme
• Vanilla
• Juniper
• Cinnamon

Pitta: slightly bitter, harmonising and cooling spices have a positive effect. They include:

• Coriander
• Cumin
• Turmeric
• Lime
• Lemon Balm
• Mint
• Parsley
• Saffron
• Liquorice

Kapha: These types benefit from stimulating spices like:

• Basil
• Chilli
• Galangal
• Cloves
• Ginger
• Garlic
• Horseradish
• Turmeric
• Mint
• Nutmeg
• Pepper
• Rosemary
• Sage
• Mustard
• Juniper

Can you find these spices outside of India?

Geographically, many of the above-mentioned spices also originate in the place Ayurveda originated - in India. Meanwhile, more and more domestic herbs are used according to the principles of Ayurveda.

If one does not like a certain Indian spice, one can always choose an alternative. There is no one spice that is better than others. Both turmeric and sage have dehydrating properties as do ginger and nettle tea.

Indian cuisine or not?

Many people like following Ayurveda because typical Indian dishes are rich and colourful and take us out of our everyday lives. Whether you prefer to use the spices for your dosha in Indian dishes or not, the versatile spices can be used for many different cuisines and foods.