Autumn is upon us. You can feel it in the brisk morning air. The atmosphere seems dryer and lighter. Daylight dwindles earlier with each passing day. Is your body reacting to these changes? How can you tell?
In Ayurveda, the onset of fall (or the “Vata” season) brings subtle, telltale signs. Chapped lips. Hangnails. A slight uptick in nervous energy. Sleep is often disrupted. The list goes on. You may naturally begin to desire warming and grounding meals, too. As the original advocate of “food as medicine,” Ayurveda explains these cravings as your body’s way of counteracting autumn’s qualities to naturally maintain alignment.
Ayurveda understands that it is not just the food, but how the food is seasoned that also impacts your wellbeing. Fresh herbs and dried spices have been used for thousands of years to keep people healthy. These ingredients have long been known to have anti-bacterial, anti-viral and anti-inflammatory properties.
Here are five beneficial spices that are great “adds” to any autumn dish:
- Ginger – A fresh ginger tea provides a pleasant afternoon break, especially if you eat a heavy luncheon meal. Ginger can be a warming treat and has been known to stimulate the digestive fire. Take a quarter-sized slice of fresh ginger, chop it into smaller pieces and add it to boiling water. It couldn’t be easier.
- Asafoetida – This rhizome (also known as Hing) may carry a strong odor as a powder, but adds a pleasant flavor similar to leeks. It also aids digestion. Just a pinch (and literally only a “pinch” is needed) curbs gas that can surface with foods like beans or leafy greens. Please note: Hing is often sold with wheat or rice flour added to cut its intensity.
- Cumin – Sauté some dried cumin seeds. It’s the perfect start to any dish. Cumin also helps to reduces digestive fluctuation. In Ayurveda, this spice is considered an essential for any kitchen.
- Saffron – With its sweet taste, Saffron has a lovely grounding effect. Think about adding a strand or two to your rice. Sprinkle in some raisins and chopped blanched almonds, too. Yum!
- Cinnamon – Combat the chill in the air with a baked sweet apple dusted with freshly ground cinnamon. This is an inexpensive, easy-to-fix breakfast or snack. Just a few bites will warm you up.
If you are feeling a little out of sorts, it could be time to update your recipe file and to add some warming and grounding spices to your rack. They work wonders during the Vata season.
