It's easy to forget that all those inexpensive dried herbs sitting in our cupboards waiting to be sprinkled into spag bol actually have enormous healing potential. Many are anti bacterial, anti viral and can provide much needed digestive enzymes. Here are 3 spices to look out for,
Ginger
Dried ginger is great for warming up people with cold constitutions like Vata and Kapha. It is great for the digestion and counteracting nausea. It also helps to clear the sinuses and is particularly helpful in Winter. A simple way to use it, other than adding it to food, is to boil water with some dried ginger to make a tea to sip through the day
Mustard Seeds
These are a staple in Ayurvedic cooking. Many recipes start with sauteing a tablespoon of mustard seeds in oil until they start to pop.This means they are activated and will act as digestive enzymes helping you to digest your food. Using mustard seeds works particularly well in curries and stews as they also give a nice flavour
Fennel Seeds
Unlike ginger and mustard seeds which have a warming effect. Fennel seeds have a cooling effect on the body so are particularly helpful for people with warm constitutions likePitta. Fennel seeds are anti bacterial, anti viral and are also great for the digestion. Chewing fennel seeds after meals is recommended for good digestion. Pittas are also advised to drink fennel seed water during in Summer to cool the body down
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