Looking to add a bit more spice into your diet? Please do! As my friend always says, Ayurveda teaches one to turn their “spice cabinet, into their medicine cabinet.” Admittedly, I roll my eyes every single time I hear her utter this phrase, but it’s 100% true. Spices are our friends, and possibly saviors. They are chock full of medicinal benefits and super charge the taste of our food. For all things sweet, try the Sweet Heat Spice blend. Comprised of cinnamon, cardamom and ginger, this blend is bound to please even the toughest customer.
Cinnamon, or twak in Sanskrit, is loaded with many healing properties. It has gained popularity lately as it is thought to help regulate blood sugar, great for those who struggle with diabetes. Along with ginger, cinnamon is often referred to as the universal medicine. It helps to boost circulation and is a phenomenal addition during the cold and flu season as it is an expectorant (that is, it clears mucus from the airways) and diaphoretic (it increases perspiration). This spice relieves muscle tension, say after a day of hard exercise. Cinnamon is stimulating, strengthens the heart, and increases digestive fire. Finally, despite being heating, cinnamon is Tri doshic, or good for all body types.
Cardamom, or ela in Sanskrit, is one of the safest digestive stimulates. Like cinnamon, cardamom also enkindles the digestive fire. It can help to stimulate the mind and alleviate depression. Cardamom is a wonderful spice to use if you have an upset stomach. Finally, cardamom can remove excess heaviness (or Kapha) from the lungs and stomach.
The lovely rhizome ginger is the final addition to complete this sweet spice mix. Ginger is phenomenal at warding off cold and flus. It is often used for indigestion as well as nausea (many pregnant women resort to this gem to combat morning sickness). In addition, ginger can help relieve gas and cramps, including menstrual cramps. It is said that ginger can be a powerful medicine for heart disease. And because of its stimulating action, you may find that ginger helps relieve headaches. Like the other two spices, ginger also stimulates digestion and increases the digestive fire.
The lists of benefits go on and on. So why not add a little bit of this spice mix to your diet? Shake up a batch, and have it on hand when the mood strikes. It’s good for cinnamon toast, cereals, or even ice cream. Coming down with a cold? Steep 1 teaspoon of this blend in a cup of hot water and sip to reignite your digestive fire.
Here’s how to make it!
Sweet Heat Spice Mix
Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup cinnamon powder
- 1/4 cup ginger powder
- 2 T ground cardamom
Instructions:
- Combine ingredients in a small bowl until well blended.
- Pour the contents into a small mason jar, or spice jar.
- Keep handy, I leave a shaker on my stove. The sky’s the limit with this blend, add it to any sweet, or savory dish.
Ayurveda Lite 