Spices for Summer 

Ayurveda claims that the body is governed by three doshas or energies which are - vatta, pitta and kapha. ‘Pitta' – which rules metabolism and digestion – gets intensified by heat leading to inflammation, heart burns, acne and sweating. 

No small wonder that the summer stars of the pantry are spices that beat the heat, internally. Not only do they add a dash of flavour and fragrance to a dish but they also double up as coolants by regulating your metabolism. 

Foodism curates some spices that promise to keep you cool this summer -

Turmeric

This wonder spice with its bitter character is renowned for its cooling quotient. Alongside alleviating pain and swelling in the body; it also cleanses the liver juices and purifies the blood. 

Ways to Use –

• Add a teaspoon of turmeric to any dish you cook, especially stews, curries or marinades 
• Add a teaspoon of turmeric to a cup of warm milk with honey 

Mint

Packed with menthol that acts as a remedy for indigestion and chest pain; mint disperses the excess energy released due to the digestive process by opening up and activating the pores in the skin thereby soothing the aggravated pitta.

Ways to Use –

• Mint can be used in a variety of items such as fish, meat, salads and drinks 
• Add a sprig of fresh mint to tea
• Grind it into chutney, sauce or marinades

Ginger

Surprisingly, ginger is great for summer. In fact, the Gingerol present in ginger regulates the underlying body temperature and causes a drop in it.

Ways to Use –

• Can be mixed into most vegetables and curries
• Add to tea to lend it aroma and flavour

Fennel (Saunf)

This mouth freshener found in practically all Indian households is an excellent source of vitamin C. It pacifies the inflammation caused in the body due to the heat and pumps up the flow of digestive and gastric juices in the body.

Ways to Use –

• The stem of fresh fennel bulb can be used to make broths, stews and soups 
• The bulbs can be sliced and used for making stir fries and added to soups or salads
• Fennel seeds can be brewed in hot water to make fennel tea 
• Powdered fennel seeds can be used as seasoning

Cumin

Cumin – is blessed with detoxifying properties and alleviates gas and bloating problems; besides making one feel light and refreshed. 

Ways to Use –

• Add a teaspoon of whole, crushed or powdered cumin seeds in vegetable stir-fries, curries, soups, and lentils or also as an ingredient for marinades
• Dry-roast without any oil, freshly crush into powder and add to yoghurt, shakes, buttermilk and lemon-based drinks

Coriander (Seeds)

High on health-enhancing volatile oils and packed with nutritional value, coriander seeds are considered one of the most cooling spices in Ayurvedic medicine.

Ways to Use –

• Add a teaspoon of whole, crushed or powdered coriander seeds in vegetable stir-fries, curries, soups, and lentils
• Use roasted crushed coriander seeds as a marinade or for making spice rubs

Coriander (Fresh)

Coriander leaves calm down the excess of fire or pitta in the body; and their volatile oil content make them a great relaxant and help lower anxiety. 

Ways to Use –

• To make fresh salsas with cucumber, tomatoes 
• Add to marinades for meat, fish 
• For coriander chutney, sauce or dips

Cardamom

This magical spice balances all the three energies or doshas in the body; and also counteracts the excessive stomach acids and cures stomach cramps.

Ways to Use –

• To add flavour to stocks and gravies 
• Powder cardamom seeds and add to drinks such as yoghurt-based shakes, tea, milk-product based desserts and also as a marinade ingredient

So this summer make these spices a part of your daily meal and keep yourself free from heat stroke, rashes, acne and other summer problems.