Find Out What’s In The October Spice Rack

October has already knocked on our doors, signaling the arrival of autumn with the season of transformation. So, are you ready to transform your health by revitalizing your diet? If you're wondering how to embark on this journey, look no further than the magical world of herbs.

The journey to healthier eating might seem challenging. But if your spice rack is loaded with essential ayurvedic herbs and spices, it is already effortless for you. These herbs and spices will not only enhance your meal's flavor but also offer a myriad of health benefits.

Do you want to explore the herbs which can be used in your meals or added to your daily routine? If yes, you've landed on the right page. 

In this blog, we'll delve into delectable herbs benefits and how you can add them to your meals. 

So, grab a cup of coffee, sit on your couch, and voyage into the realm of herbs and spices.

Top 10 Spices To Incorporate Into Food

Here is a list of 10 herbs to spice up your October!

1. Coriander

Coriander is a plant whose seeds and fresh green leaves both do wonders when, it comes to health. 

Coriander balances all three doshas, primarily pacifying Vata and Pitta doshas due to its warming and cooling qualities, respectively, while being relatively neutral for kapha dosha.

Benefits: 

Coriander has the following benefits:

1. Coriander is known for its anti-inflammatory properties and a rich source of vitamins and antioxidants. 
2. 2. It helps to improve digestion and controls blood sugar level and cholesterol.

You can sprinkle coriander powder on salads, soups, and curries or use it as a garnish for grilled dishes.

2. Bilva Leaves

Bilva leaves are a versatile and revered herb in various cultures. Bilva leaves offer numerous health benefits:

Bilva leaves are primarily tridoshic, which helps balance all three doshas—vata, pitta, and kapha. Excessive consumption can cause imbalances.

Benefits: 

Bilva leaves has the following benefits:

1. Bilva leaves promote healthy digestion.
2. Bilva leaves help in maintaining skin health.
3. They can support oral hygiene.

You can incorporate bilva leaves powder in meals by adding them to soups or curries for a mild, earthy flavor and potential health benefits.

3. Kokilaksha

Suppose with the beginning of vata season, you've started experiencing some digestion issues. It may be due to aggravated vata dosha. In this scenario, Kokilaksha can help you out. 

Kokilaksha is the herb that pacifies both vata and kapha doshas and supports healthy digestion. It is a bitter and astringent herb that has a cooling effect in the body.

Benefits:

Kokilaksha offers variety of benefits:

1. It may enhance vitality and stamina.
2. It supports urinary health.
3. It promotes a healthy digestive system.  

You can brew herbal teas containing Kokilaksha or add them to soups and stews. Its earthy flavor complements savory dishes wonderfully. 

4. Amalaki Powder

Amlaki refers to Amla, which is also known as Indian gooseberry. It contains plenty of vitamin C and bioactive compounds.

Amalaki powder is Tridoshic, which can balance all three doshas—Vata, Pitta, and Kapha.

Benefits: 

Amalaki Powder has numerous advantages:

1. Amalaki boosts our defence mechanism, the immunity system.
2. It helps to promote healthy skin and aids in digestion.

You can blend Amalaki powder into fruit juices or sprinkle it on fruit salads.

5. Kaunch Seed

Kaunch seed, or mucuna pruriens, is an Ayurvedic herb known to pacify the vata dosha. It is a heavy, sweet, and oily herb that has a warming effect on the body. 

Benefits:

Kaunch seed has various health benefits:

1. It promotes quality sleep.
2. It may reduce anxiety and stress.
3. It supports the nervous system.

You can sprinkle Kaunch seed powder on yogurt or oatmeal. You can also mix it into energy-boosting smoothies for that extra kick.

6. Vidarikand

Vidarikand is a prominent name in Ayurveda, used in various Ayurvedic medicines.

It has a mildly sweet and earthy flavor. Additionally, Vidarikand has a cooling effect on the body and pacifies Vata and Pitta dosha.

Benefits:

Vidarikand has numerous benefits:

1. It supports the respiratory system.
2. It aids in maintaining a healthy body weight.

If you've Vidarikand powder, take 1 teaspoon of it with lukewarm water or warm milk twice a day. You can add it to a smoothie or homemade energy bars.

7. Black Pepper

This is the most common herb in every kitchen. It is not just a humble household ingredient, but more than that.

Black pepper calms Vata and Kapha doshas while increasing Pitta dosha. Its warming and stimulating properties can help balance excess Vata and reduce Kapha-related congestion.

Benefits:

Black pepper has the following benefits:

1. It aids digestion, enhances nutrient absorption, and has anti-inflammatory properties.
2. It may help to relieve cough, cold, and skin problems and enhance weight management efforts.

You can add black pepper powder to season grilled vegetables or soups.

8. Brihati 

Brihati (Solanum indicum) is an Ayurvedic herb that balances Vata and Kapha dosha.

Benefits:

Brihati offers a wide range of benefits:

1. It supports urinary health.
2. It helps to improve appetite and promote healthy digestion.

You can brew Brihati tea and enjoy it, or add Brihati powder to your soups or vegetable dishes. 

9. Brahmi

Brahmi is a herb that balances the Vata dosha. It is also known to have a balancing effect on the Pitta dosha.

Benefits:

Brahmi has a myriad of advantages:

1. It may improve memory, concentration, and cognitive function.
2. It promotes hair growth and maintains healthy skin.

You can mix Brahmi powder into juices or yogurt and enjoy its benefits.

10. Cardamom

Cardamom comes from seed pods and is famous for its intense flavor and use in traditional medicine.

Cardamom reduces excess Vata and Kapha while increasing Pitta due to its warming and digestive properties.

Benefits:

Cardamom has several benefits:

1. It supports digestive health, helps combat bad breath, and may have antimicrobial properties.
2. It contains antioxidants, which may contribute to improving heart health. 

Add cardamom pods to rice dishes and desserts, or brew them with your morning coffee.

How Can These Herbs Be Used In Meals?

Now that you know the benefits of these herbs, let's explore, how these herbs can be used in meals:

1. Spice Blends

Create custom spice blends by mixing various herbs and using them to season your dishes. For instance, blend cumin, coriander, and black pepper to create a flavorful rub for grilled chicken.

2. Herbal Infusions

Brew herbal teas using chamomile, cinnamon, or cardamom. These teas make for excellent evening beverages to unwind.

3. Smoothies

Incorporate powders like Amalaki and Ashwagandha into your morning smoothies for a nutritional boost.

4. Garnishes

Use fresh herbs like Coriander as a garnish for soups, salads, and curries to enhance your dishes' flavor and visual appeal.

5. Seasoning

Utilize Turmeric, Black Pepper, and Cardamom as seasoning agents in your cooking to reap their health benefits.

6. Baking

Experiment with Cinnamon in your baking recipes to give the treats a warm, comforting flavor.

7. Spiced Beverages

Prepare beverages like golden milk (Turmeric) or spiced hot chocolate (Cinnamon) to enjoy delicious health benefits.

8. Yogurt And Oatmeal

Sprinkle Amalaki powder or Cinnamon on yogurt and oatmeal to infuse them with added flavor and nutrients.

As October unfolds, embrace the power of these herbs to create a balanced and nutritious diet. These spices will not only savor the delightful tastes and aromas in your meals, but it'll also give your body the gift of improved health.

Wrapping Up

Remember that while herbs are used in meals to enhance your diet, it's essential to maintain a balanced and varied eating plan. Incorporating these herbs into your diet is a step in the right direction toward a healthier, more flavorful lifestyle. So, head to your kitchen, grab those herbs, and start cooking up a storm this October!