Which Herbs Suit the Cold? Ayurveda!

In each season, your digestion functions differently. This is quite convenient, as our diet also changes with the seasons. It’s no coincidence that during cold and harsh weather, you suddenly develop an irresistible craving for heavier and more substantial food. Unconsciously, you are working to balance your vata, pitta, and kapha. Naturally, during the colder seasons, you tend to eat warm and nourishing dishes like a 'nice bowl of pea soup' and other meal soups, mashed dishes, and casseroles. Ayurveda also favours a warm breakfast in autumn and winter, such as oatmeal porridge, nuts, and dried fruits.

Herbs Play an Important Role in Ayurveda

They not only add a delicious flavour to your dishes but also stimulate digestion and metabolism. Consider cinnamon, ginger, anise, cardamom, liquorice, fennel, cloves, and basil. These herbs are often found in the many delightful teas marketed according to Ayurvedic principles; they are indeed warming and stimulating on those cold, wet, dark days. Cooling fruits can also be easily made 'warming'. You can achieve this simply by sprinkling some cinnamon over the fruits.

Cinnamon
Has a wonderful aroma and is a true flavour enhancer, especially in sweet dishes (does it make you crave apple pie?). Traditionally, cinnamon has been used for type 2 diabetes (to regulate blood sugar levels), colds, and menstrual and digestive complaints.

Aniseed
Also has a beneficial effect on the digestive system. It is often used for abdominal cramps and calms the stomach. Anise is also a friend to the respiratory system; it has antiseptic and mucus-thinning properties. Due to its sweet taste, anise is very popular with young children.

Cardamom
Is a plant from the Indian rainforest, primarily known to us as an addition to spiced biscuits. Besides being a flavour enhancer, this warming spice is also traditionally used for medicinal purposes. Adding cardamom makes food more digestible and also helps with nausea and bad breath.

Liquorice
Is a snack available in health food stores as well as sweet shops; it is indeed good for the teeth! In Ayurveda, liquorice is often used to combat coughs. It has mucus-thinning and anti-inflammatory properties and soothes sore throats. It also calms the stomach. Liquorice is not beneficial for everyone. People with kidney problems or high blood pressure should avoid it.

Author: Sanne van der Rijt