Summer special: 6 Cooling spices that are great for the daily diet
While most of these spices are easily available in most Indian kitchens, adding them in the right way can make a lot of difference. So, here are some common spices that have a cooling effect on the body and may help reduce body temperature naturally.
Why add these spices?
It is a common myth that most spices have a warm potency, and tend to increase body heat, when combined in a meal. However, according to the books of Ayurveda, there are certain spices that have a sheetal guna(calming properties) and cool potency that helps in bringing down the body heat in extreme hot weather.
Here are some simple spices that naturally help reduce inflammation, ensure better absorption of nutrients, improve metabolic health and help in reducing the internal body temperature naturally, when added to drinks, meals and even regular water.
Fennel Seeds
Saunf also known as Fennel seeds are known for their health enriching nutrients and enzymes that not only help in cooling the body and also helps in improving digestive health due to its cool in potency and known for their ability to reduce body heat.
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Rich in antioxidants, they help in digestion and prevent bloating, which is common in hot weather. Traditionally, soaked overnight and consumed with water, fennel seeds have also been shown to have diuretic and detoxifying effects, making them ideal for summer beverages and chutneys.
Coriander Seeds
Dhaniya also known as Coriander seeds are another excellent spice for cooling the body. When boiled and consumed as a tea or added to buttermilk, they help regulate body temperature and support kidney function.
Ayurveda praises coriander for its sheetal guna and its ability to pacify pitta dosha, which typically flares up during the hot months.
Cardamom
Elaichi, also known as cardamom, has a cooling effect on the body. It improves digestion, freshens breath, and soothes acidity, a common summer complaint. A pinch of cardamom powder added to milk, desserts, or herbal tea helps regulate internal heat while enhancing taste and aroma.
Mint
Mint is deeply cooling and refreshing. Its menthol content creates an instant cooling sensation, making it a popular ingredient in summer drinks like jaljeera, chaas, and nimbu paani. Mint also aids digestion and reduces skin inflammation when consumed regularly.
Cumin Seeds
Jeera also known as Cumin may have a cool potency, when soaked in water or boiled into tea, it exerts a cooling effect. It stimulates digestive enzymes, prevents acidity, and improves hydration when mixed with lemon or buttermilk.
In Ayurveda, jeera water is considered an ideal summer detox drink to balance all three doshas.
Turmeric
While turmeric is generally warming, in small amounts it helps regulate inflammation and heat-related skin issues. It supports liver detoxification and boosts immunity, which can dip due to dehydration and sun exposure. Adding a pinch to summer curries, buttermilk, or golden milk can offer a mild cooling and healing effect.
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