Black pepper is an important kapha spice.
Ayurvedic medicine treats imbalances in systems in the human body. One of these systems has to do with the stomach and is called kapha. Unbalanced kapha can be too strong, weak or restless and irritated. The proper spicing of foods, according to Ayurvedic medicine, helps control digestion and salivation and relieve diarrhea and nausea. There are kapha spices that decrease kapha, those that increase it and those that relieve or pacify it.
Kapha-increasing Spices
Most spices are good for kapha because they are hot and dry, like chillies, black pepper and dry ginger. However, some are used specifically to increase kapha health.
Ayurvedic medicine identifies slow digestion as one form of kapha imbalance. Excess mucous and phlegm usually accompanies this condition. Spices which have a warming effect on the stomach are thought to increase slow and heavy kapha in these individuals until it becomes balanced and healthy.
Cinnamon is one of these spices. It stimulates kapha by increasing salivation and warming the digestive system. Coriander seed has an additional effect. It is a cooling spice which stops burning sensations in the urine. At the same time it also steps up the kapha digestive system so that it works efficiently.
Sesame seed is a heavy, oily spice which heats the digestive system and heightens kapha. Tamari, seaweed and wakame used as spices also increase kapha, perking up the digestive system and exciting gastric secretion.
Kapha-decreasing Spices
According to Ayurvedic theory, some individuals have too much kapha. They have an overabundance of acid in their stomachs which can lead to illness and disease. They need to ingest spices that reduce the acid and kapha.
Celery seed is thought to help relieve nausea in high kapha individuals and reduce kapha. Fenugreek seed also decreases kapha and is said to relieve arthritis and fever. Cumin, mustard seed and anise seeds also reduce kapha.
Kapha-relieving Spices
There are kapha spices which do not specifically increase or decrease kapha but relieve or pacify it. They are among the most prized of all kapha spices.
Black pepper, according to Ayurvedic thought, plays an excellent role in pacifying kapha. In India it is often added to curries for this reason.
Other curry spices are also kapha-pacifying ones. Cardamom not only promotes digestion but is also thought to be good for the heart and breath odor. Ginger is considered to have the added attribute of detoxifying the digestive system. Turmeric not only pacifies kapha but helps in diabetes.
Tags: digestive system, Ayurvedic medicine, kapha spices, decrease kapha, increase kapha, reduce kapha