Embracing The Monsoon With Nature’s Spice Arsenal

With the monsoons just around the corner, the rains bring to us a much needed respite from the sweltering summer heat, but at the same time this also marks a season of heightened humidity and fluctuating temperatures. With such a climatic shift, our immune systems are challenged to a great extent, making us more susceptible to infections, digestive disturbances and respiratory issues. However, despite the challenges that the monsoons bring with it, nestled within our kitchens lies a treasure trove of spices, each of which have their own and very unique healing properties. 

Honed over centuries in the Indian culinary and medicinal treasures, the various spices for the rainy season portray a range of therapeutic properties. Not only are the monsoon friendly Indian spices delicious flavour enhancers, but they also exhibit potent qualities that help in maintaining health during this transitional season. From the golden warmth of turmeric to the aromatic embrace of cardamom, the various monsoon spices offer the body with a natural defence mechanism against the ailments that often accompany the rains. Incorporating these Indian spices in our daily meals not only helps in elevating taste but also fortifies our bodies, ensuring that we remain resilient and vibrant throughout the rainy season. From immunity boosting properties to aiding digesting, here are some of the top Indian spices for the rainy season that are indispensable in our quest for health and well being during this time of the year.

Here’s for you to discover the essential Indian spices that are particularly beneficial during the monsoon season

1. Ginger 

A must have spice for the monsoons, ginger is not only a versatile ingredient that adds that zing to your dishes, but it also aids the digestion process of your body and soothes seasonal discomforts to a great extent. Known for its warming properties, including ginger in your meals as well as regular beverages, helps combat the chill of the monsoon weather. Prepare that warm cup of ginger tea or simply include it in your curries or stir fries. With antiviral and antibacterial properties as well, ginger is also known to be a natural expectorant. 

2. Turmeric 

With its vibrant yellow hue, turmeric or haldi is a powerhouse of health benefits. Rich in curcumin, turmeric boasts potent anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. An invaluable spice everyone should have during the rainy season, when the infections are rampant, including turmeric in your regular diet is essential. Sip on a warm glass of haldi doodh to soothe sore throats and bolster immunity. 

3. Cinnamon 

An essential spice for monsoons, cinnamon adds that bit of cozy touch to your rainy day meals with its characteristic sweet and spicy flavour. Apart from its distinct taste, cinnamon also possesses antibacterial and antiviral properties that help in preventing infections to a great extent. Sprinkle a little bit of this monsoon friendly spice over your morning tea or desserts to enjoy its health benefits. 

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4. Asafoetida 

Also known as hing, asafoetida is a must-have spice for the rainy season. An essential spice everyone should have, hing helps in enhancing the digestion process of the body while also keeping flatulence at bay. A great remedy for a bloated stomach, hing also boasts of strong antioxidant, antiviral as well as anti-fungal properties. A great spice to add as a part of your meals during the monsoons, hing helps to protect your body against regular rainy season ailments to a great extent. 

5. Black pepper 

A monsoon-friendly spice that enhances the bioavailability of other beneficial compounds, such as curcumin in turmeric, black pepper is an anti-inflammatory spice that also possesses antibacterial properties. A must include spice to your regular rainy day meals, black pepper largely helps in fighting against infections and boosts overall immunity of the body. Sprinkle a little bit of this spice over your soups, salads, or just simply use it as seasoning for your dishes to enhance flavours as well as health benefits. 

6. Cloves 

Packed with antioxidants and eugenol, cloves are an anti-inflammatory spice that helps to strengthen the immune system. An effective ingredient to relieve oneself from coughs, sore throats and respiratory infections which are common during the monsoon season, cloves also aid digestion and reduce bloating. 

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7. Garlic 

A powerful immunity booster and natural antibiotic, garlic helps in preventing and treating infections, reduces inflammation and also improves cardiovascular health. Include garlic in your daily diet, whether in soups, stir fries, or curries, to help get that protection against all kinds of monsoon related illnesses. 

8. Caraway 

Popularly known as ajwain, this monsoon spice boasts of warm and earthy flavours with a hint of sweetness. Boasting of aromatic seeds that helps in enhancing digestive health, ajwain is a crucial spice to combat digestive issues that are a result of the rainy season. Known for its carminative properties, ajwain eases bloating and indigestion. Use it to add more flavour to your dishes while also reaping its health benefits.