Four Spices for Digestion

"Let food be thy medicine and medicine be thy food."
—Hippocrates

Food has always been a cornerstone of health, a truth known not only in modern nutrition but for thousands of years in Ayurveda, India’s ancient health science. In Ayurveda, food is one three sub-pillars of life (traya upasthamba). Sleep, and lifestyle are the other two, and in this order: food, sleep, lifestyle. The main pillar of life is prana. Food and spices are understood not just for their taste or nutrient content, but for their therapeutic qualities.

Spices are potent- both as flavor enhancers and as natural supports for digestion, circulation, elimination, and vitality. Unlike herbs, which are typically the leaves of a plant, spices come from seeds, roots, or bark. In Ayurvedic cooking, spices are used with great purpose and care.

This particular spice blend was shared by my Ayurvedic teacher, Vaidya R.K. Mishra, a renowned Ayurvedic physician and herbal formulator, who was born into a family of Ayurvedic doctors dating back thousands of years. He emphasized individualized care, including personalized spice blends and teas. In this spirit, the following spice mix, often coined as 1166 mix with SV Ayurveda practitioners, offers general digestive support, helping enhance absorption and assimilation of nutrients.

Vaidya Mishra’s Spice Mix Recipe

• 6 tsp fennel seeds

• 6 tsp coriander seeds

• 1 tsp cumin seeds

• 1 tsp turmeric powder

Grind fennel, coriander, and cumin seeds. Add turmeric powder and mix well. Store in a glass container away from sunlight. Keeps fresh 4–6 weeks. Use non-irradiated, organic seeds for best quality. Make a batch with lightly toasting the seeds first, then grind, store and use when travelling, sprinkling some on already cooked food.

How to Use

Add the spice mix to ghee or olive oil on medium-low heat before cooking vegetables, grains, or proteins. If you're new to spices, start with just a pinch or two.

Four Spices for Digestion and their Benefits

Fennel Seeds
– Cooling and balancing for all doshas
– Enhances digestion without overheating
– Supports healthy estrogen levels
– Chew after meals: ½ raw fennel + ½ toasted fennel to balance digestion and prevent gas and bloating

Coriander Seeds
– Naturally cooling and alkalizing
– Aids in flushing out toxins and heavy metals

Cumin Seeds
– Stimulates digestive enzymes
– Improves nutrient absorption and assimilation

Turmeric
– Strongly heating and cleansing
– Anti-inflammatory, liver-supportive, and blood-purifying
– Use only in cooking (not teas or capsules)
– Always combine with fat (like ghee or olive oil) for proper liver delivery

⚠️ Note: Always consult your healthcare provider before adding new herbs or spices, especially if you have a medical condition or take medications.

Ayurveda & Lifestyle Medicine

According to Ayurveda, true wellness comes from balancing food, sleep, and daily routine, known as the three sub-pillars of life (traya upasthamba). The main pillar is prana, as taught in Shaka Vansiya Ayurveda (SV Ayurveda or SVA). Lifestyle medicine is a modern scientific articulation of a principle that Ayurveda systematized thousands of years ago: that the ordinary rhythms of living- how and what we eat, our daily activity, sleep habits, relate to others, and manage the mind are the most powerful determinants of health.

Food nourishes the seven tissue layers of the body, and builds ojas—the subtle essence produced after food has nourished the body. Ojas equates to the neurotransmitters and hormones as described by SV Ayurveda, in addition to immunity, vitality, resilience and stamina. Proper sleep rejuvenates, while a steady routine anchors the nervous system and promotes harmony and balance with the rhythms and cycles of nature.

While Ayurveda is vast, you can start small. Spices are a powerful first step. They awaken digestion, bring clarity to the mind, and add life to your meals.

References
Vaidya R. K. Mishra- Notes from Shaka Vansiya Ayurveda Courses, Practicum, Conferences and Lectures 2003-2015

Hi I’m Evangeline!

Welcome to my blog. I’m a mom, an Ayurveda & Yoga Counsellor, Certified SVA Detox Educator, and Registered Massage Therapist. I began this blog during the early days of covid19 to stay connected with my clients. Here I share nourishing recipes I cook for family and friends, along with health tips and ayurveda and yoga wisdom to support balance, health, and vitality in everyday life.