The Ultimate Guide to Digestive Spices: When to Use What

Spices have been valued since ancient times, not only for their taste but also for their magical powers to aid digestion.

Whether it is the golden hue of turmeric or the kick of ginger, these natural powerhouses can support gut health when taken at the right time and in the proper way.

However, in what situations do you know to grab cinnamon, cumin, or fennel?

These spices are great companions; however, they may cause discomfort or even damage if consumed at the wrong times.

We will discuss the miracle of digestive spices in this guide, which will provide you with a map for adding them to your cuisine, doing so accurately, and improving your digestion. 

Read on to learn when, how, and why to apply these powerful digestive instruments, and the necessary precautions!

Spices That Aid Digestion

The following are some of the best spices that may enhance your digestive system.

All the spices have different mechanisms of action, including calming down inflammation or maintaining healthy gut flora.

The difference between using and not using them can make or break your digestive health.

#1 Turmeric (Haldi)

Due to curcumin, its active ingredient, turmeric is praised for its possible calming effect on the digestive system.

It could help manage digestive system inflammation, in turn managing bloating and allowing comfortable digestion^[1]. 

Turmeric is an antimicrobial agent that may help normalise the gut microbiome. It could also help in dispelling indigestion and heartburn.

Though in itself healthy, it is better to be careful with the consumption of turmeric, which in excess may cause stomach irritation.

When to Use Turmeric:

• After meals, to aid digestion.
• During inflammation or bloating.
• In food or beverages to aid daily digestion.
• Moderately because a lot of turmeric can cause stomach irritation.

Aashirvaad Turmeric Powder is meticulously prepared with the 4-step benefit process, ensuring high-quality, naturally golden turmeric with no added colour or flavour. Its strong smell and colour enhance any meal, adding real flavour.

#2 Cumin (Jeera)

Cumin may be used to enhance the secretion of digestive enzymes, which could help the digestive system perform better. It could assist with bloating, indigestion, and flatulence by facilitating easier digestion^[2].

Cumin also contains substances that may promote nutrient absorption in the bowel^[3].

Although it is beneficial, cumin should be taken in moderation, as excessive intake may cause mild gastrointestinal irritation.

When to Use Cumin:

• After dinner, to relieve indigestion or bloating.
• In water or tea to aid digestion.
• To relieve bloating and gas.
• Use in moderation because excess use of cumin can irritate the stomach.

Aashirvaad Jeera offers the purest form of cumin seeds, free of contaminants, and delivers a strong, authentic taste to your food.

With the highest quality standards, Aashirvaad Jeera would be ideal for adding a traditional touch to dishes.

#3 Fennel (Saunf)

Fennel is known to have a relaxing effect and may help relieve bloating, gas, and indigestion. It contains substances such as anethole, which may soothe the digestive tract and help relieve pain.

Fennel may also help maintain intestinal bacterial balance, which benefits the gut overall ^[4].

One can regularly drink it after meals to support digestion. But an excess of fennel may bring about slight digestive disturbance in certain persons.

When to Use Fennel:

• After meals, to manage bloating and gas
• In teas to soothe indigestion
• When experiencing mild stomach discomfort
• In moderation, as excessive fennel might irritate the stomach

Aashirvaad Saunf is available in its purest form, free of contaminants, and the fennel seeds have an intense flavour that adds zest to every meal.

Aashirvaad Saunf is an ingredient that will make your meals extremely delightful, with its fresh, authentic flavour as a seasoning or a fundamental ingredient.

#4 Peppermint (Pudina)

Peppermint is a herb that may aid with indigestion and calm it down by relaxing the muscles in the digestive tract with its natural, cooling substances. It may help manage bloating, gas, and discomfort^[5].

In some cases, peppermint oil is applied for its potential effect on irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)^[6].

Nevertheless, peppermint can exacerbate acid reflux in some individuals; therefore, individuals should take caution.

When to Use Peppermint:

• To manage indigestion and bloating after meals.
• In tea, offers a calming effect on digestion.
• Moderately, because it could aggravate acid reflux.

With the help of the professional nutritionists, Aashirvaad Atta and Multigrains introduced the My Meal Plan Test.

It is an easy, fast test that will help you understand how much fibre you are already consuming daily and develop a tailor-made meal program to achieve your nutrition goals.

#5 Cinnamon (Dalchini)

Cinnamon may support normal digestion by promoting the secretion of digestive enzymes. It may also help manage inflammation, aiming to reduce bloating and indigestion ^[7].

Cinnamon also contains antioxidant properties, and its impact on gut health could be beneficial.

Nonetheless, excessive amounts of cinnamon can irritate the stomach or trigger an allergic reaction in people who are allergic to it.

When to Use Cinnamon:

• Following meals to aid digestion and manage bloating.
• In teas to calm the stomach.
• To aid in the stimulation of digestion when feeling slow.
• Sparingly, as too much cinnamon can annoy the stomach.

Aashirvaad Atta and Multigrains introduced a two-minute questionnaire called the Digestion Quotient, which is easy to complete and can reveal all that you need to know about your digestion.

It is quick, convenient, and could be the first step towards a happier, healthier gut!

#6 Cardamom (Elaichi)

Cardamom is a sweet, spicy seed that may help support digestion by secreting digestive juices and enzymes. It may help improve digestion, relieve bloating, and manage indigestion and pain^[8].

Cardamom has potent anti-inflammatory effects that may benefit the overall digestive system.

Nevertheless, cardamom should be taken in small amounts to prevent stomachache.

When to Use Cardamom:

• Following meals to help with indigestion and bloating.
• In tea or food to improve digestion.
• To manage the occasional heartburn or stomach upsets.
• In moderation, as overuse may cause mild stomach upset.

Aashirvaad Cardamom offers whole, naturally green cardamom pods that are free of contaminants, and its aroma adds a special touch to any dish. Aashirvaad Cardamom, with its taste, complements both traditional and modern preparations, making every meal memorable.

#7 Clove (Laung)

Clove has been reported to have a potent anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial effect, which can be used to manage digestive pain^[9].

They may even increase the release of digestive enzymes, which improves digestion. Clove may be administered to manage nausea, gas, and bloating.

However, when taken in large quantities, cloves can cause stomach discomfort; therefore, an individual should take them in moderation.

When to Use Clove:

• For nausea or indigestion, to promote digestion
• In teas or as a cooking spice for digestive relief
• When experiencing bloating, reduce gas
• In small quantities, as too much clove might irritate the stomach

The highest epitome of purity, Aashirvaad introduces Clove, a spice that gives each bite a sweet and pungent taste. Whether it is rice dishes, gravies and curries, biryani, or garam masala, the Aashirvaad clove, with its smacking aroma and flavour, is the end-all, be-all solution, whether used in vegetarian or non-vegetarian meals.

#8 Asafoetida (Hing)

Asafoetida is a pungent herb known by its digestive effects. It may be used to manage indigestion, gas, and bloating by enhancing the secretion of digestive enzymes ^[10].

It is very potent and hence should be taken in small doses because an overdose will irritate the stomach.

When to Use Asafoetida:

• In low doses to assist in indigestion or gas.
• In cooking, to aid in getting rid of bloating and digestion.
• Excess asafoetida may irritate, and so, add in moderation.

#9 Carom Seeds (Ajwain)

Ajwain contains thymol, which may stimulate the secretion of digestive juices and enzymes, potentially enhancing digestion.

It is also regarded as carminative, which may ease gas and bloating by facilitating easier digestion^[11]. Nevertheless, it is powerful, so it is better to use a few doses of ajwain to prevent possible stomach irritation.

When to Use Carom Seeds:

• After meals, to relieve indigestion and bloating.
• In teas or used as a spice to aid in digestion.
• In case of gas, manages bloating.
• Use it in small doses. In large amounts, it may irritate the stomach.

Aashirvaad introduces you to Aashirvaad Ajwain in its purest form, with each seed preserved and without contamination, to give you the best quality.

Its pleasant aroma complements all foods, making it an essential spice in both traditional and contemporary Indian kitchens.

Takeaway Message

Digestive spices offer a more natural and delicious way to keep your gut healthy, with benefits such as managing bloating and gas and helping your stomach digest more easily.

It may be the anti-inflammatory nature of turmeric, the stimulating effect of cumin on digestive enzymes, or the relaxing nature of peppermint; in any case, these spices can become potent allies for your digestive well-being.

They are, however, necessary in small amounts, as too much of them may be irritating or painful. The key to good digestive health is a well-balanced diet.

Do not radically alter your diet without consulting a healthcare professional, especially if you have pre-existing conditions.

Frequently Asked Questions