Importance of spices in Ayurveda

"According to Ayurveda, each dosha (vata , pitta , kapha) benefits from different spices . So which spices  are best for VATA,PITTA and KAPHA ? fresh ginger, cumin , fennel , fresh basil are the best spices for VATA . For PITTA  , choose cinamon , mint , coriander , turmeric , fennel , fresh cilantro ,cardamom  and for KAPHA , clove ,turmeric , black pepper , mustard seeds , chilli peppers , fenugreek seeds are best ."

In ancient times , spices were used to preserve as well as flavor foods , and during the middle age women often embroidered a spring of thyme into scarfs to protect their children against illness . Even today in India , garlands of cardamom are often worn as a preventive against diseases , so we can say that spices are packed with healing power . 

One of the most important uses of  spices is to kindle our AGNI  (digestive power ) - which is imperative for proper digestion . And proper digestion is critical for optimal health  , since everything we eat either become the tissues of the body or toxins called "ama" - ans the determining factor is the strength of our Agni .  Spices help to regulate AGNI , and thus we eat . So use them liberally in your cooking ! Food should never bland because bland food is hard to digest .