Over the winter months, Kapha Dosha increases in our organism, mostly due to too heavy and fatty food. From an Ayurveda point of view, to keep the Doshas in balance, spring is the time to reduce Kapha.
If Kapha is not reduced, metabolic waste products (Ama) can develop, which manifest as spring fatigue, lethargy, a runny nose and little appetite.
To reduce Kapha, Ayurveda recommends light and warm meals that should be predominantly spicy, bitter and tart. Avoid sweet, sour and salty foods. Dairy products, meat, fish, eggs and nuts also increase the Kapha Dosha. For Kapha types, “interval fasting” (18:6) is also recommended; skip breakfast, eat your main meal at noon and only a light meal in the evening.
Spices and herbs are excellent for not only refining the taste of your dishes, but also help to reduce Kapha. The following spices should be used or avoided for this purpose:
Kapha reducing:
Ajwan, aniseed, allspice, Asafoetida (hing)
Basil, bay leaf
Cardamom, Cayenne pepper, chilli, cinnamon, cloves, cumin, curcuma, curry leaves
Dill
Fenugreek seeds
Garlic, ginger
Juniper
Marjoram, mint, mustard seeds
Nutmeg
Oregano
Parsley, pepper (in moderation), pippali (long pepper)
Rosemary
Sage
Tarragon, thyme
Kapha increasing:
Liquorice
Salt, sugar
Tamarind
Vanilla, vinegar
