The Healing Properties of Pumpkin Pie Spice

Tis' the season for all things pumpkin, not least what may be infamously known as pumpkin spice due to the popularity of the pumpkin spice latte.

And while some of you may be sick of the hype of pumpkin spice (which is actually just pumpkin pie spice), the constituents of this fall/winter spice blend are actually quite Ayurvedically appropriate for the season.

You see, we are entering into the Vata time of the year, where leaves are starting to fall off the trees, the weather is getting cooler and drier, and we are also reaping a rich harvest of fruits, squashes, and other fall produce. During this time, our agni or digestive fire also increases to help us burn the necessary fuel needed to get us through the winter months. It is more natural for us to require not only more nutrient-dense foods but also warmer spices to help us digest those foods. This brings us to the main popular constituents of pumpkin pie spice - ginger, cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, and allspice.

Spices are considered medicinal substances in Ayurveda and when used appropriately have amazing effects on the body. Each of these spices is known to be pungent, warming, and digestive. Let's take a closer look at what Ayurveda says about each of them:

Cinnamon

Cinnamon helps alleviate coldness in the body and is an excellent circulatory stimulant. It helps improve digestion and helps stimulate appetite. In addition, it has a pleasant sweetness along with a warm pungency and slight bitterness.

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