If reading the words “pumpkin spice” makes you want to slam your computer shut and hide in a closet, hear me out.
While the over-abundance of cookies, cakes, snacks, sweets, ice cream, yogurt, bars, (and did you know that spray on pumpkin spice is a thing?) is enough to blow our palates just thinking about it, the warming spices behind PSL has valuable roots in holistic medicine and specifically in Ayurveda. And, when we remove the sicky sweet false flavors that pumpkin-spice-everything has come to be recognized by, and separate the spices from the “treats,” we have a super-powered blend that we can add to boost flavor and function in all of our fall and winter dishes.
Why make my own pumpkin spice?
Most of the pumpkin spices you’ll find in the baking aisle have been sitting for a while and have lost their potency, and thus their bioenergetic benefit. And, most of the pumpkin spiced “stuff” you can buy is loaded with more sugar than spices. This Better Pumpkin Spice is a Six Flavored mix of whole and ground spices, with therapeutic and flavor benefits that will blow the mind of all your baked goods, soups, pies, stews and YES homemade lattes this season! It will only take you a few minutes to make, and while you will have to source a few spices that aren’t already in your pantry, I promise that you’ll use them up with batch on batch of this good stuff.
What spices make up “pumpkin spice”?
Most pumpkin spice blends are cinnamon-heavy, laced with ginger, all-spice, some clove and even nutmeg. But this Better Pumpkin Spice Mix incorporates quite a bit more punch. Each of the spices in this blend have ancient roots in Ayurveda, and modern applications. Here they are:
- Cinnamon: the inner bark from a cinnamon tree, this warming spice is sweet and pungent in flavor, and balances Vata and pacifies Kapha doshas.
- Ginger: this root is a prebiotic and carries pungent flavors. In Ayurveda, it’s therapeutically recommended warming the body, clearing the microcirculatory system, facilitate better absorption of nutrients, and elimination of naturally accumulated toxins.
- Cardamom: sweet and pungent, this unique seed is balancing for the tridosha (kapha, pitta, and vata.) Cardamom spice soothes digestion and improves circulation in the stomach and lungs.
- Clove: The dried unopened flower buds from an evergreen tree, cloves are pungent and astringent in flavor, and pacify vata and kapha, but elevate pitta dosha. They’re warming in nature and are exceptionally supportive of digestion and circulation.
- Mace: this bright red aril (outer coating) of nutmeg seeds is used extensively in Indian medicinal cooking for it’s ability to supplement pitta as well as pacify kapha and vata doshas. Also known as Jatisasyya or Jatiphala in Ayurveda, it’s therapeutically used to help alleviate insomnia, and reduce congestion and asthma symptoms.
- Allspice: the berries of the pimento tree, allspice berries are bitter and pungent, pacifying vata and kapha doshas but elevating pitta. They’re extensively in Ayurveda to help alleviate digestive issues and symptoms, as well as to improve circulation, clear the respiratory tract, as a muscle relaxant, energizing stimulant, and digestive tonic.
- White Pepper: pungent white peppercorns are warming and are used in Ayurveda to clear coughs, relieve pain, provide antioxidants, improve circulation, support digestion, instigate weight loss, and as a source of vitamin C, selenium, zinc, and manganese.
How do I use this pumpkin spice?
Let us count the ways! This pumpkin spice is valuable bioenergetically, and culinarily. Here are just some of the purposes and places you’ll want to put it to work.
Bioenergetic uses:
- to soothe congestion and cure winter colds
- to increase circulation
- to boost digestion
- to soothe the nervous system after a big effort or hard day
- to reduce gas and bloating after heavy holiday meals
- to boost the flavor and enjoyment of all your fall and winter foods
Culinary uses:
…and to use in all of the pies, cakes, and other seasonal goodies you’re making this season!
This easy spice mix
Instead of using just ground spices, this Better Pumpkin Spice Mix uses some ground and some whole spices. But once you have them in hand, the process is easy – simply blend, store and use! I share all the details in the Recipe Notes below – give them a peek and get mixing!
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