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All Indian Spices Name and Their Uses – A Flavourful Guide (August 2025)
India is often called the “Land of Spices” – and for good
reason. Our kitchens are packed with colorful, aromatic, and flavorful spices
that not only enhance the taste of food but also offer medicinal benefits.
Whether you're preparing a curry, a biryani, or even chai,
spices are the heart of every Indian dish. In this blog, we’ll explore the most
commonly used Indian spices (with their Hindi and English names),
their uses, and health benefits. Let's spice it up!
🌿 Commonly Used Indian
Spices List
|
English Name |
Hindi Name |
Common Use |
Health Benefit |
|
Turmeric |
Haldi |
Curries, pickles, rice |
Anti-inflammatory, boosts immunity |
|
Cumin Seeds |
Jeera |
Tadka, rice, spice blends |
Aids digestion, improves metabolism |
|
Coriander Seeds |
Dhaniya |
Masala powders, curry bases |
Detoxifying, helps in digestion |
|
Mustard Seeds |
Sarson |
Pickles, tempering, mustard oil |
Improves heart health, anti-bacterial |
|
Fenugreek Seeds |
Methi Dana |
Pickles, sabzi, masalas |
Controls blood sugar, hair health |
|
Fennel Seeds |
Saunf |
Mouth freshener, sweets, spice blends |
Good for digestion, cooling effect |
|
Carom Seeds |
Ajwain |
Poori, paratha, snacks |
Gas relief, fights acidity |
|
Asafoetida |
Hing |
Tempering dals and curries |
Relieves gas, boosts digestion |
|
Black Pepper |
Kali Mirch |
Seasoning, spice blends |
Rich in antioxidants, improves gut |
|
Red Chili Powder |
Lal Mirch Powder |
Adds heat to dishes |
Boosts metabolism, pain relief |
|
Dry Red Chili |
Sukhi Lal Mirch |
Curries, tadkas |
Natural preservative, adds flavor |
|
Cardamom (Green) |
Chhoti Elaichi |
Sweets, biryani, tea |
Freshens breath, improves digestion |
|
Cardamom (Black) |
Badi Elaichi |
Rice dishes, curries |
Improves respiratory health |
|
Cinnamon |
Dalchini |
Sweets, biryani, masala chai |
Controls sugar, antioxidant rich |
|
Cloves |
Laung |
Biryani, curries, garam masala |
Anti-bacterial, pain relief |
|
Bay Leaf |
Tej Patta |
Rice, gravies, soups |
Aids digestion, antioxidant |
|
Nutmeg |
Jaiphal |
Desserts, garam masala |
Relieves pain, promotes sleep |
|
Mace |
Javitri |
Biryani, sweets |
Anti-depressant, improves appetite |
|
Dry Ginger Powder |
Saunth |
Sweets, masala tea |
Boosts immunity, treats cold |
|
Rock Salt |
Kala Namak |
Chaat, raita, fruit salad |
Good for digestion |
Bonus Blends Used in
Indian Kitchens
- Garam
Masala – A blend of multiple spices like cinnamon, cloves, cardamom,
and cumin.
- Chaat
Masala – Tangy and salty mix used in chaats and salads.
- Kitchen
King Masala – General purpose mix for enhancing curries.
- Pav
Bhaji Masala, Sambar Masala, and Biryani Masala are
region-specific blends with bold flavours.
Indian spices are not just ingredients; they are tradition,
culture, and health in powdered form. From boosting immunity to aiding
digestion, these magical spices do more than flavor food—they nurture your
body.
So the next time you open your spice box (masala dabba),
remember: each pinch adds not just taste, but wellness to your plate.
