We’ve all been there—staring at a plain, uninspired plate of grilled chicken, wondering if this “healthy eating” journey is worth the flavor sacrifice. Healthy food can be a bit lackluster, especially if you’re not fully tapping into the power of your spice rack.
Spices are the easiest way to add excitement and life to your meals. Not only do they deliver incredible flavor, but they’re also packed with antioxidants and health-boosting properties. Asian spices, in particular, have always been cherished for their amazing health benefits.
At Mekhala, we’re big believers in making healthy food as delicious as possible. In this post, we’re highlighting seven traditional Asian spices that can transform your meals into flavorful, wellness-packed dishes.
1. Turmeric
As a staple in Indian cuisine, turmeric lends curries their signature golden-yellow color. Medicinally, turmeric is rich in curcumin– a powerful compound known for its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.
Health Benefits:
Cuts Down Inflammation: Chronic inflammation is linked to several health issues, including heart disease and Alzheimer’s. Curcumin helps reduce inflammation naturally.
Boosts Immunity: Turmeric strengthens the immune system and makes it easier for your body to fight infections.
Keeps Your Brain Sharp: Some studies suggest curcumin might slow down age-related brain disorders like dementia.
You can add turmeric to curries, stews, and soups—or get creative by mixing it into scrambled eggs, roasted veggies, or smoothies.
Try it with: Our Thai Yellow Curry, Butter Masala, and Lemongrass Turmeric pastes combine turmeric with other rich flavors, making it easy to add this super-spice to your meals.
2. Ginger
We’re yet to see an Asian kitchen without some form of ginger on hand. While its sharp, spicy flavor is a big part of its popularity, this Asian aromatic is also loaded with bioactive compounds and is widely trusted in alternative medicine.
Health Benefits:
Soothes Nausea and Digestive Issues: Ginger tea is a classic go-to for relieving nausea and digestive discomfort. It’s often suggested for motion sickness, morning sickness, or just helping with an uneasy stomach.
Reduces Inflammation: Like turmeric, ginger can help reduce pain and inflammation, particularly in conditions like osteoarthritis.
Boosts Immunity and Lowers Blood Sugar: Ginger may help fight infections and is linked to better heart health by lowering blood sugar levels.
Try it with: Get all these benefits and more with Mekhala’s Miso Ginger and Ginger Scallion pastes—perfect if you’re unsure how to use fresh ginger or want a smaller quantity.
3. Garlic
There’s nothing quite like walking into a kitchen filled with the aroma of freshly sizzling garlic. It’s tempting to toss in an extra handful for the smell alone, but garlic also packs some serious health perks. In fact, its main active compound, allicin, has been the focus of medicinal research for years.
Health Benefits:
Supports Heart Health: Garlic can help lower blood pressure and cholesterol levels, which makes it a heart-health hero.
Fights Infections: Used as a natural antibiotic for centuries, garlic has strong antibacterial and antiviral properties.
May Help Prevent Cancer: Research shows that garlic may lower the risk of some cancers, particularly stomach and colon cancer.
Pro Tip: After chopping or crushing garlic, let it sit for about 10 minutes before cooking—this gives the allicin time to fully develop for maximum benefits.
Try it with: At Mekhala, we incorporate the goodness of garlic in our Thai Chilli Lime Crispy Onions, Sichuan Hot Pepper Crispy Onions, or our Thai Red & Green Curry pastes. Order yours today!
4. Cinnamon
A beloved baking ingredient (cinnamon buns, anyone?), cinnamon is one of the healthiest Asian herbs and spices around. Here’s why it’s worth keeping in your pantry.
Health Benefits:
Helps Manage Blood Sugar: Cinnamon is known for its ability to lower blood sugar levels and improve insulin sensitivity. It’s very popular among people with type 2 diabetes.
Loaded with Antioxidants: The cinnamon bark is packed with antioxidants that can protect your body from oxidative stress and damage.
Pro Tip: Ceylon cinnamon, also known as “true” cinnamon, is considered the best variety for daily use since it contains lower levels of coumarin, a natural compound that, in high amounts, can affect liver health.
Try it with: Get your cinnamon fix with Mekhala’s Thai Yellow Curry, Sichuan Mala Chili pastes, and Sichuan Hot Pepper Crispy Onions
5. Cardamom
Known as the “queen of spices,” cardamom brings a flavor that’s subtly sweet, floral, and warmly spicy. It’s equally at home in savory dishes and desserts.
Health Benefits:
Lowers Blood Pressure: Cardamom acts as a natural diuretic, helping to reduce blood pressure.
Supports Respiratory Health: With its expectorant, antibacterial, and anti-inflammatory properties, cardamom may help ease bronchitis symptoms by loosening mucus and relieving lung congestion.
Boosts Oral Health: Chewing cardamom seeds can help balance mouth pH, increase saliva production, and protect against dental issues like cavities. It also serves as a natural breath freshener.
Pro Tip: For full flavor, lightly crush cardamom pods before adding them to recipes, or toast them briefly to release their essential oils.
Try it with: Mekhala’s Vindaloo, Tikka Masala and Butter Masala pastes give you the soothing aroma and benefits of cardamom in a rich, complex blend.
6. Cloves
Cloves bring warmth and depth to a ton of Asian dishes. You might also know this Asian-style aromatic from gingerbread and other spiced treats.
Health Benefits:
May Improve Liver Function: A recent study found that clove extract might help repair liver damage caused by toxins. The compound eugenol in cloves seems to be especially good for liver health.
Offers Natural Pain Relief: Clove oil has been used for ages as a natural pain reliever. A bit of clove oil, or even clove powder mixed with milk, can help soothe toothaches, headaches, and more.
Protects Against Infections: Cloves have antibacterial and antifungal properties, which make them great for supporting immune health.
Try it with: Find the benefits of cloves in Mekhala’s Thai Yellow Curry and Sichuan Mala Chili pastes.
7. Star Anise
Pick up any Chinese spice blend, and you’re almost sure to find star anise in the mix. With its eye-catching star shape and distinct licorice-like flavor, it’s a favorite in Asian cooking. But star anise isn’t just for the kitchen—it’s also valued in herbal medicine, particularly for its shikimic acid content.
Health Benefits:
Anti-Bacterial and Anti-Fungal Properties: Thanks to the shikimic acid, star anise is effective against certain bacteria and fungi.
Supports Digestive Health: Traditionally, star anise has been used to ease digestive issues like bloating, gas, and indigestion.
Promotes Respiratory Health: Often added to teas and herbal remedies, star anise can help soothe coughs and ease respiratory symptoms.
Pro Tip: Add star anise early in the cooking process. Its flavors are released gradually to give your dish a warm, complex flavor.
Try it with: To enjoy the flavor and health benefits of star anise conveniently, try Mekhala’s Sichuan Mala Chili paste or Sichuan Hot Pepper Crispy Onions.
8. Cumin
Cumin is widely regarded as the all-star of Asian cooking. With its unmistakable earthiness and rich aroma, it’s a go-to spice in kitchens across the continent.
Beyond its culinary appeal, cumin is packed with health benefits that make it a true kitchen MVP.
Health Benefits:
Supports Immunity: Packed with antioxidants, cumin helps protect your cells from damage and supports a strong immune system.
May Promote Weight Loss: Some studies suggest that cumin may aid in weight management by improving metabolism and fat breakdown.
Boosts Iron Levels: Cumin is a great natural source of iron, essential for maintaining healthy blood and energy levels.
Pro Tip: Freshly toasted and ground cumin has a much more vibrant flavor than pre-ground versions. Take a few extra minutes to toast the seeds, and you’ll taste the difference!
Try it with: To enjoy the benefits of cumin in a ready-to-use, flavorful form, choose Mekhala’s Thai Red Curry and Thai Green Curry pastes.
How Mekhala Makes It Easy to Enjoy the Benefits of Asian Spices
Finding authentic Asian spices can be a bit of a treasure hunt—unless you’re fortunate enough to live near a well-stocked Asian grocery store. And even then, let’s be honest: who wants to buy a whole bag of star anise just to try a recipe or two?
That’s where Mekhala steps in.
Our range of cooking pastes and Crispy Onions lets you bring vibrant Asian flavors straight to your kitchen without the hassle of hunting down rare spices or buying big bags you may only use once. Each of our products is thoughtfully crafted with powerful, health-boosting spices, so you can enjoy their wellness benefits, even if you’re not familiar with how to use each one on its own.
Plus, we’ve made sure our range is 100% organic, vegan, gluten-free, and suitable for a variety of dietary needs. With Mekhala, healthy eating is as easy as adding a spoonful of rich, aromatic cooking paste to transform your meals!
The Bottom Line
There you have it: seven traditional Asian spices and the fantastic health benefits they offer. The next time you’re in the kitchen, don’t be shy about reaching for these amazing ingredients. Small additions can make a big difference in both flavor and health.
Looking to spice up your cooking? Check out Mekhala Living’s range of organic, vegan, and delicious cooking pastes to bring big flavor (and health benefits) to your meals. Browse our website to place an order online, or use our store locator to find a Mekhala retailer near you today!
