The secret to good Indian cuisine is to use the correct blend of spices. It does take a little time for the amateur cook to master these blends but the rewards are well worth it in the end. The following are the main spices used in Indian cuisine:
1) Turmeric
2) Coriander
3) Cumin
4) Red Chilli/ Curry Powder

You will also need to learn to incorporate cumin, black pepper and mustard seeds as well as aniseeds. These Herbies Spices not only have culinary value but they also have medicinal properties as well. Do go a little more lightly with the spices at first though; it can be easy to overdo them.

Turmeric

Also called Haldi, Turmeric is easily recognised by its bright yellow colour. Be careful when using it though as it can stain your hands and clothes. Turmeric is used in just about every Indian recipe and it imparts a smooth flavour to foods. The Curcumin in the Turmeric is the active healing ingredient.

Coriander

Also known as Dhania, Coriander is used in a lot of Indian cooking. It helps to round off the flavours of a curry. When using the fresh herb, it is important to add it towards the end of the cooking time so that it doesn’t lose its flavour. Medicinally, Coriander tea is used to treat stomach upsets, bad breath and also as an anti-inflammatory.

Red Chilli/ Curry Powder

When we think of Indian cuisine, we usually think of curry first. This is the powder that gives the curry its zing. There are many different strengths of curry powders – chilli powder is made from chillies that have been dried and ground up – dependent on the type of chilli and the area it is grown in. Chilli has been proven to be an effective cure for some types of ulcers and is effective at combating congestion. It also raises the metabolic rate and thereby aids in weight loss.

Cumin

Also known as Jeera, cumin is used extensively worldwide. It has a very distinctive flavour and is best used in smaller quantities. You would generally slightly crush and braise the cumin before adding to a recipe. It is good at helping to restore alkalinity in the system and as a tonic herb.

Ginger

Ginger is another herb that is well-loved worldwide and is also extensively used in Indian cuisine. Ginger has quite a pungent taste and strong aroma and so a little goes a long way. When using fresh ginger in cooking, it is best to chop it finely or grate it. Of all the herbs and spices mentioned, it is probably the most useful medicinally. Ginger is great for those fighting colds and flu – it induces sweating and so allows you to get rid of the bug. It is also great for those suffering from travel sickness.

There are a lot more spices that are used in Indian cuisine but these basic ones should provide anyone a good place to start their culinary adventures.