The Ayurveda Guide: Spring Season
The Ayurveda Guide: Spring Season
The shift to springtime weather and energy has begun. Fickle, changing hot-and-cold days send mixed signals to the body. This natural weather flux demands more flexibility in the body, because the body senses the shift of seasons on a cellular level and begins a natural detox. Many of us experience that, during the cold weather, we tend to eat more. Eating more then is natural, as it is Vata-pacifying (Vata is the mind-body operating principle that governs movement and is associated with fall and winter). The extra weight naturally keeps us warmer and feeling more comfortable in the cold winter months.
Ayurveda honors that change within ...
We have all had the experience of feeling cold when we have missed our main meal. Food is the fuel that allows our metabolism to keep us at normal body temperature. This increase of winter food can also lead to the build-up of ama, or toxins. Animals living in nature slim down in the spring, losing their winter fat, and we humans, by design, naturally move in the same direction. Ayurveda has long recognized that different things are happening inside of us during each season. Ayurveda honors that "change within" and recognizes – and supports – that the body wants to do something different as the seasons come and go.
Spring is invigorating. It's a time of renewal and rejuvenation. The sunlight and warmth return. Life leaves behind the chilly winter silence and starts to stir again. Cleansing is natural in spring – we often feel a deep urge to rid ourselves of old unwanted items and create a new space. Ayurveda understands this deeply-seated tendency as something very significant: a powerful natural movement within; a physiological trend to clean out. Ayurveda offers a great number of tools for just such deep cleansing.
The Winter Ama Build-up
Over winter, toxins can build up in the body. They find their way into us through foods, the air, water, chemicals, GMOs, pollution and preservatives. Our own digestive fire, called agni in Ayurveda, also plays a role. Overeating during the holidays, and overall poor eating habits, can dampen agni and lead to a build-up of ama – which results in sluggishness, extra pounds, poor sleep or worse. Pressure from work, family and financial concerns may also build up and bog you down physically and mentally.
The build-up of ama, or undigested material, ends up stored in our cells, circulatory and microcirculatory channels, slowing everything down and gumming everything up, including the digestion and elimination processes. The Ayurvedic solution is this: given an opportunity, the body will detox naturally – it's built to do that.
The build-up of ama, or undigested material, ends up stored in our cells, circulatory and microcirculatory channels, slowing everything down and gumming everything up, including the digestion and elimination processes. The Ayurvedic solution is this: given an opportunity, the body will detox naturally – it's built to do that.
The build-up of ama, or undigested material, ends up stored in our cells, circulatory and microcirculatory channels, slowing everything down and gumming everything up, including the digestion and elimination processes. The Ayurvedic solution is this: given an opportunity, the body will detox naturally – it's built to do that.
At-Home Ayurvedic Detoxification
Ancient Herbal Formulations – Ayurvedic formulas carefully crafted by Maharishi Ayurveda can help the detoxifying process any time of the year. There are two formulas in particular that can gently and efficiently jump-start a refreshing, springtime cleanse.
Using 18 traditional Ayurvedic herbs, Elim-Tox works to detoxify the colon and digestive tract. It continues on to cleanse the liver, sweat glands, blood, nutritive fluids and fat tissue. Each pore is purified as the micro-channels of the body release waste, and cellular pathways for vital nutrients are renewed.
Elim-Tox-O is a similar but gentler formula for those who experience heartburn, acne and excess stomach acid (tendency toward Pitta imbalance). Absorption of nutrients is promoted as the liver gently detoxes. At the same time the blood, fatty tissues and muscles are purified.
Organic Digest Tone (Triphala Plus) contains three revered Ayurvedic fruits — Amla, Chebulic myrobalan and Belleric myrobalan. It accomplishes two important tasks overnight: creating ojas, the finest by-product of balanced digestion, and strengthening and balancing agni, the digestive fire. Each of the herbs in this traditional formulation rejuvenates and supports wellness. It is an Ayurvedic Rasayana, acknowledged for its ability to nourish at the deepest levels of the body and mind. For this, it is considered one of the most valuable Ayurvedic herbal preparations in the world. In addition, a fourth ingredient, Cabbage Rose, is added to support the synergy of the other ingredients and promote their effectiveness.
Supporting Spring Immunity
Beej-bhumi: Immunity is traditionally explained in Ayurveda using the beej-bhumi illustration. It means "seed and land." The body is the land, and pathogens are seeds. If the body is filled with ama and lacking in ojas (the finest product of good digestion), the pathogens find fertile ground for growing. If digestion is strong, and ojas rather than ama predominates in the body, then the seeds don't take root.
Take a Breath: Everyone is more susceptible to respiratory problems when the seasons are changing, such as in the fall and early spring. This is because the body functions differently in each season, and in the transition between the hot and cold seasons the agni, or digestive fire, can start to fluctuate dramatically. If you do not adjust your diet and routine and follow the Ayurvedic guidelines for the seasonal transitions, you can build up ama. The soil is then primed to grow a seed.
That is why respiratory issues and allergen reactions abound for some in the fall and early spring. In the early spring, there is an added factor, because ama accumulated during the winter starts to dissolve in our system, flooding the micro-channels and overloading the immune system. The body's immune system is weakened, and becomes a fertile ground for bacteria. In the case of allergens, the body misidentifies and attacks itself, resulting in the allergen symptoms that make us feel so uncomfortable.
Bio-Immune combines traditional purifying herbs with Ayurvedic minerals, including mica. Because it is made traditionally, it takes over six months to prepare! The herbs and minerals together help the immune system without side effects. This herbal combination also helps eliminate digestive impurities and toxins that can affect natural immunity. Bio-Immune tablets, Sniffle Free tablets, and Cold Weather Defense tablets are all immune-promoting herbal supplements that you can take during the winter and spring season to support respiratory health. The herbs in Bio-Immune promote neuro-immune responses, purify the liver and blood, and dissolve ama and amavisha (a more reactive form of ama that has settled in one part of the body). Take one or two tablets of Bio-Immune each morning and evening to support overall immunity.
Premium Amla Berry (formerly ReGen Vitality) – a potent Rasayana (nourishing blend of herbs) for overall rejuvenation. Good nutrition requires a balance of the six Ayurvedic tastes — sweet, sour, salty, pungent, bitter and astringent. Amla is one of just a handful of herbs that contain five of the six taste categories — all except lavan, or salty. Such balanced nutrition means that Amla helps balance all three of the basic operating principles of mind and body — Vata, Pitta and Kapha. Taken in combination with Bio-Immune and Organic Digest Tone, it is a powerhouse for supporting immunity.
Cold Weather Defense promotes the body's natural defenses by offering nutritional support.
The herbs have a variety of functions:
- Promote well-being and comfort
- Help balance the moisture level and mucus in the lungs and sinuses
- Aid digestion for decreased production of toxic food residues
- Help remove toxins that can weaken resistance
- Nourish the body's natural defense mechanism
Sniffle Free – Cold weather can compromise your body's ability to handle cold temperatures that can dampen the digestive fire (agni) and weaken the body. Sniffle Free supports natural agni, which is often compromised by colder weather. This formula also aids your resistance to the cold, helps lubricate the lungs and helps restore your body's balance of moisture and mucus.
Organic Genitrac – The traditional Ayurvedic herbs in this formulation help cleanse and purify the urinary tract. When the urinary tract isn’t functioning properly, toxins accumulate, breeding bacteria, which leads to more toxins, further impeding urination. One out of five women will be affected by a urinary tract issue. While it’s much rarer for men to experience urinary tract issues, it can be much more serious when they do. The best approach is to maintain the health of the genitourinary tract in the first place.
There a number of Ayurvedic herbals supporting immunity. The complete list can be found here.
Best Ama-Burning Diet Tips
Spring is an ideal time to do gentle purification treatments called Panchakarma. The transition periods between the seasons, in fall and the early spring, are when the body is primed to purify itself of accumulated toxins. Panchakarma includes a full program of Ayurvedic massage, steam baths and intestinal cleansing treatments, to rid your body of ama accumulated during the previous season. Panchakarma also strengthens your agni, or digestive fire, so more ama won't be accumulated.
If you can't go to a clinic for panchakarma, you can still follow an Ayurvedic regimen at home to cleanse the body of ama during the transition between the seasons. Diet is key. Eating warm, light, nourishing foods such as soups, or light meals of mildly-spiced vegetables with grains such as quinoa, couscous and millet, helps the body cleanse. Enjoying a lighter diet for a few weeks while the weather is changing helps burn away ama rather than accumulate it. Lots of rest at the optimal times is a powerful, age-old secret of Ayurveda. So is drinking plenty of warm fluids, daily walks and other exercise suitable for your body type.
If you feel less hungry at mealtimes than usual, or if you feel heavy and dull in the two hours immediately after a meal, these are indications that your digestive fire is burning low. To help enhance your agni, make a delicious Pomegranate Chutney to accompany your meal.
Cooking your food with immune-supporting spices such as cumin, fennel, coriander, turmeric, ginger and black pepper is also an important way to enhance agni and reduce ama.
You can also take one tablet of the Maharishi Ayurveda herbal supplement Herbal Di-Gest with each meal to promote digestion or, if Organic Digest Tone does not stimulate elimination, take two to three capsules of Herbal Cleanse at night if you are feeling constipated from time to time.
Consider adding the traditional Ayurvedic herbs that support respiratory health. Protection Plus Respiratory System contains 26 herbs that act synergistically to protect the lungs from respiratory problems. This formula separates ama from the Shleshaka Kapha, the subdosha related to joint lubrication and body fluids, making it easier to cleanse the lungs. It also cleanses the channels of ama and nurtures, lubricates, and restores balance to the lungs as the impurities are dissolved, supporting the body's natural immunity.
You can also drink a warm, immune-supporting tea such as Sniffle Free Tea twice a day, with your meal or after it. The herbs in this thermogenic tea will help balance Kapha immediately. If your head is feeling heavy or congested, you can also use Sniffle Free Aroma oil to help create balance and clear the sinuses.
Tips for a Deep Spring Detox
- Take advantage of the abundance of fresh organic spring greens and organic grains.
- Enjoy organic fruit, juices and whole milk rather than more-processed options.
- Drink plenty of purified water.
- Consuming at least 2 quarts a day will help flush out toxins.
- Enjoy exercise outdoors on a regular basis.
- Favor foods that are warm, light and easy to digest.
- Reduce or avoid red meat, refined and canned foods, salt.
- Limit or avoid coffee, dairy products and alcohol intake.
Disclaimer
The sole purpose of these articles is to provide information about the tradition of ayurveda. This information is not intended for use in the diagnosis, treatment, cure or prevention of any disease. If you have any serious acute or chronic health concern, please consult a trained health professional who can fully assess your needs and address them effectively. If you are seeking the medical advice of a trained ayurvedic expert, call or e-mail us for the number of a physician in your area. Check with your doctor before taking herbs or using essential oils when pregnant or nursing.
Masala “Spiced” Chai + Ayurvedic Tips For Winter
Masala "Spiced" Chai ...
Winter is a time when nature’s energy withdraws back unto herself as nature’s many expressions begin to slow down. According to Ayurveda, a person is a miniature reflection of nature and winter represents a time for much needed restoration. Even more reason to treat yourself to the warming qualities of delicious and yummy masala “spiced” chai.
INGREDIENTS:
– Ginger, 1 TSP finely shredded
– Cardamom, 7 whole seeds
– Clove, 1/2 whole clove
– Cinnamon
– Milk, 1.5 Cup
– Sugar, 1 TSP
– Orange Pekoe Tea, 2 TSP
~Winter Tips~
Generally, the food we eat during winter season should be warming, nourishing, and mildly spicy. Likewise, we should avoid cold food and flavors which are excessively sweet, sour, or salty as these are all considered “kapha provoking” and will therefore further increase congestion.
Amrit Kalash
Keep Your Energy & Immunity Intact ...
Amrit Kalash in the morning is great to help keep your energy and immunity intact and is especially beneficial during winter season. Amrit Kalash is a traditional ayurvedic formula of 13 herbs that supports the health of mind, brain, and nerves; increases vitality and inner strength; powerful antioxidant — research shows it to be up to 1,000 times more effective than vitamins C and E
Full-spectrum antioxidant: targets mind & nervous system
- 1000x more effective in eliminating free radicals (the root cause of aging) than vitamins C or E1
- powerful food for the brain
- significantly boosts immunity & vitality
- best taken with Amrit Nectar
- vata, pitta, kapha balancing (vpk®)
Winter Nights
As the winter nights get darker earlier, it’s wise to go to bed earlier. Before heading off to bed you may want to consider a delicious cup of hot spicy milk. Spices such as nutmeg are calming and help to promote sound sleep.
Blissful Sleep
Natural sleep aid for falling asleep faster and enjoying deeper, more refreshing sleep; balances, and nourishes.
Deep Rest
To support sleeping through the night; helps in falling asleep more easily, and in returning to sleep when awakened.
Disclaimer
The sole purpose of these articles is to provide information about the tradition of ayurveda. This information is not intended for use in the diagnosis, treatment, cure or prevention of any disease. If you have any serious acute or chronic health concern, please consult a trained health professional who can fully assess your needs and address them effectively. If you are seeking the medical advice of a trained ayurvedic expert, call or e-mail us for the number of a physician in your area. Check with your doctor before taking herbs or using essential oils when pregnant or nursing.
Simple Ways To Stay Cool This Summer
Simple Ways To Stay Cool This Summer
Summer is nearly here and for most, the arrival of this season marks the start of sweltering-hot weather. Ayurveda describes the summer heat as being “pitta-aggravating” which implies provoking the fire element within. It’s intuitive that the basic goal during summer is to stay cool so here are a couple ways to help beat the summer heat from an ayurvedic perspective.
Buy Organic Ghee Online - Organic Ghee
Pearl Of Wisdom:
During the hot summer season, you may have noticed that your digestion is not as strong. That being the case you may want to consider ghee to help improve digestion and to also help cool the body. “Ghee is a pitta pacifying substance that is useful in summer and bitter ghee (called tikta ghrita) is especially cooling, as it contains a number of bitter herbs, including neem. Ayurvedic literature says that taking 1/2 teaspoon of bitter ghee on an empty stomach on summer mornings will improve digestive functions and control pitta dosha.”
– Dr. Vasant Lad, B.A.M.S.
Ayurvedic Secrets To Stay Cool In The Summer - Cure Joy
5 Simply Ways To Stay Cool This Summer
1. Drink cooling herbal teas such as cumin, coriander, and fennel tea.
2. Eat cooling and more easily digestible meals such as kitchari and salads.
3. Consider applying cooling essential oils to the body, such as sandalwood and khus.
4. At bedtime, consider applying coconut oil to your scalp and feet
5. Perform a daily oil massage with cooling oils such as sunflower or coconut oil
Foods To Favor ...
The foods to favor during summer consist of bitter, astringent, healthy sweet, light and easily digestible foods. One should especially enjoy the great variety of colors of vegetables and fruits such as broccoli, brussel sprouts, kale, cauliflower, turnips, purple potatoes, karela (bitter gourd), cabbage, dandelion, burdock, lettuce, neem, green beans, peas, cucumber, zucchini, yellow squash, apples, pears, sweet berries, ripe mango, peach and watermelon. Prepare the foods with spices such as fennel, coriander, cardamom, cilantro, and coconut. When cooking beets, carrots, tomatoes, pumpkin, okra, spinach, and chard, make sure to include a lot of cooling foods such as coconut, cucumber and cilantro in the menu – especially when living in places where the summer heat is intense.
It’s Best To Avoid ...
During this time, it is best to avoid all red meats, garlic, onion, and tomato sauce, as well as pungent and excessively sour and salty tastes. The mind easily gets aggravated by the heat and the risk of imbalanced Pitta emotions, such as anger, irritation and criticism, increases. Thus, practicing more pranayama (breathing exercises) and meditating in the moonlight is recommended.
According to the teachings of Ayurveda, every aspect of our lives contributes to our overall health with seasonal changes being of great significance. The summer heat is reflective of the fiery element of pitta giving all the more reason to discover some delectable yummy and cooling dishes to help stay cool this summer. Also, please note that in tropical climate, the seasons are different; due to the high temperature and humidity, Pitta and Kapha prevail. Thus, it is recommended to favor cooling, bitter, astringent, healthy sweet taste such as grains and milk and lighter foods. Refer to the diets outlined during spring and summer.
~CUCUMBER RAITA~
Often a good meal for lunch on a hot summer day is basmati rice and mung dal kitchari. However, to bring about flavor you may also want to consider cucumber raita to help improve digestion and even help to cool down many spicy dishes.
Ingredients:
· 1 small cucumber skinned and grated
· 1 teaspoon of ground fennel seeds dry roasted
· ½ cup of plain yogurt
· ¼ teaspoon of salt
· ¼ teaspoon of pepper
· 4-5 chopped mint leaves
* Simply mix all together and enjoy!
Want To Stay Cool & Well Hydrated?
It’s also very important to stay well hydrated especially during the hot summer days. Therefore, consider sipping on this drink throughout the day to keep the body hydrated and cool.
· 1 teaspoon of fresh lime juice
· Pinch of salt
· 1 tablespoon of raw sugar
· 2.5 cups of water
* Mix all together and sip away!
How About Cilantro Chutney?
This helps to cool down even the most spiciest of dishes.
· 2 Apples
· 1 cup of fresh cilantro
· ¼ tsp salt
· Juice of 2 lemons
Simply peel and core apples and place in food processor with cilantro. Add lemon and salt according to taste. Can also substitute pears for apples and limes for lemons if desired.
Simple Tips To Stay Cool This Summer:
Lastly, here are a few simple tips in helping reduce the excess heat during this summer:
· Consuming a pitta pacifying diet
· Drinking cooling herbal teas such as mint, cumin coriander and fennel tea
· Cooling drinks and meals such as cucumber raita, lime, cilantro chutneys & aloe vera juice
· Favoring foods with sweet, astringent and bitter tastes
· Using certain essential oils to reduce body heat such as sandalwood, rose and khus
· Applying coconut oil to the soles of the feet and the scalp before bed
· Reducing alcohol in particular whiskey brandy or rum and red wine (pittagenic)
· If there's susceptibility to skin conditions (rash, hives, urticaria) then reduce time in the sun
· Amalaki is a wonderful pitta pacifying herb that can help to reduce internal heat
There are other simple recommendations to also assist in reducing pitta during summer by wearing hats or sunglasses as well as light cotton clothing. I hope you enjoyed these simple yet essential tips for staying cool during these hot summer days.
References:
1. Yarema, T., & Rhoda, D. (2006). Eat-taste-heal: An Ayurvedic guidebook and cookbook for modern living.
2. Dugliss, P. (2010). Enlightened Nutrition (1st ed., Vol. 1). Santa Barbara, California: MCD century publications, LLc.
3. Lad, U., & Lad, V. (1997). Ayurvedic cooking for self-healing (2nd ed.). Albuquerque, N.M.: Ayurvedic Press.
4. Lad, V. (1998). The complete book of Ayurvedic home remedies. New York: Harmony Books.
5. Hospodar, M. (1999). Heaven’s banquet: Vegetarian cooking for lifelong health the ayurveda way. New York, N.Y., U.S.A.: Dutton.
The Ayurveda Guide For Spring Season
The Ayurveda Guide For Spring Season
Spring is a time of new beginnings. This is a time when nature, once again, comes to life as flowers bloom, birds sing and people generally feel more energized. Often the first signs of spring, especially after a long cold winter, are described as God himself breathing new fresh life into his creation. In fact, Lord Krishna [in the Bhagavad Gita] explains when describing himself, “I am the Soul in the body, the mind in the senses, the eagle amongst birds and the lion amongst animals. Among all the trees I am the sacred bodhi tree, and of the season, I am spring.” More simply, spring is the king of all seasons. Similarly, Ayurveda is an ancient science of healthy living and takes into consideration the whole person. According to these teachings, every aspect of our life contributes to our overall health. By understanding that we are a miniature reflection of nature, we should live accordingly - in accordance to the natural rhythms of life; i.e. seasons.
“Spring is the king of all seasons.”
The Importance Of Transition ...
Healthy living is centered around creating a daily routine and a healthy routine helps to establish balance in our lives. In order to determine an appropriate routine, we first need to understand the significance of each season. The wisdom of Ayurveda, stresses great importance on the transition between two seasons. One can think of this transition as a door from one season to the next. As we pass through this transition, we should consider a new lifestyle and new attitude as we pass from the old season and enter into a new season. For example, the warmth of spring melts the winter snow which brings about moisture to the atmosphere. Similarly, Ayurveda speaks about the springtime warmth also melting the accumulated cold quality of “kapha dosha” which liquefies and often manifest as “hay fever” [i.e. nasal congestion, itchy and watery eyes, sneezing, postnasal drip, and cough].
Ayurvedic Liver Cleanse With Chandanni
Toxins mask the miraculous intelligence of your body, creating health issues and discomfort instead of health. Yet toxic build-up is virtually unavoidable in today’s fast-paced world. Stressful jobs, environmental pollution and fast-food diets contribute to toxic waste in the body. And no matter how pure the food you eat, if your digestion is out of balance, your own body will create digestive toxins.
Elim-Tox-O is a gentle formula that helps cleanse your body’s natural purification systems without forcing, making it the recommended choice for people who have a tendency towards acne, heartburn, and excess stomach acid or who have a lot of "fire" in their physiology.
~Lifestyle Recommendations~
Do’s
The goal during spring season is to pacify kapha with foods that are light and easily digestible. Foods that are particularly bitter, pungent, and astringent as these tastes are considered kapha pacifying – or that which helps to reduce kapha.
Organic Kapha Churna Stimulating Spice Mix
Ready-to-use spice mixtures satisfy the six ayurvedic tastes considered essential for balance. Organic Stimulating Kapha Churna includes ginger, coriander and turmeric.
Don’ts
Avoid food which are heavy and oily while minimizing tastes which are sweet, sour and salty – as these flavors increase kapha. Instead, we should consider foods which are pungent, bitter, astringent – since these tastes naturally help to reduce kapha.
Examples Springtime foods – which help pacify kapha
- Legumes: split pea, red lentils, chickpeas, pinto beans
- Grains: amaranth, barley, buckwheat, corn, millet, oats, quinoa, rye
- Fruits: apples, apricots, berries, cherries, mangoes, peaches, pomegranates, pears
- Veggies: artichoke, asparagus, beets, broccoli, carrots, okra, spinach
Diet
It is advised to have easily digestible food which are low in calories during the spring season since the digestion power of “Agni” is diminished. Ayurveda believes that all diseases are primarily due to a faulty digestion. It is also now well understood that the gastrointestinal system is a major organ of immunity.
Organic Digest Tone
Supports digestive system and elimination; assists body in absorbing nutrients; high-quality antioxidant; wide range of benefits.
Herbal Di-Gest
Supports improved digestion and balanced appetite; helps with gas, bloating, and discomfort.
TRIKATU – Digestive herbal formula …
Trikatu is a formula combination of equal parts ginger, black pepper and pippali. The name trikatu means three peppers or the three pungents. It is a wonderful herb with strong digestive properties.
Hot water. Drinking sips of hot water also helps improve digestion. Kapha is predominant during the daytime especially from 6 am to 10 am so it’s best to avoid eating a heavy breakfast at this time. Instead, consider eating a healthy and light breakfast during spring; particularly is suffering from allergies. It is best if one avoids cold, oily foods & excessive sweet or sour foods.
Honey. Honey is thought to have a “scrapping effect” and small amounts of raw honey is considered beneficial to help reduce kapha. Therefore, a good consideration for sweeteners during spring season is honey.
Herbal Teas. Since coolness and moisture are still within the atmosphere and before we fully experience the heat of summer, it’s of benefit to consider having warming teas such as ginger, cinnamon, cardamom, and clove tea during spring.
Organic Stimulating Kapha Tea
The perfect answer when you’re feeling sluggish or heavy — spicy tea!!
Herbs & Spices
A few herbs which could be used to reduce kapha and fight the allergies during spring season are spices, which can be added to your food such as turmeric, fresh ginger, garlic, onions, and horseradish.
Turmeric is a common spice found in almost every kitchen in many Asian countries like India. Amongst its countless roles, turmeric is commonly used for cosmetic and coloring purposes. Turmeric is widely utilized in Ayurvedic Medicine in treating allergies, immune conditions, liver diseases and neurological disorders. It is considered a holy, auspicious and natural healer. Helps purify the blood and acts as an antioxidant; supports healthy heart, liver, lungs, circulation and nervous system. Turmeric is one of the oldest, most important spices known to humankind.
Fresh ginger. Fresh ginger tea is prepared by boiling fresh ginger in water also reduces the kapha, honey could be added to this tea. Ginger has properties which help in reducing fevers, soothes sore throats, and encourages coughing to remove mucus from the chest. The chemicals shagaols and gingerols in ginger give it that spicy kick that stimulates blood circulation and opens your sinuses. Improved circulation means that more oxygen is getting to your tissues to help remove toxins and viruses. Research from the Toyama Medical and Pharmaceutical University in Japan indicated ginger has the ability to help prevent and treat flu infections.
Garlic. Garlic is well known throughout history as a food that fights infections from bacteria and viruses. The BBC reported in 2007 that garlic can help prevent and fight the common cold. Allicin is one of the immune stimulating nutrients in garlic that is released when you cut, chop or crush the cloves. Garlic stimulates the activity of immune system cells that destroy cold and flu viruses.
5 More Simple Health Tips
1. Exercise regularly and avoid sleeping in daytime can help to prevent kapha accumulation. Exercise appears to have the advantage of being able to jump-start the immune system, and that can help reduce the number of colds one gets. With exercise, the number and aggressiveness of certain immune cells, such as the ones called natural killer cells, increase by as much as 50% to 300.
2. Avoid exposure to direct air as this will help to reduce kapha and will also reduce the chance of being exposed to pollen and other allergen’s.
3. Massage. Oil massage and dry massage should be done regularly. Herbal bath will also help. Herbs like sandal wood which have a cooling effect also help in strengthening the body and improving the Immunity.
Ayurvedic Massage Oils
Personalize your daily massage with herbal massage oils. Formulated to balance specific skin and dosha types, our herbal massage oils not only lubricate but also purify the skin. They have a balancing effect on the mind and body; they promote the appearance of smooth, youthful skin; and they support vitality and healthy circulation.
4. Nasya
‘Nasya’ is an Ayurvedic practice that involves administering herbal oils to the nasal passage. Commonly such treatments are known to clear sinus congestion, help clear accumulated toxins from the head and neck region. In Ayurveda, nasya is one of the important self-care methods which brings about internal detoxification. It is a part of an ‘Ayurvedic Daily Routine’ by putting 3-5 drops of warm ghee or sesame seed oil into each nostril in the morning.
5. Panchakarma – The Ultimate Detox
Finally, it is generally considered beneficial to do panchakarma during pre-spring period under the guidance of a qualified professional. Panchakarma or five therapeutic treatments.
Want More?
Transform Your Life With Ayurveda
The ancient wisdom of Ayurveda sees each person as not being a set of parts, but as a whole and for one to be considered healthy – the body, mind, and consciousness must be balanced. Ayurveda is one of the world’s oldest and comprehensive systems of natural medicine and the core teachings of Ayurveda is centered around creating lifestyle habits for overall good health and wellbeing.
Disclaimer
The sole purpose of these articles is to provide information about the tradition of ayurveda. This information is not intended for use in the diagnosis, treatment, cure or prevention of any disease. If you have any serious acute or chronic health concern, please consult a trained health professional who can fully assess your needs and address them effectively. If you are seeking the medical advice of a trained ayurvedic expert, call or e-mail us for the number of a physician in your area. Check with your doctor before taking herbs or using essential oils when pregnant or nursing.
Avoid Allergies While Transitioning Into Spring Season
Transitioning Into Spring Season
The transition between seasons welcomes a new change and this new change invites a different way of life from the old season by entering afresh into the next season. Spring is a season of growth and new potential. In fact, spring is considered the king of all seasons. Of relevance, in the Bhagavad Gita - 11th chapter, Krishna while stating his strength says, “among all the trees I am the sacred pippala [Bodhi tree] and of the season - I am Spring.” This is because spring is the season in which all of nature wakes up as the birds sing, flowers bloom, and people generally feel energized as we emerge from winter. In essence, spring is a time of growth and a time to begin a new lifestyle. However, before adapting to a new way of life, we must first appreciate the qualities of spring and adapt in accordance.
Qualities Of Spring - "Moisture"
Spring can be likened to the freshness of water from the recently melted snow of winter. Because of this, there is still much moisture in the atmosphere and kapha [which is primarily water and earth] tends to be aggravated during spring season. As a result of all this moisture, excess accumulation of kapha within the body begins to liquefy and run out of the body as many people experience “spring fever” and allergies this time of year.
Ayurvedic Remedies For Spring Allergies - Madhuri Melanie Phillips
It is a known fact that spring is the time of year for seasonal allergies. As the trees start to bloom and the pollen is released into the atmosphere, allergy sufferers begin their annual ritual of sniffling and sneezing. Each year, 58 million Americans fall prey to seasonal allergic rhinitis, more commonly known as “hay fever”. Furthermore, during spring the climate gets warmer and the heat reduces the digestive power of body. As a result, kapha increases which leads to various conditions like cough, cold, allergies, sinusitis, and indigestion to name a few. Ayurveda, the ancient science of life, has the solution. Ayurveda explains the concept of Ritucharya. In Sanskrit, the word “Ritu” means “seasons” and the word charya means “to follow a routine”. Hence, Ritucharya is the Seasonal Routine and by following a seasonal lifestyle & diet routine, people can prevent certain seasonal ailments and can ultimately have a healthy life . As per Ayurveda, the duration from mid-March to mid-May constitutes the Vasant Ritu or Spring season.
Lifestyle Recommendations
Do’s
The goal during spring season is to pacify kapha with foods that are light and easily digestible. Foods that are particularly bitter, pungent, and astringent as these tastes are considered kapha pacifying - or that which helps to reduce kapha.
Organic Kapha Churna Stimulating Spice Mix
Ready-to-use spice mixtures satisfy the six ayurvedic tastes considered essential for balance. Organic Stimulating Kapha Churna includes ginger, coriander and turmeric.
Don’ts
Avoid food which are heavy and oily while minimizing tastes which are sweet, sour and salty - as these flavors increase kapha. Instead, we should consider foods which are pungent, bitter, astringent - since these tastes naturally help to reduce kapha.
Examples Springtime foods - which help pacify kapha
- Legumes: split pea, red lentils, chickpeas, pinto beans
- Grains: amaranth, barley, buckwheat, corn, millet, oats, quinoa, rye
- Fruits: apples, apricots, berries, cherries, mangoes, peaches, pomegranates, pears
- Veggies: artichoke, asparagus, beets, broccoli, carrots, okra, spinach
Diet
It is advised to have easily digestible food which are low in calories during the spring season since the digestion power of “Agni” is diminished. Ayurveda believes that all diseases are primarily due to a faulty digestion. It is also now well understood that the gastrointestinal system is a major organ of immunity.
Organic Digest Tone
Supports digestive system and elimination; assists body in absorbing nutrients; high-quality antioxidant; wide range of benefits.
Herbal Di-Gest
Supports improved digestion and balanced appetite; helps with gas, bloating, and discomfort.
TRIKATU - Digestive herbal formula ...
Trikatu is a formula combination of equal parts ginger, black pepper and pippali. The name trikatu means three peppers or the three pungents. It is a wonderful herb with strong digestive properties.
Hot water. Drinking sips of hot water also helps improve digestion. Kapha is predominant during the daytime especially from 6 am to 10 am so it’s best to avoid eating a heavy breakfast at this time. Instead, consider eating a healthy and light breakfast during spring; particularly is suffering from allergies. It is best if one avoids cold, oily foods & excessive sweet or sour foods.
Honey. Honey is thought to have a “scrapping effect” and small amounts of raw honey is considered beneficial to help reduce kapha. Therefore, a good consideration for sweeteners during spring season is honey.
Herbal Teas. Since coolness and moisture are still within the atmosphere and before we fully experience the heat of summer, it’s of benefit to consider having warming teas such as ginger, cinnamon, cardamom, and clove tea during spring.
Organic Stimulating Kapha Tea
The perfect answer when you’re feeling sluggish or heavy — spicy tea!!
Herbs & Spices
A few herbs which could be used to reduce kapha and fight the allergies during spring season are spices, which can be added to your food such as turmeric, fresh ginger, garlic, onions, and horseradish.
Turmeric is a common spice found in almost every kitchen in many Asian countries like India. Amongst its countless roles, turmeric is commonly used for cosmetic and coloring purposes. Turmeric is widely utilized in Ayurvedic Medicine in treating allergies, immune conditions, liver diseases and neurological disorders. It is considered a holy, auspicious and natural healer. Helps purify the blood and acts as an antioxidant; supports healthy heart, liver, lungs, circulation and nervous system. Turmeric is one of the oldest, most important spices known to humankind.
Fresh ginger. Fresh ginger tea is prepared by boiling fresh ginger in water also reduces the kapha, honey could be added to this tea. Ginger has properties which help in reducing fevers, soothes sore throats, and encourages coughing to remove mucus from the chest. The chemicals shagaols and gingerols in ginger give it that spicy kick that stimulates blood circulation and opens your sinuses. Improved circulation means that more oxygen is getting to your tissues to help remove toxins and viruses. Research from the Toyama Medical and Pharmaceutical University in Japan indicated ginger has the ability to help prevent and treat flu infections.
Garlic. Garlic is well known throughout history as a food that fights infections from bacteria and viruses. The BBC reported in 2007 that garlic can help prevent and fight the common cold. Allicin is one of the immune stimulating nutrients in garlic that is released when you cut, chop or crush the cloves. Garlic stimulates the activity of immune system cells that destroy cold and flu viruses.
Onions. They contain quercetin, a nutrient that breaks up mucus in your head and chest while boosting your immune system.When the smell of raw onions makes your nose run and your eyes tear up, this stimulates your immune system to fight infection. Onions also contain allicin which slows down and kills a variety of viruses and bacteria. The pungency of onions increases your blood circulation and makes you sweat. This effect is helpful during cold weather to prevent infections and to sweat out a cold or flu.
Horseradish. Horseradish strengthens your immune system and increases blood flow to parts of your body irritated by cold and flu infections to remove wastes. This pungent food encourages you to flush out infected fluids through sweat and increased urination.
5 More Simple Health Tips
1. Exercise regularly and avoid sleeping in daytime can help to prevent kapha accumulation. Exercise appears to have the advantage of being able to jump-start the immune system, and that can help reduce the number of colds one gets. With exercise, the number and aggressiveness of certain immune cells, such as the ones called natural killer cells, increase by as much as 50% to 300.
2. Avoid exposure to direct air as this will help to reduce kapha and will also reduce the chance of being exposed to pollen and other allergen’s.
3. Massage. Oil massage and dry massage should be done regularly. Herbal bath will also help. Herbs like sandal wood which have a cooling effect also help in strengthening the body and improving the Immunity.
Ayurvedic Massage Oils
Personalize your daily massage with herbal massage oils. Formulated to balance specific skin and dosha types, our herbal massage oils not only lubricate but also purify the skin. They have a balancing effect on the mind and body; they promote the appearance of smooth, youthful skin; and they support vitality and healthy circulation.
4. Nasya
‘Nasya’ is an Ayurvedic practice that involves administering herbal oils to the nasal passage. Commonly such treatments are known to clear sinus congestion, help clear accumulated toxins from the head and neck region. In Ayurveda, nasya is one of the important self-care methods which brings about internal detoxification. It is a part of an ‘Ayurvedic Daily Routine’ by putting 3-5 drops of warm ghee or sesame seed oil into each nostril in the morning.
5. Panchakarma - The Ultimate Detox
Finally, it is generally considered beneficial to do panchakarma during pre-spring period under the guidance of a qualified professional. Panchakarma or five therapeutic treatments.
Disclaimer
The sole purpose of these articles is to provide information about the tradition of ayurveda. This information is not intended for use in the diagnosis, treatment, cure or prevention of any disease. If you have any serious acute or chronic health concern, please consult a trained health professional who can fully assess your needs and address them effectively. If you are seeking the medical advice of a trained ayurvedic expert, call or e-mail us for the number of a physician in your area. Check with your doctor before taking herbs or using essential oils when pregnant or nursing.
The Ayurveda Guide For Winter Season
The Ayurveda Guide For Winter Season
Winter is a time when nature’s energy withdraws back unto herself as nature’s many expressions begin to slow down. According to Ayurveda, a person is a miniature reflection of nature and winter represents a time for much needed restoration. Every season has certain attributes which may cause aggravation and imbalances of doshas. For example, winter is generally considered a “kapha season”. Therefore, colds and other kapha conditions [i.e. congestion] are more common as the heavy, cold, and cohesive qualities of kapha are predominant. However, a balanced lifestyle in accordance to seasonal changes helps to create the needed elements in order to maintain health and well-being for the body and mind.
Winter Tips - How To Stay Balanced & Healthy During The Winter Season
The Winter Routine
Waking Up
Generally, Ayurveda recommends waking up early before sunrise when pure [“Sattvic”] qualities of nature bring about a sense of peace and freshness to the mind. However, sleeping in later [i.e. 7am] during winter is also considered acceptable.
Evacuation
Paraphrasing a famous Ayurvedic Physician [Dr. Vasant Lad], “there is nothing more healthy than waking up to the call of duty”. Although it is common to sit on the toilet while having a bowel movement, it is more ideal to squat. If you are unable to evacuate your bowels you may want to consider sipping a glass of warm water as this helps to stimulate mass peristalsis and also helps to flush the kidneys.
Copper Cup
A real ayurveda classic. Fill the cup with water in the evening, leave it to stand overnight and drink the water the next morning. In ayurveda this water is particularly highly regarded because it is said to have a purifying as well as a balancing influence on Pitta dosha. From a scientific point of view, the water has absorbed pure copper, which in this form is an essential mineral for the body.
Scrape Your Tongue
By gently scraping the tongue, from back to front, this helps to remove dead bacteria from the tongue, stimulate the visceral organs, and further helps to aid digestion. This is especially helpful if there was improper digestion of the previous night’s meal.
Silver Tongue Cleaner
A traditional Sterling Silver Tongue Cleaner will help whisk away bacteria and impurities found on your tongue in the morning. Rinse, and your mouth and tongue will feel fresh and clean.
Brush Your Teeth
Using a soft toothbrush, brush your teeth using toothpaste made from heating herbs such as cinnamon or cloves. These heating herbs help to protect the teeth from sensitivity to cold.
Ayurdent Toothpaste
For healthy teeth and gums. Natural, holistic Ayurdent Toothpaste cleanses deeply to rid your teeth and mouth of toxins. Supports and nourishes teeth and gums. Does not contain sodium lauryl sulfate.
Swishing Oil In The Mouth
Next, consider holding some warm sesame oil in the mouth for two or three minutes. This helps to strengthen your teeth and gums, and also thought to be beneficial for improving the clarity of the voice. After holding the oil in the mouth, swish the oil around the mouth and finally before spitting out the oil, gently massage your gums with the oil using your index finger. Also, make sure not to swallow any of this oil.
Oil Massage - Abhyanga
Massage yourself with warm organic sesame oil. Sesame is warming and is generally considered beneficial to every body type for this time of year. Massaging oil on the body is a great way to keep the skin soft, supple and wrinkle free. It is a rejuvenating technique that improves circulation and, when done at night, induces sleep.
Organic Sesame Oil
Enhance immunity and experience a sense of well-being. Our pure golden Sesame Oil is organic, extra-light, chemical-free and cold-pressed, allowing its chemical composition to penetrate the deeper layers of the skin.
“Give yourself a full-body oil massage on a daily basis. It is nourishing; pacifies the doshas; relieves fatigue; provides stamina, pleasure and perfect sleep; enhances the complexion and the luster of skin; promotes longevity; and nourishes all parts of the body.”
– Ancient Wisdom Of Ayurveda
Warm Shower
Have a nice warm shower and rub off the oil from your skin. Showering will naturally brings about freshness to the body, clarity to the mind, and holiness to your life.
Citronella Herbal Soap - Kapha Balancing Soap
This light and fresh bar cleanses deeply while balancing soft and smooth Kapha skin. The special blend of ayurvedic herbs — flame-of-the-forest, mesua, turmeric and lemony citronella — will refresh your skin. For normal to oily skin.
Dressing & Perfumes
Wearing clean clothes after bathing brings about beauty and virtue. Likewise, using natural scents or perfumes [i.e. essential oils] helps to enhance the refreshing sense of joy and charm to life.
Stimulating Kapha Aroma Oil
Therapeutic aroma oils are precise blends of 100% pure essential oils — diffuse them through lockets or diffusers, combine 5-10 drops per 2 oz. of your base massage oil, or add a few drops to your bathwater for a fragrant healing experience you’ll cherish long after you've left the bath.
Yoga & Pranayama
Yoga or other forms of light exercise will help to invigorate the body with life-energy [i.e. “prana”] and help to clear excess mucous, lethargy, and sluggishness common to both kapha conditions and winter season.
Pranayama
Classical yogic texts describe prana as the energy of the universe and because it permeates everything in the universe it is considered the breath of life. Therefore, pranayama is ‘yogic breathing’ and consists of breathing exercises specifically designed to meet the needs of our body and to keep our body in perfect health.
Nasya
After completing pranayama, it is of benefit to apply nasya oil in the nose. The herbs in nasya can help to dissolve excess kapha [i.e. mucous] from the chest and head, especially beneficial during winter season.
Organic Clear & Soothe Nasal Spray
Natural Nasal Spray — soothes dry, irritated sinuses; shields nasal passages from airborne irritants and germs
Traditional ayurvedic herbal oil
- balances & lubricates dry or irritated sinuses
- protects against environmental pollutants & other airborne irritants
- vata, pitta, kapha balancing (vpk®)
Winter Foods To Consider
Generally, the food we eat during winter season should be warming, nourishing, and mildly spicy. Likewise, we should avoid cold food and flavors which are excessively sweet, sour, or salty as these are all considered “kapha provoking” and will therefore further increase congestion.
Breakfast
Warm and nourishing breakfast many consist of a small bowl of porridge, oatmeal, cornmeal, barley soup, or kitchari.
Amrit Kalash Ambrosia
Amrit Kalash in the morning is great to help keep your energy and immunity intact and is especially beneficial during winter season. Amrit Kalash is a traditional ayurvedic formula of 13 herbs that supports the health of mind, brain, and nerves; increases vitality and inner strength; powerful antioxidant — research shows it to be up to 1,000 times more effective than vitamins C and E
Full-spectrum antioxidant: targets mind & nervous system
- 1000x more effective in eliminating free radicals (the root cause of aging) than vitamins C or E1
- powerful food for the brain
- significantly boosts immunity & vitality
- best taken with Amrit Nectar
- vata, pitta, kapha balancing (vpk®)
Tea
About an hour after breakfast, consider sipping on kapha tea which contains ginger, cloves, cardamom, turmeric, saffron, and black pepper - all help to improve digestion and help to eliminate mucus from the body.
Organic Stimulating Tea
The perfect answer when you’re feeling sluggish or heavy — spicy tea
Lunch
Lunch is to be eaten around noon as hunger will naturally occur. Lunch should be nourishing and wholesome such as steamed vegetables, warm soups, bread and delicious ghee. It’s best to avoid meals which are cold as this will impair the digestive fire “agni”. To improve digestion, we can add certain spices such as cinnamon, cloves, and black pepper.
Stimulating Spice Mix
Our ready-to-use spice mixtures satisfy the six ayurvedic tastes considered essential for balance. Organic Stimulating Kapha Churna includes ginger, coriander and turmeric.
Dinner
It’s best to avoid having dinner too late and 5-7pm is often ideal. Again, dinner should be warm and nourishing while avoiding excessive sweet, sour or salty tastes; as these flavors increase kapha dosha.
Dinner Drink
Ayurveda suggest that it may be beneficial to occasionally have a glass of dry and warming wine during the winter season as this will encourage circulation and help to stimulate digestion.
Bedtime
As the winter nights get darker earlier, it’s wise to go to bed earlier. Before heading off to bed you may want to consider a delicious cup of hot spicy milk. Spices such as nutmeg are calming and help to promote sound sleep.
Blissful Sleep
Natural sleep aid for falling asleep faster and enjoying deeper, more refreshing sleep; balances, and nourishes.
Deep Rest
To support sleeping through the night; helps in falling asleep more easily, and in returning to sleep when awakened.
Disclaimer
The sole purpose of these articles is to provide information about the tradition of ayurveda. This information is not intended for use in the diagnosis, treatment, cure or prevention of any disease. If you have any serious acute or chronic health concern, please consult a trained health professional who can fully assess your needs and address them effectively. If you are seeking the medical advice of a trained ayurvedic expert, call or e-mail us for the number of a physician in your area. Check with your doctor before taking herbs or using essential oils when pregnant or nursing.
Ayurvedic Nutrition Tips For Autumn + Wilted Greens Lentil Soup Recipe
Ayurvedic Nutrition Tips For Autumn
Autumn brings shorter days, longer nights, and cooler weather which invites a new menu of seasonally appropriate foods - ultimately to keep the body well-balanced. Autumn is considered a transition period characteristic of being dry, light, cool, rough and windy – all which naturally increase vata conditions [i.e. dry skin, constipation, arthritis, stiffness of the joints, rheumatism].
Seasonal Considerations For Autumn:
– eat warming, soothing, and easily digestible meals
– eat foods which are primarily sweet, sour and salty in taste
– drink warming herbal teas such as ginger, cinnamon and cardamom tea
– keep warm and stay out of strong winds
– do regular yoga, meditation, and pranayama breathing exercises
Ayurvedic Recipe For "Tridoshic Dal" - OnlyMyHealth.com
Root Vegetables
Although most root vegetables are available year round, they are often at their peak from fall to spring. Roots such as sweet potatoes, beets, carrots, parsnips, garlic, onions, and ginger generously provide for abundance of flavor and nutrients - especially for the cooler months of autumn.
Immune Boosting & Anti-inflammatory Fruit & Veggies
During autumn, a host of allergens can bring about a run of cough, sneezes, and sniffles. Therefore, it’s important to boost your health with anti-inflammatory foods such as apples and onions - which contain quercetin and block the release of histamine. Foods you may want to consider during autumn seasons are leafy greens such as Swiss chard, romaine, kale, and collards. Likewise, you may want to include pumpkins, pomegranates, pears, grapes and figs to your diet.
Whole Grains And Seeds:
Ideal foods for autumn would not be complete without incorporating nutritious grains such as barley, brown rice, and spelt. Likewise, there are certain seeds which are often used like grains such as amaranth, wild rice, buckwheat, millet, and quinoa. All of these foods contain high levels of B vitamins and therefore provide for good nutrition and health.
Wilted Greens Lentil Soup Recipe
Ingredients:
- 2 cups red lentils, rinsed
- 2 celery stalks
- 1 onion, yellow or white
- 2 carrots, chopped
- 1 tablespoons ginger, freshly grated
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoons ground coriander
- 5 cups vegetable broth
- 2 tablespoons grapeseed oil
- 3 cups fresh mixed greens (e.g., red winter kale, Swiss chard, and spinach)
- Sea salt (optional)
Directions:
1. Rinse lentils thoroughly and check for small stones.
2. Heat grapeseed oil in a sauté pan over medium heat.
3. Once sauté pan is warm, add minced garlic, carrots, celery, onions, and grated ginger. Cook until onions are translucent.
4. Add spices, vegetable stock, and lentils, and bring to a simmer. Cover and let cook for 30 to 35 minutes until lentils are soft.
5. While lentils are cooking, add the mixed greens to a steamer and cover to wilt for approximately 2 minutes.
Recipe Credited To: Chopra.com
Want More?
CLICK HERE - For More Ayurvedic Autumn Tips
CLICK HERE - For Tips For Fall/Autumn Season
Ayurvedic Autumn Tips + Stewed Apple Recipe & Masala Chai [VIDEO]
Ayurvedic Autumn Tips
According to Ayurveda, the transition between two seasons is considered a time to be most careful in order to remain balanced. That said, if you’re feeling a little unbalanced about now, know that it’s not just you, but instead, is the rhythm of life. Let us therefore consider some simple ways to help remain balanced while transitioning into Autumn.
Autumn = Increase In Vata
Modern culture often leaves us “vata-aggravated”. One moment we are in front of a computer screen, the next moment on the phone and a moment later driving to work for another day of hustle-bustle. All this, according to Ayurveda is vata provoking. When we think of vata we should think of motion. Very simply, we can think of vata as being all that drives activity and movement within the body. For example, all the nerve impulses of the nervous system, the movement of circulation, the driving force of respiration are all under the control of vata. So what happens when vata becomes aggravated? The mind becomes less focused, thoughts become increasingly scattered, and we even become more vulnerable to respiratory conditions along with stress, worry and anxiety.
Vata Season - Requires Grounding & Warmth
Increased vata can have both good and disrupting effects. For example, increased energy and a sense of liveliness and vitality often are some of vata’s best qualities. Likewise, vata can flan the flame of the digestive fire [AGNI] which explains having an increased appetite and hunger during autumn and winter seasons. However, if vata is aggravated for a prolonged period of time it can lead to further conditions which often express themselves later [i.e. during winter season]. Conditions such oversensitivity to cold, frequent respiratory infections, excessive dry skin, insomnia and even anxiety and worry are all thought to occur due to prolonged affects of vata.
Hat - Scarf - Mittens
It is important to maintain the warmth that the body naturally creates by keeping well-wrapped and keeping the head and neck covered particularly on windy, cold and rainy days. Since the air is generally more dry during autumn and central heating can become further drying it is advised to consider a humidifier to help provide added moisture while still keeping indoor rooms comfortably warm. Further stressing the importance of maintaining warmth, we should favor warm, well-cooked meals.
How to Make Authentic Masala Chai
Ingredients
1 knot of ginger
6 mint leaves
2 cloves
8 cardamom pods
1 small piece of cinnamon
1-2 teaspoons of black tea (Assam tea is best for this)
Liquids
2 cups of water
3/4 of a cup of milk
Equipment
Saucepan
Knife and chopping board
Smashing implement (mortar & pestle / meat mallet / jackhammer)
Tea strainer / sieve capable of withstanding boiling liquids
~STEWED APPLES RECIPE~
Ingredients
- 1 whole fresh, sweet apple, cored and peeled
- 5 whole cloves
- ¼ cup of purified water
Directions
- Dice apple into small pieces. Add cloves, apple and water in a covered pot.
- Cook apple in ¼ cup of water until it is soft.
- Discard the cloves, cool slightly, and enjoy.
Other Seasonal Considerations For Autumn:
– eat warming, soothing, and easily digestible meals
– eat foods which are primarily sweet, sour and salty in taste
– drink warming herbal teas such as ginger, cinnamon and cardamom tea
– keep warm and stay out of strong winds
– do regular yoga, meditation, and pranayama breathing exercises
Want More?
Click Here: 5 Ayurveda Tips For Transitioning Into Fall Season
Photo Credit: Stephen Johnson
Seasonal Guide For Autumn - An Ayurvedic Perspective
Seasonal Guide For Autumn
It’s that time of year when you first feel that crisp breeze and know that summer is gone and autumn begins revealing herself. Although every season has its traits - autumn has a particular beauty about it. Noticeable changes of autumn include the leaves changing colors, days getting shorter, and mornings growing chillier and more crisp as summer begins to fade away.
Dry, Light, Cool, Rough, & Windy
The qualities of autumn depict the element of “air” which can easily be understood by the nature of wind. The wind during this time of year becomes more gusty and naturally tends to dry the body [i.e. dry skin, dry eyes, constipation, etc.]. From an Ayurvedic perspective this season is thought to aggravate “vata”. Vata regulates all movement within the body with a special function of communication. Although the principle of vata permeates the entire body, its main sites of the body mostly include the central nervous system, the colon, skeletal system [hair & teeth] and skin. Therefore, as we prepare for autumn season and while keeping the totality of body-mind in perspective it is also important to take these special attributes of vata into consideration.
Central Nervous System:
Vata provides the impulse of communication which travels through the central nervous system. The dry, light, rough, and excess mobile qualities of vata can express themselves influencing the way we feel and perceive the world. Because of this, autumn is more likely to create feelings of anxiety, nervousness and even insomnia. Therefore, you may want to consider more heavy qualities to balance the light and subtle qualities of vata. For example, just the coziness of heavy blankets and bedding provides that added comfort and warmth needed to help promote sound sleep. Another seasonal tip for autumn is enjoying a nice cup of hot milk prior to bed. For an added benefit you may want to consider nutmeg milk or garlic milk at night which also creates a sense of heaviness and grounding quality needed for restful sleep.
Delicious Spiced Milk Perfect For Autumn Season
[Recommend To Have Hot vs. Cold]
Ingredients:
500ml milk
20g mixed nuts
2 tbsp Sugar
A pinch of saffron
1/2 spoon cardamom powder
1 tsp chironji nuts
1/2 tsp nutmeg powder
1/2 cup condensed milk
Additions of condensed milk, saffron and nutmeg, give the spiced milk its required aroma and texture.
The Gastrointestinal Tract:
One of the main sites of vata is the colon. Due to vata’s dry quality this tends to dry the colon resulting in constipation, especially common to autumn season. Therefore, our goal during autumn is to introduce more oily and nourishing foods such as a delicious bowl porridge [of oats] flavored with maple syrup and cinnamon for breakfast, hearty soups for lunch which will add both moisture and warmth to the body. Likewise, to prevent stagnation within the G.I. tract [i.e. constipation] and to help promote downward motion you may also want to consider soaking haritaki overnight in a cup of warm water. The following morning you can rinse the mouth with a few sips of this haritaki tea and then slowly sip the rest of this tea to help stimulate the bowels. Finally, Ayurveda speaks volumes about removing excess vata from the colon and therefore advocates the use of special enemas. These enemas should be performed under the supervision of a qualified ayurvedic professional and only after discussing the risks/benefits/alternatives with your primary care physician. Performing an enema using sesame oil is thought to help remove accumalated dry and rough qualities of vata from the colon.
Musculoskeletal System and Skin:
The brisk cold of autumn often increases the seasonal tendency of aching joints and ‘frozen shoulders’. Therefore, to help offset these cold, dry, and rough qualities of vata upon the musculoskeletal system you may want to massage your muscles by rubbing into the skin and muscles warm organic sesame oil. After massaging the body with warm sesame oil next consider a nice warm shower to wash off the oil and further relax and massage the muscles. Another consideration for stiff and aching muscles [and joints] is mahanarayana oil.
Other Seasonal Considerations For Autumn:
– eat warming, soothing, and easily digestible meals
– eat foods which are primarily sweet, sour and salty in taste
– drink warming herbal teas such as ginger, cinnamon and cardamom tea
– keep warm and stay out of strong winds
– do regular yoga, meditation, and pranayama breathing exercises
Want More?
Click Here: 5 Ayurveda Tips For Transitioning Into Fall Season
5 Ayurveda Tips For Transitioning Into Fall Season
Ayurveda Tips For Transitioning Into Fall Season
Ayurveda defines the transitioning between two seasons as “rutu sandhi”; "rutu” being season and “sandhi” being junction or transition. During this seasonal transition it is recommended that one should change clothes, lifestyle, and attitudes from the old season and enter afresh into the next season.
Fall = Dry, Light, Cool, Rough & Windy
From the perspective Ayurveda, each season is dominated by characterstic qualities. For example, summer is hot and fiery while winter being icy and cold. Likewise, fall is considered a transition period characteristic of being dry, light, cool, rough and windy - all which naturally increase vata conditions [i.e. dry skin, constipation, arthritis, stiffness of the joints, rheumatism].
5 AYURVEDA TIPS FOR FALL SEASON:
1. Wake Up Before Sunrise:
There is a sense of increased movement during fall season. As the winds are more gusty and turbulent, so too is the mind. Therefore, one should wake up early while there is still an extraordinary silence and peace within the atmosphere and simply sit quietly. This will help one to remain more balanced throughout the day.
2. Brush Your Teeth With A Special Powder:
Brushing your teeth with a special powder made of roasted almond shell, licorice, haritaki, and a little mint will help soothe the all-to-common drying and rough qualities of fall upon the oral mucosa.
Ayurveda Toothpaste
All-natural ayurvedic formula with neem (azadirachta indica) extract helps cleanse deep toxins from the teeth and mouth.
3. Gentle Tongue Scraping:
After brushing your teeth, you want to next consider gently scraping the tongue to help remove the pesky bacterial growth that happens throughout the night. It is also thought that by scraping the tongue - it also stimulates the internal organs via thier reflex and meridian points.
Silver Tongue Cleaner
A traditional Sterling Silver Tongue Cleaner will help whisk away bacteria and impurities found on your tongue in the morning.
4. Sesame Oil Mouth Swish:
After gently scraping the tongue to help remove any bacterial build up on the tongue you then will want to consider rinsing your mouth with sesame oil. Swishing and holding sesame oil within the mouth [without actually swallowing the oil] for about 2-3 minutes is a great way to keep the oral cavity lubricated throughout the drying aspects of fall season.
5. Cup Of Warm Water:
After brushing your teeth, next consider sipping on a cup of lukewarm water which will naturally help to stimulate a bowel movement. Since constipation is more common during fall season it is also recommended to perform a breathing exercise known as “pranayama” to further stimulate this progressive and downward movement; again in order to promote a healthy bowel movement.
THE IMPORTANCE OF PANCHAKARMA - A COMPLETE AYURVEDIC CLEANSE
DIET CONSIDERATIONS:
Organic Vata Calming Spice Mix
100% organic, ready-to-use spice mixtures satisfy the six ayurvedic tastes considered essential for balance. Organic Calming Vata Churna is a blend of seven ingredients, including cumin, ginger and fenugreek.
Amrit Kalash & Other Antioxidants
Full-spectrum antioxidant: targets mind & nervous system
- 1000x more effective in eliminating free radicals (the root cause of aging) than vitamins C or E1
- powerful food for the brain
- significantly boosts immunity & vitality
- best taken with Amrit Nectar
- vata, pitta, kapha balancing (vpk®)
Breakfast:
- warm oatmeal
- cream of wheat
- quinoa
Lunch:
- basmati rice with mung dal soup
- kitchari with steamed vegetables
- avoid dry, rough and raw foods during fall season
Dinner:
- steamed vegetables
- rice with ghee
- mushy soups
Dessert:
- halva
- cream of wheat with peeled almonds
Other Considerations For Fall:
- eat warming, soothing, and easily digestible meals
- eat foods which are primarily sweet, sour and salty in taste
- drink warming herbal teas such as ginger, cinnamon and cardamom tea
- keep warm and stay out of strong winds
- do regular yoga, meditation, and pranayama breathing exercises
Reference:
Lad, V. (2002). Textbook of Ayurveda, vol 3. Albuquerque, N.M.: Ayurvedic Press.