A healthy winter with Ayurveda

In comparison to the European winter Australia has mild temperatures but it also does get cold and damp especially in the evenings and mornings.

Because of the Ayurvedic rule that  'like attracts like' in the winter season Kapha and Vata dosha are likely to aggravate and often result in weight gain, depression, cough and cold, sinusitis etc.

To stay healthy it is recommended to have an Ayurvedic consultation to plan a tailored program to suit your individual needs to stay healthy so you are able to enjoy this season.

A few tips below to stay balanced:

Favour a warm, nourishing diet to pacify Vata without aggravating Kapha

We’re designed to eat a little bit more in winter. However, it must be the right types of foods to nurture whilst minimising congestion. Rice, barley, rye, healthy oils (ghee, linseed, avocado, hemp, olive), and seasonal root vegetables in soups and stews are all recommended.

Avoid Vata aggravating non-seasonal food, such as salads and raw food in general. Avoid refrigerated water, lukewarm water aids in digestion.

Have a warm breakfast (porridge with a sprinkle of Kapha churna and honey is excellent), steamed vegetables, rice with a little ghee for lunch and at night time try some hot milk with warming spices such as ginger, cinnamon or cardamon.

Try some Lemongrass Tea

Ingredients: 4 glasses of water, 6-10 leaves of lemon grass, 1/4 tsp grounded pepper powder, a pinch of grated ginger , 1 pinch of turmeric powder

• Boil the lemon grass in 4 cups of water

• add pepper powder and crushed ginger and turmeric

• let it steep for 2-3 minutes

• optional: add natural sweetener

Stay warm

An Ayurvedic oil massage followed by a herbal steam is excellent to ward off the cold or ground yourself with a daily self-massage with a warm black sesame seed oil followed by a warm shower/ bath to prevent feelings of coldness, and stiff, aching joints. Use aromatherapy oils that are warm, pungent and uplifting such as camphor, cinnamon, cloves, cedar and frankincense.

Favour clothes which are bright, cheery colours, such as reds and oranges. Finally, always wear a hat outside as 60% of body heat is lost through the head.

Excercise

Avoid day sleeping as this will diminish your digestive fire and will make you feel heavy and sluggish.

Be up by 6.30-7am at the latest and to do some vigorous exercise to get the lymph moving preventing congestion. Some Sun Salutations are ideal as they build up heat and work all the major muscles

Ayurvedic herbal supplements / winter essentials

1. Chyavanprash, Amalaki Rasayana and Ashwagandhaleha  are ideal over the winter month and will help to strengthen the lungs and boost the body's immune system - preventing cough and colds.

1. To help you get over a cough Sitopladi churna is a wonderful Ayurvedic formulation which is also liked and suited for children.

1. Kapha and Vata churna - a warming spice mix which can be added to your meals.

1. Vata taila, Kapha taila, black sesame oil - are wonderful oils to use for your daily self massage at home.

1. Amalaki/ Indian gooseberry is the best source of Vitamin C and mostly beneficial during this season

1. Try a stimulating Kapha tea in the morning and a Vata tea in the afternoon

For more information on winter health please contact info@lakshmiayurveda.com.au or call Karin: 0406810547