Adapt to Winter with Ayurveda

When we adapt to something we create harmony in a new space.

How do we create harmony in our body by adapting to winter?

Ayurveda, known as the science of life that has been flourishing for thousands of years can provide wisdom that is timeless and borderless. Ayurveda is about nature and understanding that we are connected to nature. In Ayurveda, everything (mind, body, nature, food, energy) consists of a mix of five basic elements, ether (space), air, fire, water and earth. Combinations of these elements make up the three doshas in Ayurveda: Vata, Pitta and Kapha.

In Ayurveda, winter is the season of the Kapha Dosha (made up of the elements Earth and Water). The energies of this dosha are wet, heavy, stable, cold and dense. These qualities in our environment can cause us to feel sluggish, cause mucus-related illnesses, excess weight, and negative emotions such as attachment, envy, and greed. It is known in Ayurveda that like attracts like, so to counteract these qualities we need to do the opposite or bring the opposite qualities that will create strength and vitality. The challenge is to stay mentally stimulated and maintain a physically active lifestyle.

Here are some more Ayurvedic Lifestyle tips for winter as well as a lovely tea for colds and flu:

• Try to walk after a meal
• Stay in warm environment and avoid draughty cold rooms
• Try to avoid snacking between meals
• Eat as much spicy food as you like but avoid fried or fatty food
• Take warm baths and wrap up warmly
• Get up with the sun or just before
• Keep physically active
• Use honey as a sweetener
• Spices – all spices are good, including hot spices, as they are stimulating to metabolism.
• Beverages – avoid cold water and ice, black tea, herbal teas are suitable especially alfalfa, dandelion and ginger. Coffee is ok occasionally.
• Try Yoga poses such as Camel, Bow Pose and Utanasana to boost the immune system

Ayurvedic Recipe for Colds and Flu
• 1 tsp freshly grate ginger,
• 1 Cinnamon Stick,
• 1 tsp Fennel seeds
• 1 tsp Thyme - dried or fresh
• lemon Juice to taste
• honey to taste

Boil first 4 ingredients in 500ml of water on the stove for 10min, and then add lemon and honey, fill a thermos and drink throughout the day!
If you are interested in my upcoming Ayurvedic workshop 'Everyday Herbs for Everyday Healing' please let me know.