Ayurvedic hEALING 101:
3 SIMPLE HOME REMEDIES
TO BOOST YOUR IMMUNE STRENGTH
Awesome Ayurveda | Beginner
By: HAYLEE
We know it’s true; as the weather changes, we are called to rebalance and adjust our diet and lifestyle. This can be a hard time to manage for some, as the onset of the colder seasons can mean a heightened vulnerability to illness.
Luckily, we have some simple and natural home remedies you can use to strengthen your immune system and beat the cold and flu this winter season. Managing your lifestyle accordingly during the changing seasons can help bring you into balance within and without.
The Ayurvedic Perspective
From an Ayurvedic perspective, the cold and flu season begins as we start to transition from the hot, bright and intense summer months (governed by Pitta), into the autumn / fall (Vata) season.
As the seasons change, the qualities in and around us become cooler, drier, lighter, and windier. This transition can weaken our immunity and make us more susceptible to illness. When the winter (Kapha) season arrives with its qualities of cold, wet and damp, heaviness and stagnation—the onset of illness can increase even more.
HOW Each Dosha Reacts to The Seasons
Vata is cold and dry by nature, as such when the outside atmosphere is similar, Vata individuals tend to go out of balance. Vata people need warmth & moisture to stay balanced. They typically stay healthier in the spring and summer; whereas the fall and winter months require more nourishing attention.
Pitta is hot by nature and when it gets too warm outside in the summer, they are more prone to inflammation, rashes, blood, and liver based health concerns. Pitta needs to stay cool and as such, when the fall and winter seasons arrive they have a much easier time.
Kapha is cool and moist by nature. As the weather becomes more rainy, humid and colder, Kapha individuals need to find ways to keep warm and dry. The rainy and winter seasons are particularly challenging for
Not sure what your ayurvedic constituion is?
- Am I Vata (Space & Air)? 17%
- Am I Pitta (Fire & Water)? 63%
- Am I Kapha (Water & Earth)? 20%
HOW TO FIND BALANCE IN THE FALL & WINTER SEASONS
The first step to staying healthy is to balance and strengthen the Vata dosha during the cooler autumn seasons. We do this by favoring Vata’s opposites: warmth, wetness, heaviness, and stability. Doing so grounds the body, mind, and spirit while strengthening the immune system for winter. When winter arrives, you could introduce some of Kapha’s opposites, which are: warmth, dryness, lightness, and mobility.
FEEL A COLD COMING ON?
When we are affected by a cold or flu, we should try to eat light, warm & simple foods such as soup, whilst resting, and drinking plenty of warm water in small sips regularly to stay hydrated. Avoid congestive foods such as dairy, sugar, fried foods, meat, wheat, bananas
CHAI POWDER POWER MIX
This flavorful herbal mixture helps to build heat in the body and boost the immune system
Servings
12
Prep Time:
5 mins
Cooking time:
n/a
Good For:
anytime of day
Ingredients
- 1/2 tbs ginger
- 1/2 tbs black pepper
- 1/2 tbs cardomom
- 1/2 tbs clove
- 1/2 tbs turmeric
- 1/2 tbs cinnamon
- 3 tsp jaggery or any natural sugar
Mix 1 tsp of this mixture with honey and eat, or mix with a small amount of warm water and drink twice a day.
Simple IMMUNE BOOSTer
This soothing tea aids in
Servings
1
Prep Time:
2 mins
Cooking time:
10 mins
Good For:
anytime of day
Ingredients
- 2 tsp fresh ginger root
- 3 tsp cinnamon
- 1 pinch cardamom
Soak in a cup of hot water for 10 minutes. Add ½ tsp of jaggery or honey once it has cooled (optional). Drink a glass of this tea several times a day.
GOOD NIGHT ALMOND DRINK
This delicious drink soothes the nerves. In addition, it benefits digestion and removes toxins from the deep tissues.
Servings
1
Prep Time:
5 mins
Cooking time:
2 mins
Good For:
Evening
Ingredients
- 1 cup almond milk
- 1/2 tsp turmeric powder
- 1/2 tsp grated ginger
- 1/4 tsp cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp cardamon
- 1 pinch black pepper or pippali
- 1 tsp honey or jaggery
Bring the almond or coconut milk almost to a boil, turn off and whisk/stir in the turmeric, ginger, cinnamon, and cardamom. Let steep for around two minutes, then add the jaggery or honey.
THE KEY TO Seasonal BALANCE
Ayurveda teaches us that the best way to stay balanced each season is to use the law of opposites. When the colder seasons approach we should favor all that which warms the body and nurishes the mind. If you want to discover a perfect ayurvedic meal that will keep all 3 doshas balanced throughout the seasons don’t forget to check out our Cosmic Kitchari recipe – a perfect accompaniment to help you feel warm and grounded.
