As winter approaches, a chilly layer slowly engulfs the world, putting it into a state of dormant slumber. Everything is covered in a soft blanket of snow, creating a peaceful atmosphere. Activities slow down and the energy becomes calm. It's time to conserve your energies and prepare for the coming season. In winter, Ayurveda guides us to channel our outward energies inward, embracing a state of deep reflection, repose, and hibernation. The cold season helps you retrieve all the spent energy over the year and revive you for the next one. And it can be achieved by Ayurveda.
Winter and Ayurveda
During the winter season, the weather tends to be cold and moist, giving rise to a feeling of lethargy. According to Ayurveda, this is because winter is generally believed to be a Kapha season, which is characterized by cold and dampness. However, it is important to note that winter can also have a dry and cold spell, which is indicative of the Vata dosha. To avoid feeling isolated and depressed during this time, it is essential to balance out the Vata dosha. A balanced Kapha dosha provides strength and stability to the body and mind.Winter season and immunity
Winter is often associated with cold, flu, and other contagious diseases, leading many to believe that it weakens the immune system. However, Ayurveda suggests that winter can actually be an opportunity to strengthen your immunity. This ancient science provides valuable insights on how to stay healthy during the winter season. Bala in Ayurveda denotes overall immunity, including psychological, spiritual, and physical. Diet, lifestyle, age, and season can impact immunity, but maintaining a consistent level of immunity is possible.
There are three levels of immunity:
Hereditary (Sahaj) - The inherent immunity level you’re born with. Seasonal (Kalaj) - The changing immunity levels due to planetary and seasonal shifts. Established (Yuktikrit) - The consistent level of immunity that can be maintained by leading an Ayurvedic lifestyle. Ayurveda emphasizes on boosting the second level of immunity, which varies with the changes in seasons and planetary cycles. Winter is an ideal time to strengthen your immunity since digestion is more efficient in the cold weather. Therefore, individuals tend to feel hungrier and digest their food better, nourishing their bodies.
Here are some simple health tips for winter to keep you going throughout the season:
Exercise
During winter, it's easy to feel lethargic. Exercise can help stimulate your body, so choose a regime based on your energy levels and the time of day.Choose hot, warm beverages and cooked food
In winter, it’s best to avoid chilled beverages and cold food since it may hurt the immune system. Opting for cooked food and warm beverages can help balance the Vata and Kapha perfectly for the season.
Choose sweet, sour, and salty foods
In Ayurveda, certain tastes correspond to each season. During winter, sweet, sour, and salty foods are preferred over bitter, astringent, and pungent tastes.
Use Ayurvedic herbal medicines
If you discover symptoms such as cold, cough, and fever, you can go for Ayurvedic medicines for increasing body heat that will create a healthy balance in the season. Here is an Ayurvedic remedy for cough and cold: Take 5 black pepper -1 Cinnamon stick -3 /4 clove -Ginger -Honey -Turmeric Step 1 Add black pepper, cinnamon stick, and clove in a grinder and grind them into a coarse powder. Step 2 Grind ginger separately and extract its pulp in another bowl. Step 3 Now mix the ginger pulp with grind powder, add turmeric, and honey and make it into a thick paste. Step 4 Now consume 1 teaspoon in the morning and before going to bed to fight caught and cold. For more such ayurvedic remedies visit Smartveda. co
Here are some foods to keep you warm in the winter according to Ayurveda:
Ghee:
Ghee is a nutrient-rich food that contains vitamin A, omega-3 fatty acids, and conjugated linoleic acid. It can help reduce gut inflammation and promote heart health. Pure Ghee is free of milk impurities, making it easy to digest. It is known to have good cholesterol/good fats, promoting overall health
Jaggery:
Jaggery is a healthy alternative to sugar and has numerous health benefits. It aids digestion, boosts immunity, prevents constipation, and detoxifies the body. It also helps prevent joint pain and generates heat inside the body. Make sure to add it to your daily winter diet!
Turmeric milk:
Turmeric, especially curcumin, has many scientifically proven health benefits. It's a potent anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and immunity booster. Turmeric increases the production of enzymes that help detoxify the body and promote healthy liver functioning. It also naturally raises your body temperature making you feel warm and cozy.Root vegetables:
Include root vegetables like carrots, onions, beetroot, sweet potato, and amaranth in your winter diet. They are rich in beta-carotene, vitamin C, antioxidants, and minerals like potassium, phosphorous, and magnesium. These vegetables are in season and can be added to dals, vegetables, and soups, ensuring smooth digestion in the dark winter months.