âBRAHMA MUHURTHE UTHISHTTEH SWASTHO RAKSHARTHAM AAYUSHAâ
(Ashtanga Hridaya.Soo.2-1)
One must wake up before sunrise when there are loving & Sattvic qualities in the nature that bring peace of mind and freshness to the senses.
Winter (Hemanta and Sisira ritu) is often referred to as flu season, cold season, and season when contagious diseases abound.
Yet, according to Ayurveda, winter is not actually a weakening season but the best season to strengthen immunity if you know the âayurvedic seasonal routineâ described in Sutrasthan of Ashtanga Hridaya and Charaka Samhita.
To understand how to improve immunity in the winter season, you first need to understand the unique concept of immunity in Ayurveda. Bala, which literally means strength, is the ayurvedic word for immunity. Bala goes far beyond the Western concept of physical immunity. Besides physical immunity, it includes psychological immunity, and spiritual immunity. Bala provides endurance against any disturbance to these areas.
Winter is the season when nature is ready to nurture us. Digestive fire is increased as cold weather blocks heat in periphery of oneâs body(vasoconstriction).Due to the digestive level being very high, people feel hungrier, and can actually digest food better in winter, thus nourishing their bodies more. Other seasons are better for purifying, but winter is the time to build up and nourish anything â the hair, the nails, and the skin. It is also the best season for taking Rasayanas (herbal elixirs) and herbal products, because the high level of digestion helps people to assimilate them better.
In general, immunity-boosting foods include those that are fresh, organic, easy to digest, pure and wholesome. These include fresh, organic milk and yogurt, vegetables, fruits, whole grains, and ghee (clarified butter). Foods that nourish and balance the body in the cold, dry, winter season are the sweet, sour, and salty tastes. It is best to eat less of the astringent, bitter, and pungent tastes in winter, although all six tastes should be included in your diet.
Lifestyle also impacts immunity. Staying up late, working at night, eating at irregular times, exposing the body to stress and fatigue, and sleeping during the day can all affect the digestion and body rhythms â and thus compromise the immune system. That is why it is important to follow the ayurvedic seasonal routine, to keep the digestive system and other bodily rhythms working smoothly, and thus keeping the immunity high.
In winter, when the days are shorter and the nights are longer, it is natural for the body to crave more rest. Try going to bed a little earlier, and you will wake up with more vitality and freshness.
You may also practice âAbhyangaâ âoil massage,â Utsaadanaâ â applying medicated powder of drugs in body, âShiro abhyangaâ â applying oil in scalp.
Ayurveda will help you to stay healthy in winter and from micro viruses as well.
CHUKKUKAPPI
(South Indian Ayurvedic winter coffee recipe)
Does the cold winter give you a tired, fatigued days? Are you often suffering from mild cold and fever? Try out this spicy and warming coffee from South India.
- 1/2 tablespoon dried ginger powder and coriander seeds.
- 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 2-3 crushed cardamom pods (optional)
- 2 teaspoon coffee powder
- 400 ml water
- Jaggery
Instructions
Put the ginger powder, crushed coriander seeds, black pepper, cardamom, and water in a small pot and bring to a boil. Gently boil the mixture till it has reduced by half.
Then add the coffee powder and bring to a last boil and turn off the heat. Wait a moment till the spices and coffee powder have sunk to the bottom of the pot, then sieve it. Sweeten as per your taste.
This easy drink will help you clear your sinuses, reduces head and body ache, relieve you from cold and give you a slight energy kick.