Ayurvedic Guide to Winter Wellness

Winter is often associated with health issues such as colds and flu. You may be surprised that winter is good for health in many aspects. The more pleasant weather, much more nutritious food and drinks are available. It is the best time to eat, sleep, and enjoy the weather. They are abundant in green and colorful vegetables and fruits available during the winter season, providing immense health benefits.   

While winter brings nutritious foods, it also brings some seasonal diseases.   

Common colds, tonsils, joint pain, bronchitis, flu, sinusitis, dry skin, etc., are some winter-related conditions that increase. Although these conditions are treatable, they spread from one person to another.  

As soon as winter starts, there is a drop in temperature, due to which it takes time for body temperature to balance.   

Eating a healthy diet based on the Ayurvedic principle balances the doshas according to the natural rhythm and seasonal cycles. Ayurveda has laid down a system of seasonal living, also known as Ritucharya. Ritu means season, and Charya means regimen. Ayurveda divides the year into two periods based on the movement of the sun – the northern solstice and the southern solstice. Each solstice contains three seasons.   

This article will discuss one of the northern solstice seasons, winter (shishira).   

Also read: How to boost immunity in winter with ayurveda?

The Winter Wellness Diet

In winter, there are two types of Doshas present. When the weather is cold and chilly with a lot of moisture. The winter season is characterized by lethargy when animals and humans are usually in hibernating mode. These qualities generally define Kapha dosha, and the winter season is believed to be Kapha season. When the Kapha dosha is balanced, it provides strength and stability in the body and mind.   

In some cases, winter also has cold and dry spells, which shows the sign of Vata dosha. If the Vata dosha is not balanced, the person might feel isolated and depressed. To keep the body away from diseases and balance the doshas, it is essential to have a balanced diet.   

The sudden drop in temperature imbalances the body temperature, which takes time to get back to normal. Hence, at this specific time body requires more energy.  

There is a lot more option for food in winter than in summer. All green leafy vegetables, nuts, dry fruits, and halwas provide nutrition and keep the body warm in winter, so the disease will be at arm's length.   

Mentioned below are some of the common home remedies to stay fit in winter:  

1. Honey has an antiseptic, anti-inflammatory effect, which is beneficial in fighting against colds, sore throat, and flu. It is recommended to daily take a spoonful of honey after food to strengthen the respiratory organs and to prepare the body to fight against viruses.   

An ayurvedic medicine, Koflet syrup, can be taken in 2 teaspoons twice a day if the person suffers from a cold and flu. Koflet syrup is anti-allergic, antimicrobial, and antibacterial. It serves as an excellent antioxidant to fight against free radicals.   

2. Desi ghee is known for its ability to keep the body warm in winter. You must be thinking, what about the extra calories it would add? Well, if consumed in moderation, desi ghee reduces the bad fats. A teaspoon of desi ghee can be added to roti, sabzi, and dal. You can make a halwa by adding a good amount of desi ghee. Consume it hot.  

3. Dry Fruits are one the best winter foods. Almonds, walnuts, apricot, dried figs, and dates keep the body warm naturally. Dry fruits also provide strength and help in maintaining a balanced diet.   

4. Whole Grains are a source of healthy carbs. Adding gluten-free grains and millets like ragi, corn, bajra, and oats provides fullness, takes longer to digest, and helps the body stay energized for a longer period.   

5. Jaggery/Gud is great for people suffering from indigestion and acidity. Consuming gud in winter is no less than medicine. According to Ayurveda, jaggery is included in the list of superfoods beneficial for cleaning the respiratory tract. Switch sugar with jaggery.   

6. Cinnamon/Dalchini is anti-clogging protection. Cinnamon boosts the body's metabolism and helps in keeping the body warm in chilly weather. It also strengthens the cardiovascular system, which shields the body from heart-related disorders.   

7. Saffron helps the body stay warm. The easiest way to get the benefits from saffron is to add it to hot milk during winter. Boil the milk with 1-2 strands of saffron and 3-4 raisins and drink it at bedtime. The flavor and aroma of saffron are stress-busters. It helps calm the mind and boosts immunity during the winter season.   

8. Sesame/Til helps cure various respiratory disorders. It is a source of multiple important nutrients for immune system function. Sesame keeps the viral infection at bay. Enjoy sesame dishes like Vadi and Til ke Ladoo in winter and keep the body warm.  

9. Hot Soup on a chilly evening is loved by many. It keeps the body warm, reduces calories, and maintains nutritional intake during winter. It provides many health benefits and supports the immune system during winter if prepared correctly.  

Healthy Winter Care Tips  

Apart from a healthy diet, working on yourself is extremely important. Winter is when skin gets dry and irritated, hair friskier, and dandruff.   

Here are a few winters care tips to keep you going throughout the winter:  

1. Exfoliate your skin every third day in winter. Exfoliation helps replenish skin. It removes dead skin cells and crusty skin. Exfoliation should be done light-handed. Use homemade scrub for the face by mixing oats or coffee with honey. Gently massage it on the face and neck and wash it off 10 mins after exfoliation; apply an herbal moisturizer.  

2. Milk cleanser or just milk acts as an excellent cleanser at night because of the lactic acid present in it. Five minutes before going to bed, cleanse your face with milk cleanser or milk so that all the makeup, dust, dirt, and pollution is removed from the skin.  

3. Dry Lips and winter go hand in hand. You would be surprised to know that lips get dry 10 times faster than other body parts' skin. Lips are the most sensitive. They are thinner than the rest of the skin and require more care.   

Apply coconut oil or desi ghee at night on the lips or any herbal lip balm to get the shine and luster of the lips back.  

4. Oil Massage is essential for hair care. Apply olive oil to the roots of the hair. If there is an increased amount of dandruff, mix one teaspoon of lemon juice in mustard oil and apply it to the roots of the hair. Wash the head thoroughly with a mild shampoo after one to one and a half hours. In winter, dry wet hair in the morning sun, and do not comb wet hair.  

5. Ayurvedic Herbal Medicines are great for increasing immunity to keep off winter symptoms such as cough, cold, and fever. It is advised to consult an ayurvedic expert before taking any supplements, as they are experts in their field.   

Conclusion  

As soon as winter starts, we all look for ways to avoid it, as it is important to keep the body and mind healthy during winter. The recommended healthy eating tips and health care will keep the body warm and winter safe. Cough is one of the most common winter issues. koflet syrup will protect from all types of coughs and colds. You can purchase ayurvedic medicines and also get a consultation from ayurvedic experts at HealthyBazar.com. A trusted name for the AYUSH medicine system. 

Don't let the health condition take away the winter fun.