Ayurvedic Recommendations for Early Winter Season (Hemanta Ritu)

Ayurveda emphasizes aligning diet and lifestyle with the changing seasons to maintain balance and health. Early winter, or Hemanta Ritu, is characterized by cold, heavy, and slow qualities, predominantly influencing the Kapha dosha while slightly aggravating Vata.

By following these Ayurvedic principles in early winter, you can maintain warmth, boost immunity, and prepare your body for the seasonal transitions ahead.

In case you may need to get personalised indications, get in touch with me for a private consultation.

Some dietary recommendations

Warm and nourishing foods including root vegetables like carrots, beets, sweet potatoes, and squashes. These are nutrient-dense and grounding, ideal for balancing Vata and Kapha.

Consume seasonal grains like wheat, corn, and newly harvested rice to support digestion. Add dairy products like milk, ghee, butter, and curd for insulation and nourishment. Healthy Fats to prefer like ghee, olive oil, coconut oil, or butter to provide warmth and support immunity. As proteins, incorporate lean meats (if non-vegetarian), legumes like urad dal, nuts (almonds, walnuts), seeds, and yogurt to meet increased protein needs during winter.

Spices to use are warming spices such as ginger, cinnamon, cardamom (elaichi), turmeric, black pepper, and bay leaf to enhance digestion and balance Kapha. In the category of fermented foods consider yogurt and cheese to support gut health and immunity. Drink warm water or herbal teas made with ginger or lemongrass to keep the body hydrated and aid digestion. Use natural sweeteners like jaggery instead of refined sugar for warmth and energy.

Avoid Cold Foods like raw salads, cold beverages, ice creams, or foods with dry properties as they can aggravate Vata.

Lifestyle Recommendations

• Morning routine: start your day with tongue scraping, warm water intake, and a short yoga session to stimulate digestion and circulation.
• Exercise: engage in dynamic exercises or Kapha-pacifying yoga poses to counteract sluggishness
• Warm oil massage (abhyanga): use warm oils like sesame or mustard oil for daily massage to soothe Vata dosha and improve circulation.
• Stay Warm: keep your head and ears covered when outdoors to protect against cold winds that can aggravate Vata.
• Sleep Regulation: maintain a consistent sleep schedule but allow yourself slightly longer rest during winter nights.

Herbal Supplements

Take Chyavanprash daily for immunity, use Trikatu powder (ginger, black pepper, long pepper) to enhance digestion. Consider Ayurvedic formulations like “Healthy Kapha” or “Immune Strong” as per individual needs.

By following these Ayurvedic principles in early winter, you can maintain warmth, boost immunity, and prepare your body for the seasonal transitions ahead.

In case you may need to get personalized indications, get in touch with me for a private consultation.

A Winter Wellness Treat for you!

Winter cookies: 12 servings – a mindful treat that nourishes body, mind, and spirit during the early winter season.

These comforting cookies are more than just a sweet indulgence – they’re a carefully crafted Ayurvedic wellness recipe designed to support your body during the early winter season. The warming qualities and pungent taste of ginger stokes the digestive fire and supports the body to digest the heavy almond butter, oats, and dates. Sweet dates build tissue and sedate the nervous system, leaving you feeling grounded.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups almond butter
• 6 whole dates that you soaked in water
• ¼ cup almonds
• ¾ cup oats/oatmeal
• 1 cm fresh ginger 

In a large bowl combine almond butter, oats, finely diced ginger and coarsely chopped medjool dates. Roll into little balls and press on a piece of parchment paper to achieve cookie shape. Gently press slivered almonds on top of each cookie to garnish. Chill in the fridge until firm.