Winter Tips

Think bundling up is enough to warm you up for winter?

As we enter the first phase of winter, we’re all armed & ready with our woolens and hot cocoa. But is that enough?

‘Tis the season to keep our body’s cells nourished as the cold and dry weather threatens to lull us into a parched and sluggish state. Based on Ayurvedic observations, even the smallest change in our climate can cause an imbalance in our doshas (body energies) of Vata, Pitta, and Kapha, which are tasked with managing our body’s functions.

As the cold weather sets in, a chain reaction of bodily imbalances is triggered as our blood flow & metabolism decrease, appetite & weight increase, lack of thirst causes dehydration, toxins accumulate, and a misallocation of nutrients weakens our immune system & tissue elasticity.

Adopting a few simple & natural hacks can help our body & mind adapt to the season’s bitter effects so we have a wonderful not wry winter. Here are a few of Athreya Herbs’ curated winter solutions that anyone can adopt without a shiver.

Provide Nourishment Inside-Out

Hit the sweet spot of nourishment with sweet, sour, and salty flavors as well as warm & hydrating meals throughout the day. This includes adding some good fats such as coconut oil, ghee, nuts, seeds, mild protein through lean meats or lentils, and good carbs with root vegetables such as yams & sweet potatoes. Include mild sweeteners of brown sugar, honey, or maple syrup along with subtle yet warming spices of black pepper, cumin, fennel, ginger, turmeric, and even wasabi in your food.

Easy Greasy

Nourishing oils are the nemesis of the season’s dryness spell. Keep some organic sesame oil handy for its warming nature & viscous texture to lock moisture in your skin for longer. Massaging your body with just 2 tablespoons of our traditional 30-herbed sesame oil blend (Mahanarayana Thailam) has shown notable effects in protecting and hydrating your body better by dispelling dryness and repairing its associated tissue damage. Make sure to rub the oil on your body till warm for complete absorption about 10 minutes before taking a hot shower. Complete this DIY spa-like experience by adding two drops of Frankincense oil into a diffuser to take your senses on a warm, earthy trip.

Work Up That Workout

According to Ayurveda, winter can throw a spanner in the metabolic works of our body. To counteract its effects, challenging physical activities are recommended such as lifting weights, energizing yoga poses, hiking, and even resistance training to improve energy levels and cellular tenacity.

Heal With A Handful Of Herbs

While winter spells all things ‘green’, from trees and wreaths to mistletoe, it is also the season to indulge in the right herbs. According to Ayurveda, colder seasons are when our body’s little elves renew and produce tissues which makes it imperative for us to provide all the natural sustenance it needs. Consuming herbs like Ashwagandha in its most classic, timeless, and palatable form (Ashwagandha lehyam) can help keep lethargy and moodiness at bay while making way for improved holiday energy inside-out.

Win Winter Over With Vino

No holiday is complete without a glass of red (and the sages of Ayurveda agree.) A glass of aged wine made using black grapes, raisins, and honey after a meal is believed to help with nutrient absorption and stimulate heat when consumed in moderation.

Vaidya Tip

Discover what makes a healthy winter wonderland straight from Athreya Herbs’ Founder, Vaidya Jay, on his warm, insightful Winter Podcast.