Ask The Ayurved
Hrimati Fauman
What recommendations does Ayurveda make for maintaining health in the body and mind in the autumn?
In the fall season, the environment becomes more dry and the wind picks up. In order to preserve our health, we need to protect ourselves from the cold, dry and rough influences of the wind. Start by taking more opportunities to rest. Emphasize warm, moist and oily foods in your diet. Rest and appropriate foods will go a long way to preserving health as we move through the fall.
A valuable practice for the season is Abhyanga, or the application of warm oil (traditionally sesame oil) before taking a shower. Abhyanga helps to strengthen our outer defenses, making the body more resilient while soothing the nervous system. On days when you are feeling congested or it is exceptionally overcast, Abhyanga is not indicated. It is best to utilize Abhyanga when you are feeling light and there is no food in your belly.
What kind of herbs and spices can I use in my own kitchen to boost my digestion?
Since digestion can be a bit challenged in the fall, it can be helpful to support digestion with culinary herbs. Ginger is considered to be one of the most important herb for digestion because it soothes vata–that is, anxiety and nervousness in the mind and dryness, gas, bloating and irregularity in the digestive system. Though Ginger is usually a first choice, almost all kitchen spices aid digestion. The key is to use spices that are not too old. Dry spices retain their medicinal capacity for only about a year—especially once they have been ground into powder.
This time of year, choose spices that are mildly warming, such as ginger, cumin, turmeric, oregano, basil and tarragon. For most of us, strongly heating spices such as garlic, chilies and cayenne should be avoided or used infrequently as they can increase excess heat in the body and busy-ness in the mind.
