Ayurveda in the WINTER
Winter is a time when both Vata (dry, mobile, cold qualities) and Kapha (heavy, slow, cold qualities) naturally increase—both in nature and within us. Because these two doshas have some different characteristics, keeping them balanced during winter can be a bit of a challenge.
Vata already tends to rise in autumn due to the season’s movement and change. Even though winter brings more stillness and quiet, Vata still needs careful attention.
Interestingly, the digestive fire (agni) is strongest in winter—hence the natural craving for warm stews and hearty meals. When this increased appetite isn’t properly nourished, the body may start drawing energy from its own tissues, which can lead to classic Vata symptoms such as dry skin, chapped lips, and eventually lowered immunity.
To support this stronger digestive fire, we naturally turn to heavier and fattier foods, which in turn can increase Kapha. If Kapha becomes excessive, it may lead to weight gain, sluggishness, and—once spring arrives—issues such as colds, low mood, and seasonal fatigue.
With a few mindful habits, it’s possible to keep both Vata and Kapha in balance and move through winter feeling nourished, grounded, and resilient.
OUR AYURVEDIC TIPS FOR THE WINTER
- Stimulate circulation: Massage yourself daily with warm herbal oils or uplifting aromatic oils to help protect against the cold and nourish your tissues. To fight against winter blues and excess stagnation (Kapha), you can use ASMI Orange & Neroli Massage Oil . Or grounding herbal oils like Sugandhadi with ashwgandha to calm the nervous system.
- Get the winter glow. For the face, this is the best time to use Saffron to increase blood circulation and radiance: Traditional saffron-based Kumkumadi Tailam brightening face oil is ideal to enhance radiance and combat dullness during darker months.
- Prevent body & mind stagnation. Get plenty of exercise such as yoga, streching and walking. This prevents stagnation of both body and mind and makes sure you don’t feel heavy and lethargic. It also ensures good blood flow.
Practice Pranayama (breathing exercises) such as Bhastrika and Kapalabhati (breath of fire). These exercises are warming & energising and help clear excess mucus, supporting the lungs and overall vitality. - Tongue Scraping: The mouth is the first line of defence against germs. Tongue scraping helps remove buildup and harmful bacteria from the tongue, supporting oral hygiene and giving your immune system less to fight against — especially important during flu season.
- Time for extra nourishment: The digestive fire is in fact the strongest in the winter (which explains the stronger appetite) and therefore it needs extra nourishment. Increase the intake of warm, heavier, sweet & sour foods. Keep cooking veggie soups and stews. Try roasted pears with cloves or applesauce with cinnamon. Use sufficient warming, blood moving spices such as ginger, turmeric, cloves, cinnamon & black pepper.
- Choose nourishing, hot drinks, such as ginger, tulsi & cloves tea or warm milk with anise or chai. Nutmeg in milk makes for a good night’s sleep!
- Make sure you stay warm enough: Protect yourself from the cold by using warm water when washing your hands, using cosy blankets, and—if possible—enjoying a sauna to encourage circulation and relaxation.
- Support immunity naturally. Traditional Ayurvedic remedies like Ashwagandha, Chyavanprash and Guduchi support your immune system and help prevent colds and flu.
- For a calming and cosy atmosphere at home or before going to sleep, you can pour some boiling water from the kettle into a bowl (uruli) and add couple of drops Pure Lavender Essential Oil and just breath in and breath out.
- Wind down before bed. Introduce a simple comforting ritual before you go to bed to support deep sleep and wake up with more energy: massage your temples and jaws with Deep Sleep Nidra Oil, close your eyes and apply an eye pillow to go within, calm the nervous system and chillax, chillax, chillax.
- Do you often suffer from colds during winter? Trikatu—a traditional blend of dried ginger, long pepper, and black pepper—is commonly used to support digestion and help reduce excess mucus.
- Use the silence of the winter to turn inward, to meditate and to process the past year. Possibly keep a journal with reflections and perform a ritual for the new year.
