Autumn, according to Ayurveda, is a time of change: it is cold and windy outside, nature withers, a person is prone to depression and devastation. At this time, immunity is inevitably reduced. Herbalist Sebastian Pole gives 4 tips on how not to get sick in the off-season.
The main rule of Ayurveda is to change your lifestyle in accordance with the current season. In addition, healing herbs, aromatherapy and proper nutrition will help strengthen the immune system. Usually, Ayurveda experts attribute autumn to the period of dominance of Vata dosha. Vata is characterized by such qualities as dryness, lightness, windiness, transparency, coldness. Among other things, Vata always governs the completion of cycles, when there is withering, fading and decay.
According to Ayurveda, in the warm season, you need to eat light and cold food, and with the approach of cold weather, food should become more and more satisfying, oily and warm. In autumn, in no case should you go hungry. From salads, you need to switch to vegetable stews and thick soups. It is recommended to add melted butter (ghee) to all dishes. To strengthen immunity, Ayurveda recommends eating plenty of nuts, root vegetables, baked apples and pumpkins in the fall.
By the way, it is important not only what you eat, but also how. You need to sit down at the table in a state of peace of mind and peace. If you’re irritated or anxious, it’s best not to eat at all, or to eat very little. Food should be chewed slowly and with pleasure. In no case should you overeat, even in the fall. Do not forget about the “warming” spices: pepper, ginger, garlic.
2. Miraculous berry
Elderberry familiar to all Russians — new superfood. Recent studies have shown that it is more effective than the well-known echinacea in strengthening immunity. Elder contains flavonoids, ascorbic acid, vitamins A and B6, as well as anthocyanins, which favorably affect the functioning of the immune system. For prevention, it is optimal to take 1-3 tablespoons of elderberry syrup per day. By the way, it is suitable for both adults and children. If you do get sick, the dose can be increased. Elderberry extract helps to reduce sore throat, cough and fever.
3. Herbs
To maintain immunity in the fall, it is useful to brew herbal teas with andrographis, thyme (thyme) and centella asiatica (gotu kola). They can be found in pharmacies or specialized stores. In Ayurveda, these herbs have always been valued for their antibacterial, antifungal and detoxifying properties. They have been used since ancient times to treat colds and improve digestion. By the way, it is believed that the flu epidemic in India in 1919 was stopped by the use of andrographis.
In addition to herbal teas, it is useful to drink warm milk with spices such as cardamom, cinnamon or ginger at night to strengthen vitality in autumn. But it is better to refuse coffee and black tea. They have a stimulating effect on the nervous system, lead out of mental balance and cause stress.
4. Aromatherapy
To maintain immunity, the most useful essential oils are tea tree, peppermint, eucalyptus, thyme and lavender. They should be used for inhalation, massage or aromatization of rooms. Another pleasant way to strengthen the immune system is to regularly take a warm bath with essential oils. To do this, mix 5-15 drops of one or more types of oil with honey, bath foam or sea salt and add to warm water (37-38 degrees). Take a bath for 5-15 minutes. After the procedure, you do not need to rinse or dry yourself, it is more correct to immediately wrap yourself in a large towel or terry bathrobe and go to sleep.
About expert
Sebastian Pole is a connoisseur and popularizer of Ayurveda and Chinese medicine, herbalist, founder of the British company Pukka Herbs, which produces herbal teas and dietary supplements.