From Within to Without: Ayurveda’s Take on Winter Immunity & Warmth

Copper stems Mindful eating as immunity boosters

In Ayurveda, Winter season is mainly divided into two Ritus, these are:

In the winter season, cold and damp conditions promote the buildup of Kapha dosha, as the environment is dominated by chilly winds, clouds, and rainfall.

Hemant Ritu and Shishir Ritu are considered as the best for improving the health of an individual due to the following reasons:

The Pausha and Magha month i.e., from mid-December to mid-February the bala of an individual is considered highest as the Kapha dosha increases gradually in the body.

During the winter season, the extended nights and shorter days allows the body to rest better, reduces dehydration leading to less fatigue than in summer.

In cold weather, the cold environment stimulates the body’s Agni (digestive fire), leading to improved digestion.

A well-balanced Agni (digestive fire) enables faster digestion and helps in gaining strength and healthy weight by efficiently processing even heavy foods. Conversely, eating dry, rough, or inadequate food can disturb Agni and harm the body.

A diet comprising Madhura (sweet), Amla (sour), and Lavana (salty) tastes, enriched with sneha (oil or ghee), milk and milk products, sprouted pulses, porridge and essential nutrients, supports optimal health and well-being.

During winter, warm water, hot foods, dry fruits, leafy vegetables, seasonal fruits can be incorporated in the diet.

In this season, try to avoid light foods, dry and Vata dosha aggravating foods, foods having Katu (bitter), Tikta (pungent), Kashaya (astringent) rasa (taste). Do not eat stale foods, cold foods like cold drinks, ice creams, etc., as it can weaken the immune system in a long run.

Copper water - Storing water in a copper vessel enhances its Agni-boosting properties, supporting digestion and overall health. You can also try Copper stems by Nabhi Sutra which release an adequate amount of copper ions to support daily health and wellness. The taste of the water with copper stem changes after incorporating after 20-20 minutes. You can feel the changes in the tatste of water.

Storing water in a copper vessel enhances its Agni-boosting properties, supporting digestion and overall health. Alternatively, copper stems by Nabhi Sutra can be used which release an adequate amount of copper ions to support daily wellness. After about 15-20 minutes of using a copper stem, the water’s taste begins to change, allowing you to notice a subtle difference in flavor.

Warm oils - It is strongly recommended to use oils generously during winters. You can apply a generous amount of oil to the body which will help in pacifying the aggravated Vata dosha due to the cold weather.

You can massage the body with oil, apply it to the navel using Nabhi Sutra belly button oils, or rub it on the feet before bedtime to nourish the body and balance Vata dosha in the body.