Embrace the Autumn Chill with Ayurveda & Holistic Health: Warmth and Wellness from Within
As autumn settles in and the chill begins to nip at our ears, it's the perfect time to fortify our immune systems and embrace the warmth from within. The ancient wisdom of Ayurveda offers a treasure trove of remedies that harmonize body and mind while enhancing your body's natural defenses. Here’s how you can use Ayurvedic principles and holistic health to stay warm and healthy through the colder months.
1. Ayurvedic Immune Booster: Natural Power for You
With the drop in temperatures, your body needs an extra boost of energy and vitality. Our Ayurvedic immune booster is a potent blend of ginger, turmeric, and ashwagandha (consult your pharmacist or reach out to us before consumption). This powerful trio combats inflammation, stimulates your metabolism, and provides the energy needed to thrive on frosty days. Just one spoonful in the morning can make you feel strong and invigorated, ready to take on whatever the day brings.
Interested in learning more? Book a personal consultation with our Ayurveda Expert Thomas Stecher Sharma to get started.
2. Warming Power Soup: A Bowl Full of Comfort
When the season changes, our Ayurvedic power soup becomes your best friend. Made with mung beans, warming cumin, and a touch of ghee, this soup is not only nourishing but also provides comforting warmth from within. It strengthens your digestive fire (Agni) and supports gentle detoxification, making it an ideal remedy for both cold weather and bolstering your immune system. Check out our recipe below.
Ayurvedic Power Soup – Warming and Strengthening
Ingredients:
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1/2 cup mung beans (peeled or unpeeled)
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1 small carrot, thinly sliced
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1 small sweet potato, diced
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1 small zucchini, diced
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1 tbsp ghee (or coconut oil)
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1 tsp cumin seeds
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1 tsp coriander seeds (ground)
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1/2 tsp turmeric
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1/2 tsp ginger powder (or freshly grated ginger)
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A pinch of asafoetida (hing) (optional, aids digestion)
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Salt to taste
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Freshly chopped coriander for garnish
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1.5 liters of water or vegetable broth
Preparation:
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Prepare mung beans: Rinse and soak the mung beans for 2 hours.
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Toast ghee and spices: Melt ghee in a pot, add cumin seeds, and toast until fragrant. Add coriander, turmeric, ginger, and asafoetida.
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Add vegetables: Sauté the carrot, sweet potato, and zucchini in the spiced ghee.
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Add mung beans and water: Add drained mung beans and water or broth. Bring to a boil.
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Simmer: Cover and simmer for 30-40 minutes until tender.
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Season and serve: Season with salt, garnish with fresh coriander, and enjoy!
Tip: Enhance the soup with additional warming spices like cinnamon or cloves, or adjust the vegetables to your liking.
For a delightful variation, consider the Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) power soup. It’s a heartwarming chicken soup with ginger and dates, perfect for boosting your Qi and dispelling the cold.
Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) Power Soup – Chicken Soup with Ginger and Dates
In TCM, a nourishing chicken soup is a traditional remedy for strengthening Qi, warming the body, and supporting the immune system. This soup helps dispel cold and dampness, making it a perfect choice for autumn.
Ingredients:
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1 small organic chicken (about 1.2–1.5 kg)
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5 slices fresh ginger
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10 dried red dates (jujube dates)
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2 spring onions, roughly chopped
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3–4 shiitake mushrooms (dried or fresh), sliced
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1 tbsp goji berries or barberries
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2–3 pieces dried angelica root (Dang Gui)
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2 tbsp rice wine (sake or Shaoxing wine, optional)
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Salt to taste
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2–3 liters water
Preparation:
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Prepare chicken: Wash and cut the chicken.
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Blanch the chicken: Boil briefly to remove impurities.
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Prepare the soup: Combine chicken with dates, ginger, spring onions, mushrooms, goji berries, and angelica root. Submerge in water.
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Simmer: Cook gently for 1.5 to 2 hours, skimming foam as needed.
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Add rice wine and salt: Season to taste.
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Serve: Enjoy hot, with or without the chicken.
This TCM soup is a powerhouse of nourishment, ideal for cold days and boosting your immune system.
3. Spices for the Soul: Warmth from Within
In Ayurveda, spices are not just flavor enhancers; they are essential for maintaining warmth and boosting immunity. Cinnamon, cardamom, fennel, and pepper act as warming blankets for your body, enhancing digestion and supporting your immune system during the cold months. Harness the warming and nourishing power of Ayurveda to keep the chill at bay and enjoy the comfort that comes from within by adding the mentioned spices to your recipes.
4. Lymphatic System and Immunity
Stimulate the lymphatic system which is your number one immune defense:
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Opt for alkaline-rich, low-sodium foods and cut back on protein, sugar, and white flour. Embrace natural sources of Vitamin C.
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Engage in gentle exercises like yoga or walking to stimulate lymphatic flow.
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Enjoy a warm oil massage (abhyanga) to stimulate and support lymphatic drainage.
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Stay hydrated with herbal teas to aid lymphatic function.
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Consider an Ayurvedic cleanse to support your lymphatic system.
A strong immune system is your best defense against seasonal illnesses. Let our Ayurveda therapists guide you toward holistic health this autumn. Book an Ayurveda massage or consultation today!
Warm regards,
Your Sanapurna Therapy Team
Date: 13 September 2024 Comments: 0