In this blog post, I will highlight Ayurvedic herb remedies for spring and winter, also known as the Kapha season. Whether you’re a seasoned Ayurveda enthusiast or simply looking for natural ways to support your well-being during the changing seasons, keep reading! I will explore a variety of herbs that can help alleviate common health issues and promote balance during both spring and winter.
Below you’ll find a few key Ayurvedic herb remedies specifically targeted for the Kapha season, which is characterized by the Earth and Water. By incorporating these herbs into your routine, you can combat the coolness and dampness associated with this season, potentially reducing the risk of colds and flu. These remedies may also help uplift mood and reduce feelings of sadness or moodiness commonly experienced during this time.
I like to focus on herbal teas as the ideal delivery method because it’s gentle and it’s so tasty, too!
Good To Know: The Properties of Herbs
Herbs have many properties. Here are some to point out:
- Rasa is the taste of the herb. The 6 tastes of Ayurvedic nutrition are salty, sweet, sour, astringent, bitter, and pungent.
- The effect on the Doshas. Do they increase or decrease Vata, Pitta, or Kapha?
- Virya or temperature. Are they warming or cooling?
- Vipaka: post-digestive effect (may be same or different from Rasa)
- Gunas or other qualities. Are they dampening or drying? Mobile or stable? Smooth or rough?
- Affinity for specific organs or tissues. Many herbs have a liking for more than one.
- Prahbava or special qualities. Plant magic.
- Emotional affect. How they affect our mood and spirit.
Teas for the Kapha season have the astringent, bitter, and pungent tastes as they offset the cold and damp of the Kapha dosha.
These tastes contains the air, ether, and fire elements that help to balance the Earth and water elements that are dominant at this time. Astrigent and bitter are drying. Pungent is heating and stimulating.
Tulsi: Respiratory & Immunity Tonic
Holy Basil, known as Tulsi, is revered in India as a plant that brings health and fortune due to its health-giving properties. Health is wealth! Tulsi’s tastes are pungent, bitter, and astringent; all tastes that balance Kapha’s heavy, cold, and damp energy.
Tulsi is a warming, stimulating herb that has an affinity for the respiratory system. It’s ideal for wet coughs and congestion because has a drying effect on the respiratory system. It’s tastes are pungent and sweet.
It is also a known adaptogen or immune booster to help in the prevention of illness making it a must-have during the cold season.
I turn to Tulsi tea whenever colds or coughs show up in my family. My kids love it sweetened with honey.
Honey is a special anupana, or carrier, that has an affinity for the lungs. Tulsi and honey are a great combination for this reason!
Tulsi teas are easy to find in grocery markets and online. If you’re shopping in a store, look for Organic India tulsi teas.
You can find Organic India teas in my online dispensary on Fullscript.
I love Banyan Botanical’s Joyful Heart the best, which has Tulsi as well as other supportive herbs to support digestion and lift the spirit. This particular tea balances the warming nature of Tulsi with cooling herbs like fennel, hibiscus, and rose. So, soothing! Wonderful as a sun tea in the Summertime, too!
Brahmi: Tonic for The Heart & Mind
Brahmi (Bacopa monnieri) is a well-known stimulant and tonic for the nervous system that aids with concentration and focus, which can be helpful during the dark, sometimes dull Winter months. It tastes are bitter, sweet, and slightly astringent (drying); however, it’s vipaka is sweet.
It balances all three doshas and has an infinity for the nervous system. Its overall effect is cooling even though it is warming (a prabhava, or special quality). It also has a special affinity for the skin, which can provide relief for irritated, itchy rashes.
Brahmi can also support stable energy levels as well as promoting good sleep. Another prabhava, or special attribute, of Brahmi.
Brahmi is a strong-tasting herb by itself having a rather astringent and bitter taste. So, I like to combine it with other strong-tasting herbs and spices like roasted dandelion root to make a robust, dark brew that can rival most coffee substitutes. If you like the taste of chai, add digestive spices like ginger root and cinnamon chips to make a caffeine-free version. The pungent spices help to deliver Brahmi’s properties deep into the tissues of the body-mind system. An extra boost!
I also like Banyan’s Focus liquid extract because it combines Brahmi with Gotu Kola and Ginkgo for even more brain power. It supports focus and concentration. Great for meditation.
It’s an alcohol-free blend that I feel safe giving to my kids.The liquid extract is very convenient when I don’t have time to brew a cup of Brahmi tea!
Speaking of dandelion root, which is particularly detoxifying especially to the blood and liver, I like Banyan Botanical’s Bitter & Bold Drink mix that works great as a coffee substitute. It has roasted dandelion root, chicory, carob for a chocolatey flavor, and milk thistle, also a liver detoxifier. You can buy powdered brahmi separately and sprinkle it in as you’re brewing the Bitter & Bold tea.
Turmeric: Anti-Inflammatory & Probiotic
Turmeric is well-known for its anti-inflammatory properties and its ability to support digestion. It’s tastes are pungent, bitter, and astringent. It is heating and drying and helpful in cold, damp, and congested situations.
It balances all three doshas; however, it can inflame Pitta (fiery Dosha) when used in access. It strengthens the digestive fire (Agni) and stimulates circulation which can be welcome in the long Winter months. It’s a purifying agent for the liver and the blood.
Did you know that in addition to it’s anti-inflammatory properties, turmeric can aid in a healthy gut microbiota by fighting pathogens and toxins in the gut.
Golden Milk with Turmeric: Like Drinking Sunshine
A simple way to enjoy the benefits of Turmeric is by drinking Golden Milk. You can use a 1/2 teaspoon in a warm cup of milk (any kind) and sweeten it to your taste. It’s like drinking sunshine!
I love Banyan Botanical’s Turmeric Milk Mix because it also has Ashwagandha, a powerful adaptogen (stress reliever), and digestive spices like cinnamon and ginger to help it all digest well. So yummy!
What’s better? Turmeric or curcumin?
Studies have shown that taking the whole herb turmeric may be more effective than taking curcumin, which is a chemical found in turmeric. While you might find it more convenient to pop a curcumin pill, you might not get the other benefits of Tumeric of which there are many including the positive effects on gut health. Ayurveda wisdom suggests taking herbs whole to make use of the intelligence of the whole plant.
Digest & Detox with Coriander, Cumin & Fennel Seeds
Another great tea is Detox Digest CCF tea which has coriander, cumin, and fennel seeds (the trifecta of Ayurveda herbs) along with ginger and turmeric. It’s a spicy, stimulating blend that aids digestion and detoxification. Who knew these pantry staples could be so helpful?
CCF tea is balancing to all three doshas, especially in the digestive system. They are a great combo because they nearly have all the tastes between them.
I partner with Banyan Botanicals because I believe in what they do and they do it well. They are passionate about providing the best quality Ayurvedic herbs that you can find and Ayurvedic herbal and lifestyle education. They use organic sources whenever possible, sustainable practices, and even grow many of their herbs right here in the US on their organic farm in Oregon. I have entrusted my family’s health to them for many years and I have never been disappointed.
Order Banyan products with my partner link.
Order using my partner link and you’ll get 15% off of your first purchase. Use the code WELLBEING15 at checkout.
Discover Your Personal Herbal Allies in Mind-Body Wellness
Learning the personality of herbs is like getting to know people They have their own characteristics and traits as you have yours. Along those same lines, Ayurveda believes that you should be matched to herbs based on your Ayurvedic constitution and state of the doshas (imbalances). An herb that is working great for your friend isn’t necessarily a good match for you. Please talk to an experienced Practitioner or Herbalist to help you choose the best herbal allies for you.
You can book an Ayurvedic Product Consultation with me to start the conversation.
That said, please know that herbs are not for everyone. Herbs are not appropriate for those pregnant and/or nursing. Please consult with your doctor before taking herbs to make sure they’re right for you or your children and they won’t interact with any medications you or your children are taking.
Disclaimer
Please consult with your health care practitioner before the use of any of these products if you are pregnant or nursing, taking medications, or have a medical condition. Keep products out of the reach of children.
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Understanding Ayurveda for Women’s Health and Wellbeing
Ayurveda understands that health and wellness is a personal thing. This is not a cookie-cutter approach. Your challenges and needs are unique to your body-mind system, which is decided by the balance of your doshas.
The Three doshas and Your Body-Mind Type
The three main doshas are ruled by different natural bioforces including Air (Vata), Fire (Pitta), and Earth/Water (Kapha). Your constitution is based on the predominant dosha in your body-mind system. Since everyone has a different combination of doshas, this makes your wellness journey as unique as you are.
For example, if you have predominantly Air energy, you’re a Vata body-mind type. If you tend to be fiery, you may be a Pitta type.
Not sure? Get my Self-Discovery Guide below to find out.
What’s my dosha and body-type? Do I have imbalances?
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Find out in our Self-Discovery Guide.
Imbalanced doshas mark the onset of disease.
It’s helpful to know that any of your doshas can become imbalanced. This can happen when we let go of healthy routines and foods. Like the holidays! When this happens, we can start to notice mild symptoms that come and go like indigestion, insomnia, and irritability. This is a good sign that something’s up and your mind-body system is asking for balance.
You can correct course by returning to routines and foods that are most supportive of the dosha that is unhappy. For example, when we eat in a rush this may give us indigestion. Eating on the go introduces more air energy into our digestion. That aggravates the Vata dosha. When we return to regular, more relaxed meals again we may feel better. Vata has been satiated. For now. Make sense?
Ayurvedic Nutrition for Women
Ayurveda nutrition for women’s health and wellbeing is all about embracing a holistic approach to food. It’s about finding nourishing foods that not only provide sustenance but also support focus, energy, and mood throughout the day and throughout the month. In addition to choosing the right foods, practicing mindful eating is crucial as it helps us develop a deeper connection with our bodies and nourish ourselves regularly.
Ayurvedic diet is a personal journey meaning that based on the state of your doshas (balanced or imbalanced), you may need foods that are balancing to that particular dosha. Ayurveda also teaches us to make seasonal changes to our food so we’re not eating the same thing all the time. Our needs change along with the changes in our environment. For example, we tend to eat more cooling fruit and salads in the Summer and more warming, comforting foods in the Winter. You’re probably already doing this!
The Best Foods for Women’s Health and Wellness
If there’s anything that Ayurveda has taught us is that wholesome nutrition is timeless. In other words, Grandma was right. Eat your greens. Eat whole grains. Eat warm meals. Don’t eat foods with mystery ingredients, etc.
Ayurveda believes back to the basics is best. You can’t go wrong with unprocessed, whole foods. For a well-rounded diet, try to get the real deal as often as possible and include foods from each food group every day. Yes, it can be that simple! Ayurveda also favors cooked food because it’s warm, nourishing and easier to digest. Try to eat something cooked every day. Add a cup of soup to your meal whenever you can.
An inclusive diet of whole (unprocessed) foods, healthy protein sources, healthy fats and so on are all good ideas for women. Maybe more importantly, try to avoid processed foods including flours and sugars because they do very little for us nutrition-wise which means we won’t get long-lasting energy.
Why Timing Matters in Women’s Holistic Nutrition
The biggest difference for women’s nutrition is timing, especially menstruating women because we lose a lot of nutrients around our period. Due to that, there is a nutrition cycle that better suits a woman’s body and mind during her reproductive years.
This means you favor some foods during one phase of the menstrual cycle and other foods during other phases. These foods support hormone balance (which is a misnomer because women’s hormones are always changing!). This can be life-changing for women who suffer from PMS and painful, heavy periods including those in perimenopause.
You really can eat your way to a more peaceful period!
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Ayurveda also says that the foods you need the most are based on a combo of the balance of your doshas and the current season. Remember that Ayurvedic nutrition is personal and so what works best for your bestie may not be great for you. Everyone has their own special needs based on the energetic makeup of their body-type and imbalances they might have going on.
A Word About Dieting and The Ayurvedic Diet
Women have suffered from the diet industry for long enough. I mean, really suffered! Women need MORE nourishment NOT less. MORE real food and LESS processed stuff. Restrictive diets are generally for those with food allergies and sensitivities. Otherwise, women should enjoy a wide range of whole foods as long as they digest them well and they get good focus and energy in return.
The Best Ayurvedic Herbs for Women’s Health and Wellness
Let me start by saying that there isn’t a “silver bullet” Ayurvedic herb for women. Remember, your unique body-type/constitution? Yep, I would suggest herbs that support your special balance of the doshas that addresses imbalances, too.
Whenever I talk about herbs, I like to do a consultation first because your needs can be very specific. It also depends on the season. However, if there are a handful of herbs that I tend to refer to again and again. That is a whole blog post unto itself. More on that coming soon!
East and West Herbs: Better Together for Women’s Health
I also like to take an East-West approach to both diet and herbs and may combine Nettle with Shatavari and Dandelion with Ginger. Combining Eastern and Western herbs is something I like to do because they complement each other so well.
Please talk to an experienced herbalist first before you start taking herbs. Don’t forget to consult with your doctor especially if you’re on medications that might react with herbs. Your doctors need to know everything you’re taking whether it’s OTC, prescribed or self-prescribed so they can look for interactions.
You can set up a Free 20-minute Discovery Call with me to ask me general questions about taking herbs.
Managing Stress for Women’s Health and Wellness
For women, managing stress may be just as crucial as maintaining a healthy diet. Adopting daily habits that reduce stress isn’t merely advisable in our digital era; it’s essential for staying energized and avoiding illness.
In today’s faced-paced environment, we’re constantly releasing stress hormones, which heightens the risk of developing chronic inflammatory diseases. Stress management is a priority for women in today’s high-stress culture.
For women, who often shoulder the majority of responsibilities in managing work, home, and family, it’s crucial to prioritize health and self-care routines. Understanding that time is limited, it’s essential to find moments for self-care whenever possible.
Here are five lifestyle essentials that can assist women in feeling more relaxed and less overwhelmed.
- Move your body every day for 20-30 minutes (break it up between AM/PM) in a way that’s enjoyable for you. Walk more, take the steps, park further away from your destination, etc.
- Drink a glass of water before you drink anything else in the morning. You might like a cup of warm water with ginger or lemon on cool mornings.
- Take a break at some point in your day to unplug and relax even if it’s just for 5 minutes.
- Go outside every day to get some air and Vitamin D from the sun.
- Have a wind-down routine like pjs, sleepy tea, reading, etc.
- Turn off screens an hour before bed whenever you can.
- Go to bed by 10 PM
Yoga and Meditation for Women’s Health and Wellness
Yoga and meditation are fantastic additions to a woman’s health regimen. Yoga boosts mood-enhancing hormones and maintains both physical and mental fitness. Meditation strengthens the mind in the face of everyday stressors.
Studies show that meditation can do the following:
- Reduce stress
- Manage anxiety
- Manage depression
- Lowers blood pressure
- Promotes emotional health
- Improves focus and memory
- Increases self-awareness
- Regulates mood
- Improves sleep
Meditation is something you can’t do wrong, even as a beginner. Start with brief sessions focusing on body and breath awareness. Attune to your senses and environment. Such simple exercises enhance awareness, a key aspect of meditation. It’s not about silencing the mind, which is an impossible task. Instead, cultivating self-awareness and mindfulness of your surroundings is an excellent starting point—and remember, breathing is important too!
If you want to start a meditation practice, I suggest choosing a meditation app and listening to guided meditations. Listening is an easy way to start. Just sit back and relax.
- I love the Balance meditation app because it has so many options to fit into my schedule like short, guided meditations for waking up, an afternoon nap, a midday refresh, a walk, a bedtime stretch, or soothing music to lull me to sleep. The options are endless! You can even get your partner and kids involved in meditation, too. And, no they are not paying me to say so!
- I also love the Insight mediation app because it’s free and there are so many guided meditations to choose from. Plus, you can listen to my guided meditations there as well!
Sign up for my Women’s Meditation Group on the Insight app.
Ayurveda Courses for All Stages of a Woman’s Life from Reproductive Years to Menopause
Choose an online course that suits your needs and transform your lifestyle into one that supports your health and wellness goals. Why not start today? There’s no time like the present!
The Balanced Cycle with Ayurveda course is designed to assist women in harnessing the power of holistic nutrition, herbal medicine, and lifestyle medicine to naturally balance their energy and hormones, including my top yoga and meditation tips.
The Graceful Menopause course does the same for women who are entering perimenopause so they can experience a smooth transition into menopause.
Enrolling in any of our courses provides you with:
- 6-8 weeks of educational and motivational guidance with instructional videos.
- PDF guides featuring dietary, herbal, and lifestyle protocols featuring my unique East-West approach.
- Webinars to review the main principles and practices.
- Private, secure online client portal (HIPPA compliant)
- Invites to live webinars and events including the Women’s Full Moon Circle
- Option for all online clients to enhance their learning experience through a private telehealth consultation with me, available at an extra charge.
Discover the empowering feeling when you take charge of your health and wellness journey. Receive content in a simple, understandable format to avoid stress and overwhelm – you don’t need more of that!
Let Ayurveda empower you to address the challenges women face, in all stages of life, and cultivate overall well-being from the inside out. All you need is to choose a place to begin. Peruse our many online courses and programs to find the best place to start.
Keep in mind that Her Well Being’s online courses are not intended to replace medical advice. Please consult your doctor before making changes to your health regime or medications.
Take a look at our online Ayurveda courses for women here!
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If you need help deciding, schedule a Free Discovery Call with Heather to talk about your options.
We look forward to hearing from you!
It’s easier than you think to incorporate Ayurvedic principles into your daily routine to experience the profound impact on your overall health, managing hormonal imbalances, enhancing fertility, and promoting optimum health well into our golden years.
Combine Online Courses and Private Ayurvedic Consultation for a Personalized Experience with a Qualified Ayurvedic Practitioner
Customize your wellness plan through a combination of online learning and private consultation with Heather’s years of expertise with women’s wellness issues and unlock your innate capacity for balance and well-being. You can get started with this article and then decide where you want to go!
Be well,
Heather R. Burkart
Certified Ayurvedic Practitioner
Founder, Her Well Being Ayurveda & Yoga
Please be advised that the content on this website is for education and information purposes only and does not replace advice from a medical professional.
Sources
https://www.banyanbotanicals.com/info/plants/ayurvedic-herbs/brahmi-gotu-kola
https://www.banyanbotanicals.com/info/blog-the-banyan-insight/details/introducing-ccf-tea
https://www.everydayhealth.com/diet-nutrition/turmeric-vs-curcumin-which-supplement-should-you-take/
https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/turmeric-vs-curcumin
https://www.banyanbotanicals.com/info/blog-the-banyan-insight/details/5-turmeric-studies
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