Winter is a magical season – a time when nature slows down, inviting us to rest and rejuvenate. It’s also a season that challenges our body, especially our skin and digestion, due to the cold and dry weather.
Ayurveda offers a treasure trove of remedies and practices to help us stay healthy, balanced and radiant during the colder months.
In this blog, we’ll explore practical Ayurvedic tips for winter wellness.
Ayurvedic Approach to Skin Health in Winter
During winter, Vata and Kapha are aggravated and cause dry skin. According to Ayurveda, all chronic dryness-related issues fall under Kushta (skin disorders).
- Vata imbalance: Causes dryness.
- Kapha imbalance: Leads to itching.
- Rakta (blood) imbalance: Causes redness and irritation.
However, the primary imbalance is always Vata in all kinds of dryness issues and the only treatment for this is nourishment both from inside and outside.
Dry Skin vs Gut Health: The Connection
Dry skin isn’t just about harsh weather but also an internal imbalance. According to Ayurveda, poor gut health is a major culprit for dry skin. Here are some solutions:
- Keep your bowels regular:
Vata resides in the large intestine. Irregular bowel movements can worsen Vata imbalance, leading to dryness. Constipation, often triggered by overthinking and stress, is a common culprit. - Calm your mind:
Since the gut and brain are closely linked, grounding practices like yoga and mindfulness can help. - Timing for fruits:
Eat fruits during the warmer hours of the day (11 a.m. to 5 p.m.) to aid digestion. - Good fats and spices: Incorporate good fats into your diet, like ghee, nuts, and seeds, to keep your skin and body lubricated. Also add warming spices like ginger and cinnamon to boost your digestive fire.
Are Hydrating Creams Helpful?
Do the so-called hydrating creams with hyaluronic acid and many other fancy ingredients that burn a hole in your pocket really hydrate? The answer is a big no!
Think about how your skin feels after swimming or showering – it’s often drier than before. Why? Because water is drying.
Water doesn’t moisturize; rather, it depletes natural oils from your skin. Water-based products, though marketed as hydrating, can actually dry your skin.
The opposite of dryness is oiliness, not wetness. So, the best way to keep your skin hydrated is by applying oil.
The best oil for combating dryness is organic black sesame oil. Now you might be arguing – Why not coconut oil? Many modern doctors advise using coconut oil on the body but trust me it will dry you out further.
Unlike coconut oil, which is naturally drying, black sesame oil deeply nourishes and balances Vata Dosha – the primary culprit for dryness.
But external oiling is just one part of the equation. Internal hydration is even more critical. While topical treatments might provide temporary relief, true hydration begins from within.
The Magic of Shat Dhaut Ghrita (SDG)
Shat Dhaut Ghrita means “100 times washed ghee.” This Ayurvedic remedy transforms ghee into a silky, neutral-pH cream that penetrates deeply into the skin.
You may be wondering why I recommend using a hundred times washed ghee for skin conditions. Why not use plain cow ghee?
To understand this, first, let me explain the process of Samskara to you.
So, when you convert one substance into another, it is called Samskara in Ayurveda.
When we do Samskara of ghee by washing it 100 times, the particle size of ghee is also reduced. Hence, something that was granular, thick and heavy is now changed to smooth, silky and easily penetrable into the skin. Now your skin is able to absorb this ghee much more easily and quickly.
SDG makes your skin properly nourished because of the active particles going deeper into the skin.
SDG is the ultimate moisturizer for winter skin care. It is great for chapped lips, cracked feet, sunburn and household burns.
The best part is you can easily make SDG at home.
Use SDG after showering for the ultimate winter skincare experience.
Don’t Diet in Winter!
As soon as holidays get over and the new year begins, everyone makes resolutions to lose weight. However, Ayurveda says that winter isn’t the time for restrictive dieting.
- Your digestive fire is strongest in winter
During winter, the outside environment is cold. So your body produces more heat to keep it warm internally. This process is similar to homeostasis which ignites your Agni (digestive fire), allowing you to digest heavier foods.
During winters, you automatically feel a craving for rich, creamy and spicy food. This is your body’s internal mechanism or intelligence telling you to eat all these because the body is craving for it.
There is no harm in eating the heavy stuff made with Urad dal and wheat during this time which are contraindicated during the other seasons.
However, portion control is key – always leave some room in your stomach to avoid overwhelming your digestion.
- Build immunity and strength
Winter is ideal for physical activity, strength training and sex. This is also the best time to enhance stamina and immunity for the year ahead.
In summer, the heat weakens Agni and reduces the body’s strength. Foods consumed in winter help sustain the body’s energy and immunity during this time.
Nourishment Through Diet
Your diet is the cornerstone of winter wellness. Ayurveda emphasizes eating warming, nourishing foods to balance Vata and support digestion. Here are some diet tips for winter:
- Start your day with ojas tea
This tea, enriched with licorice, nourishes all seven Dhatus (tissues) and boosts vitality. - Sip warm water and herbal teas
Boil water with dry ginger and sip it throughout the day to aid digestion. - Include good fats
Cook your meals in ghee and enjoy nuts, seeds, dates and chickpeas. - Add spices Add warming spices like ginger and cinnamon to your cooking
- Embrace hearty foods
During winter, your body naturally craves heavier, richer foods. Trust this internal wisdom – it’s your body’s way of asking for extra nourishment and warmth. Winter is the season to indulge in richer, creamier foods like Urad Dal and whole grains. Root vegetables and properly cooked leafy greens are also excellent choices - Hydration If you don’t feel thirsty, it’s okay. Drink water as much as you need. Ayurveda recommends boiling your water with dry ginger for easier digestion.
Winter is not just a season – it’s an opportunity for self-care, nourishment, and renewal. By embracing Ayurvedic principles, you can thrive during the colder months, keeping your skin radiant, digestion strong, and energy vibrant.
Start with small, intentional changes like incorporating oil massages, eating warming foods, and practicing mindfulness. Your body will thank you, not just this winter, but for years to come.
Stay warm, stay nourished and enjoy the beauty of winter with Ayurveda!
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