Every new season brings with it a hope to start afresh. But as we approach the end of a season, our bodies may experience coping symptoms such as cough, cold, headaches, and digestive issues. These seasonal discomforts can make us less enthusiastic about changing seasons.
Ayurveda has some great herbs to help us stay balanced while our body copes with the needs of weather changes. This guide will help you choose the right herb to help your body with a smooth transition from one season to the next.
Herbs for Transitioning to Winters
Here are some of the best herbs to ease your way into the winter months.
Peppermint
If you are prone to seasonal allergies and inflammation, you need potent antioxidants to fight them off. Peppermint is an excellent herb for this due to its rich antioxidant content. It also works as an effective decongestant, clearing chest congestion, unclogging a stuffy sinus, and enabling you to breathe freely.
How to use: Prepare a hot cup of peppermint tea with 1-2 teaspoons of dried peppermint and honey to taste.
Moringa Powder
Harsh, cold winds can take a toll on your hair and skin, making them dry and dull. Incorporating moringa powder into your diet can keep your hair flourishing and skin glowing all through winter. It is packed with antioxidants, amino acids, and vitamin C that enriches hair follicles and strengthens the skin barrier.
How to use: Incorporate into soups, stews, smoothies, and shakes.
Ashwagandha
Cold weather and lethargy often go hand in hand as the body works hard to keep you warm in freezing temperatures. Your body’s energy demands are also quite high, which can lead to feeling sluggish and fatigued. Ashwagandha can replenish your body's high energy needs during cold seasons without making you feel exhausted. It helps you stay active and alert throughout the season.
How to use: Make a nutritious drink by mixing 1-2 teaspoons of ashwagandha powder in a glass of milk. You can also use it in smoothies, tea, and soups.
Arjun Powder
Heart problems and the looming threat of heart attacks tend to spike during winter. As the temperatures drop, the blood vessels constrict, causing blood pressure to rise. To help keep your heart pumping at optimal levels, you need a herb like Arjuna. Its cardioprotective properties maintain healthy blood flow and pressure and improve cardiac function.
How to use: Soak 1 teaspoon of Arjun powder in 1 glass of water overnight. Boil the mixture in the morning until the water reduces to half. Strain the mixture before consuming it.
Lavender
Headaches can be a nuisance during changing seasons as they can disrupt everyday activities and affect sleep quality. Lavender’s analgesic and calming properties can soothe seasonal migraines and help you relax. It also helps curb anxiety and stress, thus keeping your mental health in check.
How to use: Enjoy a warm cup of lavender tea by infusing 1-2 teaspoons of dried lavender in hot water.
Herbs for Transitioning to Summer
Below are some of the most effective herbs to help you transition smoothly into the summer season.
Hibiscus
The beauty of hibiscus lies not just in its vibrant petals but also in its ability to help your body cope with changing weather. It makes for a cooling, thirst-quenching, and refreshing drink to combat the unrelenting heat of summer. Antioxidants, polyphenols, and antibacterial properties make this gorgeous flower a herbal medicine for lowering blood pressure, curbing bacterial infection, and liver health.
How to use: Prepare a refreshing iced tea with dried hibiscus flowers, mint leaves, and honey.
Basil (Tulsi)
Rapid shifts in temperature can weaken your body's defense mechanism and make you vulnerable to the attack of pathogens. Infused with antibacterial, antiseptic, and antiviral properties, basil contains all the right ingredients to keep your immune system working even under harsh weather changes.
How to use: A glass of basil lemonade made with basil leaves, lemon juice, and stevia leaves is sure to cool your body and mind.
Shatavari
As the seasons shift and summer arrives, our bodies need to adjust to the changing weather. Shatavari is the adaptogen that helps your body adjust to this. It is a nourishing herb that balances vata and pitta, helping your body cool down and stay hydrated. It also aids in digestion, which is especially important as we shift to lighter, cooler foods in the summer.
How to use: Add shatavari powder to smoothies with fruits, berries, and yogurt.
Nettle
The blooming season after winter breathes life into the landscape, making our surroundings look vibrant and pleasing. However, it also brings pollen allergies to many people, which can cause unnecessary discomfort and health issues. Nettle’s anti-inflammatory properties and potential antihistamine effects are a strong weapon against seasonal allergies. It also alleviates respiratory problems and keeps blood sugar levels under control.
How to use: Use dried nettle leaves in soups, smoothies, teas, and pasta sauces.
Bael Patra
The rising mercury can cause an increase in your body’s temperature and lead to heat-induced irritability. Bael Patra’s cooling nature staves off excess body heat and restores the natural balance in your body. Its high antioxidant activity helps your body get rid of toxins easily while also supporting digestion and preventing bloating, acidity, and gas.
How to use: Prepare drinks, teas, soups, chutneys, and more with bael patra.
Beat the Seasonal Woes with Vannh’s Assortment of Herb & Flower Teas
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