Across India, a significant morning shift is taking place. Where tea and coffee once ruled, a growing number of people are turning to traditional Ayurvedic practices—sipping warm ghee, stirring raw honey into water, or beginning the day with tulsi and ginger infusions .
What was once considered an grandmother's remedy has become a mindful morning routine valued for its ability to aid digestion, boost energy and strengthen immunity.
The Science Behind Ghee on Empty Stomach
Starting the day with a teaspoon of warm A2 ghee might seem counterintuitive in a low-fat-obsessed world, but nutritionists confirm its multiple benefits. "Ghee helps lubricate the gut, improves nutrient absorption, and provides healthy fats that support brain function and stable energy levels," explains nutritionist Sakshi Lalwani .
Ghee is rich in butyric acid, which supports healthy gut bacteria growth and strengthens digestion. It also helps the body assimilate fat-soluble vitamins A, D, E and K. In Ayurveda, ghee pacifies dryness and inflammation, helping maintain internal dosha balance .
The key is moderation—one teaspoon on an empty stomach, either plain or with a sip of lukewarm water, is typically sufficient.
Raw Honey: Nature's Immunity Enhancer
Raw, unprocessed honey contains antioxidants, minerals and enzymes that protect against oxidative stress and infections. It stimulates digestive juice release, helps flush out toxins (ama), and provides quick yet sustained energy without the crash associated with refined sugar .
However, there's a critical caveat: honey should never be added to boiling water. High heat destroys its beneficial enzymes and may form harmful compounds. Mix it in lukewarm water or drizzle over fruits instead.
The Golden Rule: Never Mix Equal Parts Ghee and Honey
Dr offers an important caution: "Ayurveda warns against mixing equal amounts of ghee and honey, as this can create a toxic combination. Balance and proportion are key" .
Herbal Infusions: Replacing Caffeine Mindfully
Dr recommends replacing early caffeine with herbal infusions like tulsi, fennel or ginger water. "These gently detoxify, reduce bloating, and awaken the digestive system without acidity or dehydration," she explains .
Tulsi (holy basil) acts as an adaptogen, helping the body handle stress. Ginger stimulates digestion and reduces inflammation. Fennel seeds soothe the stomach and freshen breath.
The Numbers Behind the Trend
This isn't merely a wellness fad—the numbers tell a compelling story. The Indian honey market is projected to grow from ₹1,920 crore in 2020 to over ₹3,060 crore by 2026, representing nearly 10 per cent annual growth . Sparsh Sachar, Director at Nutrica, notes, "People are replacing refined products with functional natural alternatives. Ghee, honey, and herbal drinks are now seen as essentials for sustained energy, immunity, and fitness" .
Ayurvedic Logic Behind Morning Rituals
These morning practices align with the body's natural rhythm. Consuming ghee, honey or herbal drinks helps ignite digestive fire (Agni), preparing the gut for food and improving absorption. They also gently cleanse the body of overnight toxin buildup (Ama) and restore harmony between Vata, Pitta and Kapha doshas .
A Mindful Beginning
Arvind Patel of Bharat Vedica captures the essence: "Morning rituals are more than habits; they set the rhythm for body and mind. Beginning the day with sattvic practices that are simple, mindful, and deeply nourishing aligns us with the wisdom Ayurveda has long emphasised" .
The renewed love for these traditional practices represents a conscious lifestyle shift—Indians rediscovering what ancient wisdom always knew: true health begins with small, consistent rituals.
