From an Ayurvedic point of view, winter itself is not a problem. It is simply a season that asks us to slow down and take a little extra care of ourselves.
Over the past several decades of working closely with people of different ages, I have observed one simple truth. The body is naturally intelligent. It knows how to protect itself and recover. Trouble starts when we stop listening to what it is trying to tell us. When early signs are ignored or quickly suppressed, the natural balance of the body gets disturbed. Instead of chasing symptoms, it is wiser to support the body so it can do its job properly.
Winter especially affects the throat, chest, and breathing passages. These areas need warmth and care during this time. One gentle and time-tested Ayurvedic habit is drinking kadha made from everyday kitchen herbs, which can be enough to soothe the throat, support digestion, and help the body stay strong from within.
To strengthen the immunity, prepare a kadha with saunf, ilaichi, tulsi, laung, dalchini, and giloy. Boil all these ingredients in a glass of water and reduce it to half. Drink it regularly during winter once a day. This helps clear mucus, soothes the throat, and keeps seasonal infections away.
In case you are caught with a fever, the best way is dip your legs upto your knees into hot water(42 degrees) for 30 minutes and meanwhile drink a hot cup of lemon water. This will help regulate your body temperature and relax your muscles.
For minor cough and cold, one should consume 1 teaspoon of pure honey with 1 teaspoon of ginger juice twice in the morning and evening. This remedy helps fight cough and cold and keeps the body warm.
Sneezing too much is annoying during winter. Pouring a few drops of almond oil or herbal nasal drops keeps the nasal passage moist and hydrated, which helps prevent seasonal germs from entering the body and causing sneezing and a cold. Drinking a cup of desi cow milk with a half teaspoon of turmeric at bedtime helps keep the body warm and relieve body aches.
It is equally important to maintain warmth, eat freshly cooked food, avoid cold and processed items, and ensure proper sleep. These small habits create the right internal environment for the body to function optimally.
Ayurveda reminds us of something very simple. Health cannot be pushed or forced. When the body is given a supportive space, nourishing food, and a steady routine, it finds its own way back to balance.
Winter is not a season to rush through. It is a time to move a little slower, pay attention to what the body needs, and care for it with patience. Small, thoughtful habits during this season can help you stay comfortable, keep your throat strong, and enjoy the colder days without worry.
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