Ayurvedic Lifestyle
Ayurveda has long cautioned that heating honey turns this natural nectar toxic — a truth now echoed by modern science. When honey is warmed, it loses its Rasāyana (rejuvenating) qualities and produces harmful compounds like HMF. Discover why raw honey heals while heated honey harms, and how to use this golden medicine safely for health, digestion, and longevity.
The Kansa Comb is more than a beauty tool — it’s an Ayurvedic ritual of grounding and renewal. Made from a sacred copper alloy, it soothes the scalp, activates marma points, and calms the nervous system through gentle, rhythmic strokes. In a world of constant noise, this simple ritual reconnects hand to head, head to heart — a moment of stillness that nurtures both hair and mind.
In Ayurveda, cooling isn’t just about temperature - it’s about effect on the body’s internal systems (called 𝙫𝙞𝙧𝙮𝙖, or energetic potency). Ice-cold drinks can actually aggravate Pitta and disturb digestion, especially in hot weather. Sip warm mint tea, coconut water, aloe vera juice, amla juice, coriander phanta, and rose and lime infusion instead.
Navratri fasting is more than just a religious ritual; it’s an opportunity for physical and spiritual purification. However, many people make mistakes by focusing on food restrictions without understanding the balance of sattva, rajas, and tamas. Explore common errors in fasting, the Ayurvedic approach to mindful eating, and the importance of aligning fasting with your dosha. Learn what to eat, what to avoid, and how to fast in a way that promotes health, harmony, and spiritual growth during this sacred time.
For centuries, these resilient grains have thrived across cultures, bearing diverse names like bajra, ragi, kangni, korra, kutki, and kodra. In Ayurveda, the ancient Indian system of medicine, millets are revered for their harmonising energies and therapeutic qualities, offering a holistic alternative to our overall diet. But the truth is even though they are a gluten-free grain and a good source of dietary fibre, vitamins and minerals, they should be consumed in moderation and as part of a balanced diet and excessive consumption can create dosha imbalances.
In Ayurveda, the traditional Indian system of medicine, millets are celebrated for their balancing energies and healing properties. Not all millets are created equal in the eyes of Ayurveda. From pacifying Vata with the grounding qualities of kodo millet to cooling Pitta with the soothing essence of little millet, each grain offers a unique synergy of taste, texture, and nourishment so yet again it is a case of ‘one size does not fit all’.
Food plays a pivotal role in mental health, shaping our mood, cognition, and emotional well-being. From an Ayurvedic perspective, the connection between food and mental health extends beyond mere sustenance. Ayurveda views food not only as a source of physical nourishment but also as a means of nurturing the mind and spirit.
From an Ayurvedic standpoint, fermented foods play a crucial role in supporting digestive health and overall wellbeing. They are rich in probiotics, or beneficial living bacteria, which help kindle the digestive fire (agni) and promote the health of the digestive system when consumed appropriately.
Withdrawing from the grid wasn't just about escaping notifications or the endless scroll; it was a deliberate act of self-preservation. Embracing the silence allowed me to recalibrate, to sift through the clutter of daily existence and rediscover the rhythm of my own heartbeat.
Well-being is so much more than what we eat and how much we move. If you are keen to turn a new leaf for your wellbeing with new year health resolutions, fasting or dieting goals, it's essential to set realistic, specific and meaningful goals; develop a concrete plan that can help you stay consistent; seek support; and be adaptable in the face of challenges.
Ayurveda teaches us that like increases like and that opposites balance. Winter is considered a Vata-dominant season, characterised by cold, dry, and windy qualities. During this time, incorporating seasonal fruits that balance and nourish the body is recommended. Depending on your geographic location, here are some of the best winter fruits according to Ayurveda.
Embark on a holistic winter wellness journey with these ten personalised Ayurvedic tips. Start your day with warmth through Ayurvedic rituals like tongue scraping and oil pulling, eliminating toxins and setting the tone for a gentle morning. Elevate well-being with regular self-massage using recommended oils, nurturing the skin and enhancing circulation. Hydrate wisely with warm water or herbal teas, aiding digestion and internal warmth. Align your diet with the season, embracing warm, well-cooked meals to pacify the Vata dosha. Infuse herbal teas with ginger and tulsi for internal warmth and immune support. Invigorate body and mind with winter-specific pranayama exercises. Create a cozy sleep space with heavy blankets and warming spices for rejuvenating rest. Combat winter lethargy with gentle exercises like yoga, promoting blood circulation and overall well-being. Embrace aromatherapy with scents like cinnamon for a comforting atmosphere and respiratory support. Dedicate time to mindful rest and reflection, nurturing mental and emotional well-being.
Timing is everything! Brahma Muhurta is the time approximately 1.5 hours before sunrise - so it would vary based on your geographical location and sunrise time (usually between 3:30-5:30)
In the Ashtanga Hridayam Sutrasthana 2:1 is is said that waking up in the Brahma Muhurta can protect our health and longevity and promotes success in all areas of life.
Brahma Murhurta literally means the ‘creators time’ - So it’s a perfect and auspicious time to rise and engage in our inner work, self care rituals, spiritual practices, creative work, perceive and receive knowledge.
Paraffin candles are typically made from petroleum byproducts. When burned, they release potentially harmful chemicals like benzene and toluene, both of which are known carcinogens. Inhaling these fumes can irritate the respiratory system and may contribute to air pollution indoors. Natural ghee lamps on the other hand are typically made from clarified butter and provide a cleaner and healthier burn. They do not emit harmful toxins, making them a safer choice for indoor air quality.
Hair oiling holds significant importance in Ayurveda for promoting hair health and overall well-being and for many good reasons. Ayurveda suggests various ingredients that are beneficial for hair health when used in hair oil formulations as they nourish the hair, strengthen the roots, promote hair growth, and improve the overall health and appearance of the hair.
Some commonly used ingredients in Ayurvedic hair oils include: bhringraj (eclipta prostrata), amla (Indian gooseberry), brahmi (bacopa monnieri), neem (azadirachta indica), coconut oil, Sesame oil, hibiscus (hibiscus rosa-sinensis), jatamansi (nardostachys jatamansi).
Nightshades are believed to trigger an inflammatory response (also contains oxalates) in the body especially in the joints and are very aggravating to vata and pitta. Nightshades are heating in nature and have a sour and pungent post digestive action (vipaka) and also fall in the category of Rajasic and Tamasic food which can alter the state of mind to become either overactive or dull.
If you are looking to curb those sugar cravings then shardunika or better known as gurmar leaves or botanically known as gymnema slyvestre. In Ayurveda it is labelled as ‘madhunashini’ - meaning that it is a destroyer of the ‘sweet taste’ and this herb does not waste time getting to work because the moment it touches your tongue you will become insensitive to the sweet taste.
Did you ever stop to think why we have SO many bones, joints and different muscle groups? That’s because as humans, we are designed to MOVE and movement is the key to health and longevity. Just like our diet needs to be personalised to our unique body type, so does our exercise pattern. With Ayurveda you should tailor your exercise routine to what suits you and adapt it according to age, health state, season, climate etc.
We are supposedly 75-80% water as modern medicine says. So how comes if we are health conscious, we pay utmost attention to the types of foods we eat but very little attention to the type of water we consume? Yes, we are what we eat, but we are also what we the water we drink. Just as we say not all calories are equal, the same can be said for water, not all water is equal, and it impacts the body in different ways.
Samskaras are accumulated impressions in the unconscious mind (chitta). The things that we experience in life produces samskaras and form the roots of our physical, mental, and emotional conditioning and habit patterns.
Samskaras can often be the root of our self-sabotaging behavioural patterns which can impact our self-worth, self-esteem, confidence and behaviour in our relationships.
Antibiotics can be thought of as a powerful immediate protocol against bacterial infections. Unfortunately, that comes at a heavy price to our gut health and oftentimes long-term changes to our gut flora. The concept of antibiotics did not exist 5000 years ago, but the wisdom of the natural world enabled doctors to know the properties of the plant medicines (dravya or aushadi) that can have the ‘antibiotic’ effect. But the notion through Ayurveda is to support the patient to regain their own health.
Meditation is medication and it can take many forms. Over the last month I've been guided to engage once again in the sadhana of trāṭaka. It is one of the simplest practises to help focus this mind. something that we all struggle with from time to time (or all time time for those with a strong vata in their constitution).
If you’ve ever indulged in alcohol, you’re going to have to the odd day where it just felt a little too much. Signs of hangover include dehydration, dizziness, blood sugar fluctuations, (cravings), fatigue, weakness, thirst, headache, muscle aches, stomach pain, nausea, sensitivity to light/sound, anxiety, irritability, body shakes, bloodshot eyes, increased sweating and palpitations and a lowered immunity.
Ayurveda defines the illnesses caused by improper consumption of alcohol as ‘Madatyaya’ or Alcoholism and broken down into 4 categories.
The sanskrit word sneha translates as ‘oil’, but another very deep and meaningful translation of this word is ‘love’. Self abhyanga (self massage) is a daily rituals that happens as part of our self care regime - It is essentially an act of self-love, self-care and self respect. It balances the doshas and cultivates optimal wellbeing.
It is believed that abhyanga invokes similar sensations to those we feel when one we are immersed in the feelings of love such as warmth, relaxation and safety.
When it comes to nutritional balance in Ayurveda, taste plays a key role. We look beyond the functional levels of nutrition and a balanced meal surpasses calorie-counting or balance of fats, carbs and proteins on your plate. Healthy balance in Ayurveda starts with attention to the 6 tastes.
Gandusha is traditional ayurvedic technique is an integral part of our daily morning cleansing rituals known as 'dinacharya' and now fashionably known as ‘oil pulling’. Regular cleansing practices can really help maintain alignment with our circadian rhythms and with nature, It really is the original 'self-care' guidebook and for me this IS healthcare at the roots by means of prevention as a cure. Taking good care of our sensory organs as part of our healthcare routine in ayurveda is just as important as dosha's, digestion, mental health and sleep.
It’s that dreaded time of year for the airborne allergy - Hay fever (seasonal allergic rhinitis)! Treating hay fever and most conditions through Ayurveda revolves around strengthening our digestive power, clearing out toxins and balancing the doshas and this is the epicentre of any good Ayurvedic seasonal cleanse.

The Kansa Wand is more than a skincare tool — it’s an ancient Ayurvedic ritual for balance and renewal. Handcrafted from copper and tin, this healing metal activates marma points, releases tension, and restores natural radiance by supporting circulation, detoxification, and lymphatic flow. Used with oils like Kumkumadi or rosehip, it helps balance skin pH, calm the mind, and awaken a glow that comes not from products, but from presence. In Ayurveda, beauty begins with awareness — and the Kansa Wand is a reminder to slow down, breathe, and reconnect.