Spring nourishment - to help keep you in harmony Ayurveda encourages us to feel the ‘qualities’ around us and within us from the foods that we eat to our emotions and physical symptoms. This also includes the changing qualities of the seasons. The awareness of these qualities helps us to make informed choices to keep our dosha’s in harmony through lifestyle and diet. Spring is the season when the heavier qualities of earth and water which govern Kapha dosha, become more liquid as the warmth and upward energy of the new season begins. Kapha dosha which can accumulate in the body during winter, begins to melt and liquify. You may find you have itchy eyes, a runny nose and sinus congestion as allergies become more common at this time of year. Herbs that can help in spring: Ginger, black pepper and mint, cumin, coriander and fennel. A refreshing tea can be made from cumin seed, coriander seed and fennel seed in equal amounts (a teaspoon of each to a small teapot). Change with the season: Now is the time to introduce lighter food - look out for what's in season: Victoria, Australia: artichokes, asian greens, asparagus, avocados, broad beans, broccoli, cabbage, carrot, cauliflower, leek, lettuce, mushrooms, peas, silver beet and spinach. Grapefruit, lemons, limes, mandarins, oranges, papaya, paw paw, pineapple and strawberries. Avoid heavy, oily food and sour, sweet and salty foods as these promote kapha. Minimise dairy products, especially in the morning and in the evening - icecream and chilled milky drinks tend to increase kapha dosha. Try new recipes that call for seasonal and where possible local produce: artichoke dip, avocado dip, broad bean and pea salad, a variety of stir fry's and nutritious smoothies. Treat yourself to refreshing herbal teas. Green tea is wonderful for helping to cleanse toxins (Ama) and boost the immune system due to its high level of anti-oxidants. Aim to include a cup a day to help improve digestion and mood. Add a little lemon zest or mint for extra flavour. Make the most of the brighter days with outside activity - walking, picnics or catching up with friends. Breathe in the fresh air and relish the warmer days of spring! Plant in focus: Aloe Vera Aloe Vera has been valued for its medicinal properties for at least 2,000 years. It has been used for the healing of wounds, skin irritations, rashes and sunburn as well as being used as a digestive aid and a general tonic for the liver. Although it looks like a cactus it is a member of the lily family. It has sweet, bitter and cooling qualities which are especially good for Pitta dosha whilst also being supportive to all three dosha's. Helpful for ...
Garden update...
The empty veggie patch featured previously, is now flourishing with new produce! Bok choy, beetroot, cabbage, broccoli, spinach and kale. Broad beans, mint, spring onion, garlic and strawberries. I've really enjoyed picking the leaves to use straight away in the kitchen for stir fry dishes, salads and smoothies for a burst of fresh nutrition. Definitely worth the effort, although I've had to add a structure with white netting to deter a little night time animal from nearly eating the lot! Workshop My next Ayurveda 'Foundation for Health' workshop is on Saturday 10th October 1 pm - 5 pm in Ferntree Gully - Victoria. Come along to learn about your Dosha and what you can do to nourish your health. Afternoon tea will be included along with all workshop material. To find out more or to book your place, email me at [email protected] The information in Nourish Notes is for educational purposes only and is not intended to treat, diagnose, prescribe or heal any health condition or to replace standard medical treatment or advice.
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