IMMUNE-SUPPORTING ROUND-UP
Keeping your immune system healthy is always important, but in winter even more so, when we’re more susceptible to catching colds and viruses when our body is working hard to keep warm without the rejuvenating effects of the sun and daylight. We easily get run down if we overdo it with food, drink, lack of sleep or dealing with excess stress — the fun and the not-so-fun kind! Ayurveda can help keep you in balance, with the help of a few simple remedies and rituals — here are a few I love to turn to when I’m feeling a bit blah, bleh or blue...
If you don’t own a neti pot, I can’t recommend one (like this one) enough. Essentially, it’s a little object a bit like a watering can that’s traditionally used in Ayurveda to help cleanse your sinuses and avoid or soothe inflammation, especially as a result of seasonal colds, allergies or pollution. All you do is mix a saline solution into the pot then lean your head to one side over a sink and tip the solution into one nostril through the spout, then repeat on the other side. This is great as a preventative measure, but make sure not to overdo it as this can cause dryness. Start with once or twice a week, and don’t do it more than three times a week.
I received this recipe from my Panchakarma WhatsApp group back in March. It’s pretty easy to prepare and is lovely as a daily ritual. The recipe calls for tulsi and pippali, both of which can be replaced with more common ingredients, and ajwain, which you can find in health food shops or Asian supermarkets. I’m pretty sure it helped Nick and I recover from whatever hit us at the beginning of the first lockdown.
Always Abhyanga — this is nutrition from the skin in. Soothing frazzled nerves, slowing you down, warming you up, this delicious hot oil massage before a soak in the tub is one way to wind down at the end of the day or, if you’re an early riser, a beautiful way to start a day. Don’t underestimate the powers of what just might look like plain pampering. Check out my favourite Abhyanaga oils here.
SALABAT - FILIPINO GINGER TEA (page 242 in East by West)
This easy-as-pie drink is super popular in the Philippines in December, and is also used as a sore throat remedy. It’s just four ingredients: ginger, water, jaggery and lemon (optional).
TULSI TEA (page 243 in East by West)
An even simpler recipe, Tulsi tea is just Tulsi (AKA holy basil) and water (but you can add jaggery and/or milk if desired). Tulsi is widely used to support the immune system in Ayurveda, and helps reduce inflammation, bloating and digestive gas, among many other benefits.
SUPER-HYDRATING FLAX TEA (page 244 in East by West)
Staying hydrated is essential for keeping your immune system strong, and flaxseeds, which are slightly gelatinous, can help you absorb more water if you’re very dehydrated or stressed. This is another one that’s super easy to make.
HONEY AND ONION COUGH SYRUP (page 248 in East by West)
This recipe comes courtesy of a Polish friend of mine, who grew up with this cold remedy and couldn’t help sneaking a slice or two when she was younger because she loved it so much! It’s just onion slices left to marinate in raw honey for 24 hours, and is best taken every few hours if you have a cough or tickly throat.
RASAM (page 251 in East by West)
This is a South Indian vegetarian soup that feels like a hug in a mug and helps to open up the sinuses and melt away the mucus. It’s made with toor dal or mung dal, so it’s very nourishing too.
RESPIRATORY REMEDY (page 253 in East by West)
This is a paste made from honey and lots of pungent spices, a Kapha-pacifying Ayurvedic remedy for coughs, head colds and sinus infections. Eat it right off the spoon!
WELLNESS WEDNESDAY WORKSHOP IGTV WITH DR. NIGMA TALIB
For more immune-supporitng tips, make sure to watch this talk with the incredible Dr. Nigma Talib, where she explains leaky gut, low stomach acid, Vit D, C, Probiotics, immunity and more. Remember that digestion and immunity are closely linked!