What to do on a rainy spring day, when there is a chill in the air that leaves you feeling chilled, sluggish, or congested?
Ayurveda, yoga’s sister science, recommends living with awareness and in harmony with the seasons. Ayurveda encourages developing lifestyle habits that promote balance with the five elements. The early spring is associated with the earth and water elements or the kapha dosha. The kapha dosha qualities are heavy, dense, cold, and moist. Kapha governs the tissues of the body and the lymphatic system. When kapha is in excess, such as on a cold and moist day such as today, it can leave you a feeling lethargic and congested. Congestion may show up in your sinuses, achiness in the muscles, or slowed mental awareness.
To create balance, foster opposite qualities such as light, warm, and dry. Golden Elixir is the perfect remedy to create warmth from the inside and out while promoting circulation and detoxification.
Ginger is warming, promotes circulation, aids in digestion, and opens the sinuses. Turmeric is a profound anti-inflammatory and aids in detoxification. Curcumin, which gives turmeric its incredible orange color, is all the rage in the natural health community. It is said to promote healthy blood and liver function while strengthening the immune system. Coconut oil lubricates the tissues and local raw honey is said to fend off allergies.
Spring is a great time to go on a daily brisk walk and include Sun Salutations in your morning yoga asana practice. This will help move the cold damp qualities from the tissues and increase circulation of lymphathic system which is a powerful player in your immune system.
Spring in the Midwest is known for dichotomy in weather patterns, toggling from damp cold days to sunny warm days. Enjoy Golden Elixir on cooler moist days while on the hot warm days, which are more expressive of summer, omit or use less ginger so that the elixir is less heating.
6 c water
1/3 c ginger root, fresh chopped
1/4 c turmeric, fresh chopped*
1 tbsp coconut oil
1 tbsp local raw honey
juice of one lemon
- In a medium pot bring water, ginger, turmeric to a boil. Then simmer for 10 or more minutes.
- Add coconut oil, honey, and lemon, stirring until the honey and coconut oil has dissolved.
- Using a mesh strainer, strain tea and enjoy!*Fresh turmeric root can be purchased at Whole Foods, natural food co-ops and Asian grocery stores.