Month: November 2024

The cold atmosphere outside naturally strengthens the body. In addition to this, we feel hungrier due to the increased digestion power. As a result, food is digested properly and contributes more to the strengthening of the body . Like food, we should also drink water according to our needs. Naturally, we feel less thirsty during this season. Considering the cold environment, we should drink hot tea, coffee and milk. Cold drinks or food stored in the fridge or earthen pot should be avoided.

During this season, along with the diet, our routine is also very important. In this regard, an important part is exercise. It is recommended to wake up early and exercise. We can choose those exercises that are suitable for our body. We can also exercise for a longer duration. The strengthening of our bodies during this time of the year helps us to keep healthy throughout the year.

We have already seen the importance of Abhyang in this season. After abhyanga(Oil massage) we should apply Uttane made from Nagarmotha, Arjun, Kachora, Wala and Sandal. This removes the excess oil from the body. Amla powder is also useful for the same. During this season, it is better to take a hot water bath.

During winter, too much cold water is not recommended. Those who are used to taking cold water baths should at least use warm water. Just as oil in Abhyang, Vaseline and other creams, lotions and gels should be applied to the skin. Overall, it is important to keep the skin hydrated.

A variety of medications are available to help us stay healthy during this winter. Medicines such as Shatawari, Ashwagandha, Yashtimadhu, Vidarikand, Kavachbij, BhuiKohala Talimkhana, Bala, Varahkand, and Musali can be used for strengthening the body. There are medicines that can be used in the form of tonics, such as Ashwagandharishta, Draksharishta, Drakshasav, Shatawari Kalpa, Agasti Rasayan, Ashwagandhadi leh, and Brahma rasayan. Chyawanprash made from Amla is another excellent rasayan medicine. Of course, all these medicines should be consumed after consulting your doctor.

We should dress in warm, silk or woolen clothing to protect ourselves from the cold. The body should be covered as much as possible. Sweaters, jackets, mufflers, hand gloves and Shawls should be used regularly. Helmets should be used while we are on two-wheelers to protect our heads from the extreme cold. Room heaters can be used to keep the house warm. We can make dhoop by burning things like Vekhand, Guggul and Agaru. The Dhupkandi that is available in the market can be used. Sitting under the rays of the morning sun is very beneficial for our health. We should avoid sleeping during the day. Otherwise, there is a possibility of catching kapha related diseases. In this weather, it is better to avoid air conditioners and coolers.

Dr Mayuresh Aagte

Note : Please use all of the foods/medicines mentioned in this article after consulting with your doctor and taking into account your age and health.

Fog lingering till late morning, the gentle light rays of the sun traveling through the fog and the pleasant coolness in the air adds enthusiasm to the atmosphere. The cozy warmth of the quilt in this chilly weather! This is the usual scene of everyone’s favorite season, ‘Winter’! The intensity of the October heat starts to subside in November and is gradually replaced by winter.  As the sun starts to move in the southern hemisphere, the heat in the atmosphere is reduced to a great extent, which in turn increases the coolness in the air. The days begin to shorten, and the nights become longer. 

We have already mentioned about ‘Pitta Prakop’ in our article on Sharad Rutucharyaa. The coolness of winter reduces Pitta Prakop. During this season, the Vaat and Kapha doshas are also in their natural state. Consequently, there is less possibility of contracting an illness during this period. Moreover, the strength of the body naturally increases. This is the reason we call Winter a healthy season, making it a highly beneficial season for our health.

Winter has a favorable effect on our digestive power. The coolness in the air makes our skin contract, which in turn stops the sweating from the body. Due to this, heat is trapped in the body. Hence, the digestive power gradually starts to increase. That’s why we feel hungrier during this time. During the winters, our bodies are capable of digesting any food that is consumed. Therefore, the important part of winter Rutucharyaa is consuming plenty of food. In our diet we should include Roti made from Wheat, Bhakari made from Jowar and Bajra, and Rice. Foods like Mung, Masur, Matki, dried Peas, Gram (Chana) and Chawali should also be consumed.

The strength of the body increases in winter. Considering this, Udid is very beneficial. The foods made from Udid Dal such as Wada and Ladu, are very useful during this season. There is no harm in consuming all the vegetables like Potato, Cauliflower, Cabbage, Carrot, Snake gourd, and leafy vegetables like  Chakwat, Fenugreek, Spinach and Dill. Oil and pure ghee can be used freely while cooking. We can freely consume delicious foods fried in oil. Fried foods like Shev, Chiwda, Chakali, Kadboli, Karnji, Ladu, Shankarpali, Chirote, and Vade are allowed in winter. We do not make such food during other festivals. We make it only during Diwali. Our custom of “Diwali Faral” is based on Ayurveda’s Hemant Rutucharyaa.

We should consume all types of food that taste sweet, salty, sour and spicy. However, sweet foods help in increasing the strength of the body. We can include sweet dishes like Shrikhand, Basundi(Rabdi), Gulabjam, Barfi, Shevai Kheer and Gajar Halwa in our diet frequently. We may also enjoy these dishes at weddings after Tulsi Vivah.

Like sweet foods, non-vegetarian food is also very  useful in increasing the strength of the body. We can include Mutton, Chicken, it’s soups and Fish in our diet. Food made from eggs is also beneficial. Vegetarians can consume nutritious foods such as milk, Paneer, Kharwas, pure Ghee and Malai.

We definitely need to add foods like Ginger, Pudina(Mint), Garlic, Coriander, Curry leaves and Lemon to our diet. All spices such as Cinnamon, Cardamom, Bay leaf, Cummin seeds, Ajwain(Owa), Black Pepper, Coriander seeds, and saffron can be used freely in cooking. All these foods not only increase the taste of the dish but also help in digestion. They also make the food delicious by adding taste and smell to the food.

Another delicacy we may enjoy during this season is ‘dry fruits’! All dry fruits including Cashew nuts, Almonds, Raisins, Walnuts, dried Figs, and dried Dates are particularly useful in strengthening the body. Laddus prepared from Gond (Dinkache) and Ahlieev are also healthy. Fruits such as Apple, Banana, Guava, Pomegranate, Papaya, Orange, Mosambi, Chikku (sapodila), Grapes, and Custard Apple can be included in our diet. We can consume it in the form of juice, Koshimbir, or Rayta.

The food described in this article should be consumed in accordance with your body’s needs and digestive capacity. However, when we feel hungry, we must eat promptly. Not eating when we are hungry may cause harm to the body.

Dr Mayuresh Aagte

Note : Please use all of the foods mentioned in this article after consulting with your doctor and taking into account your age and health.