As winter sets in, it brings with it a shift in energy that can affect our physical and mental well-being. According to Ayurveda, aligning our lifestyle with the rhythms of nature is key to maintaining health during the colder months. Winter is characterized by the qualities of cold, dryness, and roughness, which can aggravate the Vata dosha, the energy associated with movement and change. By understanding our body’s unique constitution and the qualities of winter, we can adopt such principles to combat common winter ailments effectively some of which are mentioned below:
Respiratory & Breathing Issues:
Viral infection causes inflammation and narrowing in bronchial tubes leading to coughing, sneezing, wheezing. Allergy occurring due to seasonal changes causes many ailments like bronchitis and bronchial asthma.
Preventive Measure
- Reduce intake of cold food, stay away from cold breeze or dust and keep yourself warm
- Boost your immunity by intake of yastimadhu, guduchi and ashwagandha.
- Do some yoga and pranayam for shodhan(cleansing) of respiratory passage.
Common Cold & Flu
Common and classical factor for this viral infection is Rhinovirus. It causes infection surrounding nasal area and further spread to throat leading to runny and stuffy nose, sour throat, fever, sneezing and coughing. It spread from person to person through airborne droplets.
Preventive Measure
- Maintain distance from infected person. Use mask and practice hygiene like washing hands and wearing dry and clean clothes.
- kavala (gargle) should be done by triphala kwath or with normal saline lukewarm water and turmeric powder can be added in severe cases.
- Hot soups and herbal drinks of tulsi, mulethi, cinnamon, garlic and black pepper should be administered.
- Daily intake of Chyawanprash can also give results to a greater extent.
Skin Related Problems (Chapped Lips, Dry skin, Cracked heels, Eczema)
Decreased atmospheric pressure and less humidity , often taking bath with hot water, indoor heating all leads to moistureless skin which further causes itching, redness, burning, shedding and dull skin.
Preventive Measure
- Stay hydrated and moisturise skin with coconut, sesame, ghee, milk cream, and other natural oils.
- Not to take long bath, use lukewarm water and not to use harsh chemicals on skin
- Use rosewater body mist to hydrate skin, mild massage(abhyanga) and apply agaru, honey and milk.
- Manjistha and aloe vera is mainly used in many skin diseases.
Hairfall & Dandruff
Joint Pain and Muscle Stiffness
Movement of joints constrain in winters due to which muscle become stiff. Atmospheric pressure decreases as a result synovial fluid between the joints reduces in knee joint.
Preventive Measure
- 30 min of walking, yoga, and cycling daily helps in cells recovery, production and rejuvenation.
- Minimum 15 minute of daily sunlight exposure plays a very vital role in Vitamin D synthesis which further boost immunity and strengthen bones and joints.
- Do praseka (flowing of lukewarm water) on the affected region, massaging with sesame, walnut or shulhara tail and regular intake of dryfruits, sesame, ghee and bone marrow (majja).
Scalp dry very fast because of less humidity, moisture and washing hair with hot water, causes itching because of dandruff. All of this result in brittle and dull hairs. Applying greater quantity of shampoo having different types of chemical in it will adverse the condition rather than easing it.
Preventive Measure
- Wash hair always with lukewarm or cold water as it prevent the optimum moisture of scalp.
- Apply bhringraj, sesame and neem oil 2-3 hours before shower then lightly massage scalp (shiroabhyanga) and use neem or eucalyptus comb for greater benefits.
- Take adequate amount of proteins and vitamins in diet and include amla, aloe vera, and sesame in it for better growth and nourishment.
Viral diarrhea
Classical causative agents are Norovirus which cause diarrhoea mostly in winters. Eating preserved, cold food items, cold environment all these are the suitable factors for getting this viral diarrhoea.
Preventive Measure
- Drink lukewarm water and stay hydrated to compensate the loss of fluid in body and prevent dehydration.
- Take fresh, hot and perfectly cooked food only and take preventive measures to stay warm.
- Kutaja and dahi(curd) are best dravyas can be taken in atisara(diarrhoea).
Always seek guidance from an experienced Ayurvedic practitioner who can recommend personalized treatment plans, including dietary changes, herbal remedies, and lifestyle modifications tailored to your specific needs.