Winter can leave us feeling dry and ungrounded with the blustering winds and cold temperatures.  By using the guidelines of Ayurveda we can restore balance and create comfort through lifestyle changes such as adding nourishing healthy fats and warming spices to our meals and between meals.  Below is my favorite warm-up beverage for these cold winter days! Warm turmeric Milk reduces inflammation, boosts the immune system and is a healthy a detoxifying beverage! Try it and feel free to leave a comment below.


Alicia’s Favorite Warm Turmeric Milk
Vata Season Buster

Ingredients

2 c of almond or coconut milk 

1 tbsp local honey 

1 tbsp coconut oil, optional 

1 tsp ground turmeric 

1 cinnamon stick or 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

small pinch of black pepper 

small pinch of grated fresh ginger

1. Simply pour all ingredients into a small saucepan and bring to a light boil, whisk to combine ingredients. Reduce heat to low and simmer for up to 20-30 minutes.
2. Strain the milk if you have large pieces of ginger, cinnamon, peppercorns, etc.
3. Enjoy warm is best!

Lets get familiar with that spice rack!  Ayurveda looks to herbs & spices when it comes to treating seasonal ailments such as the common cold.  Two spices to always have on hand in the cooler months of the year are Turmeric and Cinnamon.

Turmeric is a natural antibiotic, it improves poor digestion by aiding the good intestinal flora to keep the food moving, and also promotes proper metabolism.  Mix a teaspoon of honey with a few dashes of turmeric and each day take the mixture before breakfast.  You will stay healthy through out the holiday season. Plus, your joints will thank you for the extra anti-inflammatory properties turmeric provides, as well.


For those days when it’s just too cold and you need warmth, add cinnamon to your morning meal.  You can use it in your tea or coffee, or in your cereal, oats, and on toast.  Cinnamon is a blood circulator and strengthener.  It increases heat in the body and is a great herb to use when someone is suffering a cold or the flu. If you feel a cold coming on, take 1 teaspoon grated ginger with 1 tsp. cinnamon, and 1 tsp. licorice and boil in 1-quart water for 10 minutes.  Drink 1 cup every 3 hours, sweetened with a little honey.

This season make your pantry the #1 go-to to keep you and your loved ones well over the holidays.  A great book to keep next to your spices is The Yoga of Herbs by Dr. David Frawley & Dr. Vasant Lad.

love and spices,
Iris

Want to learn more about herbs & spices to use in your meals?  
Join Iris on November 8th for a workshop filled with spices to fancy your dosha: