by Acharya Shunya
Ayurveda is based on the integration of the five elements: space, air, fire, water, and earth. During the spring season, the water element is specifically preponderant in the entire climate. As the water flows through the vegetation, there is sap and juiciness in all of nature's bounty. That's good, because suddenly we see a proliferation of flowers and plants and fresh new leaves and trees.
And yet — when it comes to our bodies — that same abundant water element can cause a propensity for allergies, sneezes, colds and coughs, and even a compromised digestion. When the gut is too watery, you may find that you cannot digest the same foods that you were eating a few months ago. As such, you may experience nausea, an uncomfortable feeling of heaviness and fullness, and you may also have frequent hay fever.
Luckily, the wisdom of Ayurveda teaches us what we can do when experiencing an increased water element during spring: the simplest of which is to take herbs and take foods that enhance of fire within. The simplest way to do this is to replace your cold drinking water with warmed or hot water. Another great way to enhance the fire element is to spice up your food with ginger, garlic, turmeric, and black pepper. Mustard seeds and fenugreek seeds are also good spices to explore, even if it's just to add a dash when making your typical foods.
Spring is also the season when Tulsi (or holy basil) is sough after. If you don't have any growing fresh in your climate, you may always use dried herbs. Dried Tulsi can be used to make a tea. Even sipping just a few tastes each day will lead to you feeling better, as the pungency and metabolism-enhancing properties of Tulsi help your body to better digest; offsetting the water element. Tulsi also has the additional benefit of being an antidepressant.
When you take advantage of spring and take advantage of the moistness in nature by following Ayurvedic wisdom to balance this moistness, you will be akin to nature's blossoming everywhere — you yourself will feel that you are blossoming. Don't allow it to become phlegm, cold, cough, or sneeze-season with these Ayurvedic tips!
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