I love this time of year, when the temperature begins to cool and colors in nature begin to get richer! I don’t consider fall a time of ‘dying’, to me, it’s an opportunity to start over, set intentions, and renew ~ I see it as an opportunity for birthing something new and it’s definitely my favorite season.
Fall can be tricky though, and if we’re not careful, can be the most detrimental to our health. The effects of seasonal variation can easily cause the body and mind to go out of balance. Pay attention as the weather gets cooler and begin responding to the changing qualities of the season by moving towards warmer and oiler food to counteract the dry and cold qualities of fall >>> which in Ayurveda we call Vata season.
If we’re not careful and we don’t prepare for the change in season, we can find ourselves experiencing symptoms such as constipation, dry skin, increased anxiety, dry itchy/red eyes, cold hands & feet, increased sense of stress, and poor sleep.
Fall is an important time to prepare our body and our immune system for the the cold months ahead, and one of the ways to do this is to cleanse the body of stored heat through a detox which basically consists of eating bitter and astringent foods such as greens and incorporating seasonal vegetables and fruit such as pumpkins and apples which help nourish the the body while at the same time expelling leftover heat.
- Fall is the time of year that we want to reduce certain qualities in our lives such as doing too much; not having a schedule; not getting enough rest or sleep; eating cold and dry foods; overusing and misusing our sense organs.
- Instead, fall is the time of year to increase warming/oilier/grounding/moist foods; get regular sleep; keep a routine & rhythm; establish regular mealtimes; stay hydrated; oil your senses and skin; nap if you need to; decrease electronic use.
Incorporate this new habit in your daily routine >>> rub sunflower or sesame oil all over your skin daily after your shower ~ add grounding essential oils such as cedar or sage. If you your skin is dry, add essential oils of rose, geranium, jasmine to your massage oil. Store your oil in a dark, glass container and apply daily.
Start the day right with this easy to make breakfast:
Stewed Apples with Dates (adapted from “The Everyday Ayurveda Cookbook” from Kate O’Donnell)
Ingredients ~
- 2 apples, chopped
- 4 dates, pitted and cut in half
- 2 cups filtered water
- 1 tbsp maple syrup
- 1 tbsp grated fresh ginger (optional)
- 1 tsp Fall Spice Mix (recipe included below)
In a small saucepan combine the chopped apples, dates, water, maple syrup, and spices. Bring to a boil over high heat, then turn down to medium-low and simmer for 5 minutes. Remove from heat and blend with an immersion hand blender for a few seconds, or put ⅓ of the mixture in a blender and blend until smooth and stir it back into the saucepan with the chunky fruit. Divide into 2 bowls and enjoy.
Fall Spice Mix
Ingredients ~
- 1 tbsp coriander seeds
- 1 tbsp cumin seeds
- 2 tsp fennel seeds
- 1 tbsp turmeric powder
- 1-2 tsp ginger powder
Dry roast the coriander, cumin, and fennel seeds in a heavy-bottomed pan or iron skillet on medium heat for a few minutes (until you can begin to smell them). Transfer the seeds from the pan to a wide bowl and cool completely. Grind the whole roasted seeds to a uniform consistency in a coffee grinder dedicated to spices or by hand with a mortar and pestle. Pour them back into the bowl and stir in the turmeric and ginger powders.
Store in a small glass spice jar with an airtight lid. This recipe should last you about a month.
Use this spice in your cooking to aid in digestion and create a balancing effect as your body shifts from hot to cool weather.
If you would like to learn more on how to improve your health and bring thrive and balance into your life, take a look at my upcoming 10 week Health Evolution/Body Thrive Program coming up in October here: https://chandraayurveda.com/evolution/
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