It’s that time of year once again. A time when families and friends gather in joy, love, laughter and an abundance of food and drink. There are so many reasons to celebrate this life we live. And there are so many reasons to nurture ourselves during this holiday season. For some, the holidays can be quite challenging. Feelings of depression and anxiety are quick to arise and can lead to other dis-eases, most commonly those winter colds and flus. So today I share with you foods, herbs, and Ayurveda-inspired recipes that may provide you, your family, and your friends with a dash of that special holiday cheer. I truly believe that our collective intentional preparation of food will support others in need, far and near……

I’ll be spending the holiday season here in southern India with the majority of my time being spent at an Ayurvedic center in an area called Karnataka. It’s been a dream of mine to experience the traditional Ayurvedic cleansing protocol known as Panchakarma. So I’ll be taking a break from the kitchen and clinic here at Samata Holistic Retreat Center and I’ll be pancha-ing my karma for the first 3 weeks of December!
Pancha means 5, karma – a mechanism, therefore five mechanisms of healing the body through the use of medicated oils, herbs, various massage modalities, milk baths, highly digestible vegetarian meals, yoga, meditation, mantras, and more. I’ve never been more excited about cleansing! If you’re interested in learning more, I’ll be taking a bit of time each day during my Panchakarma to share various aspects of this ancient treatment with you all, via my Instagram & Facebook accounts. For now, here’s some insight on how to keep you and your loved ones warm & happy during this holiday season……a hui hou

TIPS ON SUSTAINING THAT HOLIDAY CHEER

• Foods should be light and stimulating, warm and juicy.
• Use spices such as ginger, cardamom, and basil that open the mind and heart.
• Calamus tea and Tulsi tea (holy basil) are best for depression. Take ¼ powder of calamus per cup of hot water, with a little ginger and honey daily. Tulsi tea can be found at local health food stores. Organic Indiamakes wonderful flavors of Tulsi tea. Enjoy 2 cups a day!
• Keep the bowels open with Triphala. 2 caps per night before bed is a general dose.
• Sprinkle a bit of Trikatu on your meals for extra digestive support and agni-stimulation.
• Ashwagandha is the herb of choice for anxiety. Vata types take ½ teaspoon of its powder as a morning and evening nectar with warm fresh almond milk or warm raw cow’s milk. Pitta types take it with gotu kola in equal parts. Kapha types take it with a little ginger in honey.