Home remedies

You need

• 1 tsp cumin seeds
• 1 tsp coriander seeds
• 1 tsp fennel seeds
• 3 cups water

Method

1. Lightly crush the three seeds together.
2. Simmer them in the water for five to ten minutes.
3. Strain and sip warm through the day.

Traditionally taken after meals to support comfortable digestion and a settled belly.

Suits Vata, Pitta, Kapha

You need

• A few thin slices of fresh ginger
• A pinch of rock salt
• 1 cup warm water
• A squeeze of lime

Method

1. Steep the ginger slices in warm water for a few minutes.
2. Add a pinch of rock salt and a squeeze of lime.
3. Sip a small cup about twenty minutes before a meal.

In Ayurveda this is the everyday way to kindle the appetite before a meal.

Suits Vata, Kapha

You need

• Half a cup of plain yoghurt
• 1 cup water
• A pinch of roasted cumin powder
• A pinch of rock salt
• A few fresh coriander leaves

Method

1. Whisk the yoghurt with the water until thin and frothy.
2. Stir in the roasted cumin, rock salt and chopped coriander.
3. Sip at room temperature with or after lunch.

The classical midday drink in Ayurveda for keeping digestion light and comfortable.

Suits Vata, Kapha

You need

• Half a tsp ajwain (carom) seeds
• A pinch of rock salt
• 1 cup hot water

Method

1. Add the ajwain seeds and rock salt to a cup of hot water.
2. Let it stand for two to three minutes.
3. Sip slowly while still warm.

Traditionally sipped after a heavy meal to support a comfortable, settled stomach.

Suits Vata, Kapha

You need

• 1 tsp fennel seeds
• An optional pinch of sugar crystals

Method

1. Keep a small bowl of fennel seeds at the table.
2. Chew about a teaspoon slowly after the meal.
3. Add a few sugar crystals if you like a sweeter note.

An age-old close to a meal in Ayurveda to support digestion and freshen the mouth.

Suits Vata, Pitta, Kapha

You need

• 1 cup warm water
• A squeeze of fresh lemon

Method

1. Warm a cup of water until it is pleasant to sip.
2. Add a small squeeze of fresh lemon.
3. Drink slowly on rising, before breakfast.

Traditionally taken first thing in the morning to support a light, comfortable start to the day.

Suits Vata, Kapha

You need

• 1 cup milk or oat milk
• A pinch of nutmeg
• A pinch of cardamom
• Half a tsp ghee

Method

1. Warm the milk gently in a small pan.
2. Stir in the nutmeg, cardamom and ghee.
3. Sip slowly about an hour before bed.

In Ayurveda this is the everyday support for restful sleep at the close of the day.

Suits Vata, Pitta

You need

• 1 cup warm milk
• A small pinch of grated nutmeg
• An optional drizzle of jaggery

Method

1. Warm the milk until it is comfortable to drink.
2. Stir in a small pinch of grated nutmeg.
3. Sweeten lightly with jaggery if you wish, and sip before bed.

The classical preparation when the evening calls for winding down into restful sleep.

Suits Vata, Pitta

You need

• 1 tbsp warm sesame oil
• A pair of cotton socks

Method

1. Warm a little sesame oil until it is comfortably warm.
2. Massage it gently into the soles of the feet for a few minutes.
3. Slip on cotton socks and settle in for the night.

Traditionally done before bed to ground the body and welcome restful sleep.

Suits Vata, Pitta

You need

• 1 tsp dried chamomile flowers
• 2 lightly crushed cardamom pods
• 1 cup water

Method

1. Bring the water to a gentle simmer.
2. Add the chamomile and crushed cardamom and steep off the heat for five minutes.
3. Strain and sip slowly as the evening winds down.

Traditionally sipped in the evening to help the mind grow quiet before restful sleep.

Suits Vata, Pitta

You need

• 1 cup warm milk or almond milk
• 2 strands of saffron
• A pinch of cardamom

Method

1. Warm the milk and add the saffron strands and cardamom.
2. Let the saffron steep for a few minutes until the milk turns golden.
3. Sip slowly in the quiet hour before bed.

A cherished evening cup in Ayurveda for settling into restful sleep.

Suits Vata, Pitta

You need

• 1 tbsp warm sesame or coconut oil

Method

1. Warm a small amount of oil between the palms.
2. Massage it slowly into the scalp with the fingertips for a few minutes.
3. Rest a while before bed, then wash out in the morning.

Traditionally part of the evening routine to quieten the mind and invite restful sleep.

Suits Vata, Pitta

You need

• 5 almonds, soaked overnight
• 2 soft dates
• 1 cup warm milk or oat milk
• A pinch of cardamom

Method

1. Peel the soaked almonds and blend them with the dates and milk.
2. Warm gently and stir in a pinch of cardamom.
3. Sip in the morning as a nourishing drink.

In Ayurveda this is the everyday nourishment for steady energy and strength.

Suits Vata, Pitta

You need

• A small handful of fresh tulsi leaves, or 1 tsp dried
• 1 cup water
• An optional touch of honey

Method

1. Simmer the tulsi leaves in the water for five minutes.
2. Strain into a cup and let it cool a little.
3. Add a touch of honey once warm rather than hot, and sip.

Traditionally taken through the day to support a calm, steady mind.

Suits Vata, Kapha

You need

• 1 cup milk or oat milk
• A pinch of cardamom
• 1 tsp rose petal preserve or a few drops of rose water

Method

1. Warm the milk gently in a pan.
2. Stir in the cardamom and rose.
3. Sip slowly when you want a calming pause.

The classical preparation when the mind wants softening and calm.

Suits Vata, Pitta

You need

• A bowl of warm cooked rice
• 1 tsp ghee
• A pinch of rock salt

Method

1. Spoon a teaspoon of ghee over the warm rice.
2. Add a small pinch of rock salt and mix through.
3. Eat slowly and warm at the midday meal.

Traditionally eaten to ground the body and steady the mind on scattered days.

Suits Vata

You need

• 1 tsp dried brahmi leaves
• 1 cup water
• An optional touch of honey

Method

1. Simmer the brahmi leaves in the water for five minutes.
2. Strain and let it cool slightly.
3. Add a touch of honey once warm, and sip in the daytime.

A cherished daily cup in Ayurveda for a calm and steady mind.

Suits Vata, Pitta

You need

• 1 tsp ghee
• A small piece of jaggery

Method

1. Warm the ghee gently until soft.
2. Stir in a little grated jaggery until it melts together.
3. Take a small spoonful in the afternoon when energy feels low.

Traditionally taken as a small pick-me-up for steady energy in the afternoon.

Suits Vata

You need

• 1 tbsp chickpea flour
• A pinch of turmeric
• A little milk or rose water

Method

1. Mix the chickpea flour and turmeric with enough milk or rose water to make a soft paste.
2. Smooth it over clean skin and leave for a few minutes.
3. Rinse off gently with warm water.

In Ayurveda this is the everyday ubtan for keeping the skin fresh and bright.

Suits Kapha, Pitta

You need

• Pure rose water
• A small spray bottle

Method

1. Pour chilled rose water into a clean spray bottle.
2. Mist lightly over the face with the eyes closed.
3. Pat in gently or let it settle on its own.

Traditionally used to cool and freshen the skin, especially in warm weather.

Suits Pitta

You need

• 1 tsp sandalwood powder
• A little rose water

Method

1. Mix the sandalwood powder with rose water into a smooth paste.
2. Apply a thin layer to clean skin.
3. Leave for a few minutes, then rinse with cool water.

The classical cooling preparation when the skin wants soothing and calm.

Suits Pitta

You need

• Fresh aloe vera gel from a leaf, or pure aloe gel

Method

1. Scoop a small amount of clear aloe gel.
2. Smooth a thin layer over clean skin.
3. Leave to absorb, or rinse off after a few minutes.

Traditionally smoothed onto the skin to keep it cool, soft and fresh.

Suits Pitta

You need

• 1 tsp raw honey
• 1 tsp milk

Method

1. Stir the honey and milk together into a thin paste.
2. Smooth over clean skin and leave for a few minutes.
3. Rinse off with lukewarm water and pat dry.

An age-old kitchen mask in Ayurveda for keeping the skin soft and supple.

Suits Vata

You need

• 2 tbsp warm sesame oil

Method

1. Warm the sesame oil until comfortably warm.
2. Massage it over the body with long, easy strokes before a bath.
3. Rest for a few minutes, then bathe in warm water.

Traditionally part of the daily routine to keep the skin soft, smooth and nourished.

Suits Vata

You need

• 2 tbsp coconut oil

Method

1. Warm the coconut oil until it is just melted and comfortable.
2. Massage it slowly into the scalp and through the lengths.
3. Leave for an hour or overnight, then wash out gently.

In Ayurveda this is the everyday support for healthy, soft and well-kept hair.

Suits Pitta, Vata

You need

• 1 tbsp amla powder
• 2 cups water

Method

1. Simmer the amla powder in the water for a few minutes.
2. Let it cool and strain well.
3. Use as a final rinse after washing, then rinse lightly with plain water.

Traditionally used as a hair rinse to support softness and natural shine.

Suits Pitta

You need

• A few hibiscus flowers and leaves
• A little water

Method

1. Grind the hibiscus flowers and leaves with a little water into a paste.
2. Apply to the scalp and through the hair.
3. Leave for half an hour, then rinse out well.

A classical flower preparation in Ayurveda for soft, healthy-looking hair.

Suits Pitta

You need

• 2 tbsp bhringraj oil

Method

1. Warm the bhringraj oil gently.
2. Massage it into the scalp with the fingertips.
3. Leave for an hour or overnight, then wash out.

Traditionally massaged into the scalp to support strong, healthy hair.

Suits Vata, Pitta

You need

• 2 tbsp fenugreek seeds, soaked overnight
• A little water

Method

1. Grind the soaked fenugreek seeds into a smooth paste.
2. Apply to the scalp and hair.
3. Leave for half an hour, then rinse out thoroughly.

An age-old kitchen preparation for keeping hair smooth and well-conditioned.

Suits Pitta, Kapha

You need

• A handful of fresh curry leaves
• 4 tbsp coconut oil

Method

1. Warm the coconut oil gently and add the curry leaves.
2. Let them sizzle softly for a minute, then cool and strain.
3. Massage a little of the oil into the scalp and hair before washing.

Traditionally prepared at home and used to support healthy, well-nourished hair.

Suits Pitta, Vata

You need

• 1 tsp fresh ginger juice
• 1 tsp raw honey

Method

1. Grate fresh ginger and squeeze out a teaspoon of juice.
2. Stir it into a teaspoon of raw honey.
3. Take slowly, once or twice in the day.

Traditionally used in the damp turn of the seasons to keep the breath and chest clear.

Suits Vata, Kapha

You need

• A handful of tulsi leaves
• A few slices of fresh ginger
• 2 black peppercorns
• 2 cups water
• An optional touch of honey

Method

1. Simmer the tulsi, ginger and peppercorns in the water for five to seven minutes.
2. Strain into a cup and let it cool a little.
3. Add a touch of honey once warm, and sip.

In Ayurveda this is the everyday warming cup for the turn of the seasons.

Suits Vata, Kapha

You need

• A bowl of just-boiled water
• A few tulsi leaves or a pinch of dried herbs
• A towel

Method

1. Add the tulsi leaves to a bowl of just-boiled water.
2. Lean over at a safe distance with a towel over the head.
3. Breathe the warm steam gently for a few minutes.

Traditionally taken in the cooler seasons to keep the breath feeling clear and open.

Suits Vata, Kapha

You need

• 1 cup milk or oat milk
• Half a tsp turmeric
• A pinch of black pepper
• Half a tsp ghee
• An optional touch of jaggery

Method

1. Warm the milk with the turmeric, black pepper and ghee.
2. Let it simmer gently for a minute.
3. Sweeten lightly with jaggery if you like, and sip warm.

The classical warming cup when the weather cools and the season turns.

Suits Vata, Kapha

You need

• A small piece of liquorice root, or half a tsp powder
• 1 cup water

Method

1. Simmer the liquorice root in the water for five minutes.
2. Strain into a cup.
3. Sip slowly while warm, once in the day.

Traditionally sipped in the dry and changing seasons to keep the throat soothed and comfortable.

Suits Vata, Pitta

You need

• 1 tsp raw honey
• A small pinch of cinnamon

Method

1. Stir a small pinch of cinnamon into a teaspoon of raw honey.
2. Take slowly off the spoon.
3. Have once in the morning during the cooler season.

Traditionally taken in the damp seasons to support an easy breath and a warm chest.

Suits Vata, Kapha

You need

• 2 tbsp warm sesame oil

Method

1. Warm the sesame oil until comfortably warm.
2. Massage it into the joints and limbs with slow, steady strokes.
3. Rest a while, then bathe in warm water.

In Ayurveda this is the everyday warming care for comfortable, supple joints.

Suits Vata

You need

• A few slices of fresh ginger
• Half a tsp turmeric
• A pinch of black pepper
• 2 cups water

Method

1. Simmer the ginger, turmeric and black pepper in the water for five to seven minutes.
2. Strain into a cup.
3. Sip warm, once or twice in the day.

Traditionally taken as a warming cup to support comfort and ease in the joints.

Suits Vata, Kapha

You need

• 1 tbsp castor oil

Method

1. Warm a small amount of castor oil until comfortably warm.
2. Rub it gently into the area, working it in with the fingertips.
3. Leave for a short while, then bathe in warm water.

The classical warming application for keeping the body comfortable and supple.

Suits Vata

You need

• A piece of fresh ginger
• A bowl of warm water
• A soft cloth

Method

1. Grate the ginger into a bowl of comfortably warm water.
2. Soak a soft cloth, wring it out and lay it over the area.
3. Rest with the warm compress for a few minutes.

Traditionally used as a warming compress to bring comfort and ease to the body.

Suits Vata, Kapha

You need

• 1 tsp fenugreek seeds
• 1 cup water

Method

1. Soak the fenugreek seeds in the water overnight.
2. In the morning, strain the water into a cup.
3. Sip it warm or at room temperature.

Traditionally sipped in the morning to support comfort and ease in the body.

Suits Vata, Kapha

You need

• 4 tbsp sesame oil
• A pinch of dried ginger powder
• A small pinch of ajwain

Method

1. Warm the sesame oil gently and stir in the ginger powder and ajwain.
2. Let it infuse off the heat for a few minutes, then strain.
3. Massage a little of the warm oil into the body before a bath.

An age-old warming oil in Ayurveda for keeping the body comfortable and at ease.

Suits Vata

You need

• 1 tbsp sesame or coconut oil

Method

1. Take a tablespoon of oil into the mouth first thing in the morning.
2. Swish it gently between the teeth for a few minutes.
3. Spit it out, then rinse the mouth with warm water.

In Ayurveda this is the everyday morning ritual for a fresh, clean mouth.

Suits Vata, Pitta, Kapha

You need

• Half a tsp triphala powder
• 1 cup warm water

Method

1. Stir the triphala powder into a cup of warm water.
2. Let it settle, then swish a little around the mouth.
3. Spit it out and finish with a plain water rinse.

Traditionally used as a daily rinse to keep the mouth fresh and clean.

Suits Vata, Pitta, Kapha

You need

• Pure rose water
• Two cotton pads

Method

1. Chill a little rose water and soak two cotton pads.
2. Lie back and rest a pad over each closed eye.
3. Relax for five to ten minutes, then remove.

Traditionally used to cool and refresh tired eyes at the end of the day.

Suits Pitta

You need

• Two thin slices of fresh cucumber

Method

1. Cut two cool, thin slices of cucumber.
2. Lie back and rest a slice over each closed eye.
3. Relax for a few minutes, then remove and rinse the face.

An age-old way in Ayurveda to give tired, screen-weary eyes a cooling rest.

Suits Pitta

You need

• Half a tsp triphala powder
• 1 cup water
• A fine cloth for straining

Method

1. Simmer the triphala in the water, then let it cool fully.
2. Strain it very well through a fine cloth so it is perfectly clear.
3. Use the cooled, clear liquid as a gentle eye rinse, then pat dry.

A classical preparation in Ayurveda used to refresh and brighten tired eyes.

Suits Pitta

You need

• 1 clove
• 1 cardamom pod

Method

1. Keep a few cloves and cardamom pods to hand after meals.
2. Chew one clove and the seeds of one cardamom pod slowly.
3. Let the warm, fragrant taste freshen the mouth.

Traditionally chewed after meals to keep the mouth and breath fresh.

Suits Vata, Kapha