December Seasonal Guide: Winter Nourish, Rest, and Steady Agni

Winter has arrived — a season that invites us to replenish what has been depleted.

Just as some thrive in damp climates and others in dry, and as the delicate seahorse keeps vitality only within a steady temperature, many of us must seek warmth — or even higher altitudes — to re-establish health and equilibrium.

Winter Foods & Nourishing Warmth

• Soups & liquid meals: Favor hot soups and light, warm, easily digestible liquids to ward off seasonal colds and fevers.

• Baked dishes: Excellent winter nourishment.

• Seasonal vegetables: Okra, onions, salsify, turnips, squash.

Flaxseed tea supports the optimal functioning of internal glands.
In extremely cold or mountainous climates, saffron tea helps circulation and maintains inner warmth.

In cases of Nervousness or Vata Feels Aggravated

Choose calming foods such as celery, cauliflower, spinach, baked potatoes, and artichokes.
Slippery elm tea is an excellent companion during such times.

Dates—naturally warming and rich in iron and minerals—are especially beneficial in winter; they are best taken with ghee, their ideal vehicle.

Supporting Circulation

If your feet tend to stay cold/clammy or cold weather irritates you easily, strengthen circulation with applesauce, cabbage, kale, lettuce, radishes, beets, and carrots.
Black haw tea provides additional support.

Winter Grains & Digestive Strength

Warm grains are essential now and should be chosen per one’s Prakruti (constitution):

• Organic cream of wheat

• Whole wheat (soaked ~36 hours before boiling)

• Black millet bread (nicely prepared)

• Barley (soak, quick boil, then chill)

• Properly cooked rice

• Cornmeal (quickly boiled)

• Hominy (soaked and steamed in a double boiler)

These may be taken with fruit juices to enhance digestion.

Additional Seasonal Supports

• Agar-agar: Especially useful in winter; one tablespoon at breakfast or dinner is sufficient.

• Dry, ripe olives after dinner: gentle laxative; helps clear Ama (toxins).

• Pickles (especially ginger/turmeric varieties): medicinal in winter when taken with proper Ayurvedic guidance.

• Raw sauerkraut (liberty cabbage): valuable for those who feel physically weak.

• Thoroughly fermented cheese and properly prepared ghee: offer deep nourishment.

• Garlic on hot toast: A simple, effective way to support immunity.

Classical Guidance (Pranacharya Dr. Popat Prabhuram Vaidya)

To prevent/relieve colds, inhale or sip oil of eucalyptus: 5–15 drops in a glass of hot water, frequently during the day.

Flaxseed tea in the morning and evening—or before exposure to cold wind—provides excellent protection.

For Excess Acidity

A small amount of saleratus dissolved in hot water has long been valued as a reliable neutralizer of acidity.

Milk & Winter Spices

Organic milk can be enjoyed safely when one tablespoon of organic mineral water is added to each cup; this enhances digestion and immunity.
All varieties of dough-based dishes (dumplings, cobblers, kreplach, blintzes) may be enjoyed—preferably as side dishes.
Remember to use winter spices generously; they support digestion and strengthen Agni in cold weather.

Ayurvedic Footnote

Winter strengthens Agni (digestive fire). Warm, moist, lightly spiced foods nourish Ojas, protect against Vata imbalance, and preserve vitality. Choose seasonal roots, grains, and fermented foods to maintain balance, immunity, and inner warmth.

P.S. This seasonal diet for December reflects climates in the U.S.A., Canada, Western/Eastern Europe, and Russia.

Namaste.

— Dr. V

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