Ayurvedic Secrets to Boost Your Immunity and Get Radiant Skin

Our winter secrets to support you before your Spring Wedding!

Ayurveda, the ancient healing system from India, offers an array of simple, powerful practices for a strong immune system and naturally glowing skin. Through specific foods and holistic remedies, Ayurveda helps us maintain balance, fight off illness, and bring out that natural, vibrant glow. Here’s how to start incorporating Ayurvedic wisdom into your routine for immunity and beauty.

1. Start with Your Dosha: Understanding Your Body Type

In Ayurveda, everyone has a unique constitution or “dosha,” which is a blend of the three energies: Vata (air and space), Pitta (fire and water), and Kapha (earth and water). Balancing your dosha can improve digestion, immunity, and skin. You can generally tell by your body type and there are several quizzes you can take online. I (Dana) was fortunate to visit an Ayurvedic doctor in India and get my dosha diagonis IRL with a pulse test.

Here’s a quick breakdown of how each dosha benefits from specific foods and practices:

- Vata: Needs grounding foods like warm soups, cooked grains, and root vegetables.

- Pitta: Benefits from cooling foods like cucumbers, leafy greens, and coconut.

- Kapha: Thrives with warming spices, bitter greens, and a lighter diet with less oil.

2. Sip on Warm Water with Lemon and Ginger

Start each day with a cup of warm water, a squeeze of lemon, and a slice of ginger. This morning drink hydrates, stimulates digestion, and jump-starts your immune system. The ginger in this combo is known for its antimicrobial properties, which help keep colds and infections at bay, while lemon helps detoxify the body.

3. Spice it Up for Immunity Boost

Ayurvedic spices are your best friends for both immunity and beauty. Here are a few to incorporate:

- Turmeric: Known for its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, turmeric is a must for a strong immune system and radiant skin. Add a dash to warm milk for a golden latte, or sprinkle it on your meals. I love the Tumeric Golden Chai at Baba Coffee.

- Cinnamon: Warming and sweet, cinnamon balances blood sugar levels and supports skin health. Hot Toddy anyone?

- Cardamom: Great for digestion, and it naturally sweetens and adds depth to teas and desserts. Mmm…the Cardamon Latte at The Rising Co is so good.

4. Ayurvedic Superfoods for Glowing Skin

Ayurveda emphasizes foods that nourish the skin from the inside out. These superfoods promote a natural glow:

- Ashwagandha: Known as an adaptogen, this root helps the body cope with stress, which is key to maintaining a balanced immune system and clear skin. It can be added to warm milk before bed.

- Neem: Neem is purifying and antimicrobial, making it excellent for clear skin. It can be taken as a supplement or used in face masks.

5. Oil Pulling for Oral Health and Detoxification

Oil pulling is a centuries-old practice that involves swishing oil (usually coconut or sesame) in your mouth for 10-20 minutes each morning. This process removes toxins, improves oral health, and supports overall immunity. After swishing, spit out the oil (not in the sink!) and rinse with warm water.

6. Dry Brushing for Lymphatic Flow and Glowing Skin

Dry brushing not only exfoliates but also stimulates lymphatic drainage, which removes toxins and supports immunity. Before showering, gently brush in long strokes towards the heart to promote circulation and reduce puffiness, helping you achieve smoother and more radiant skin.

7. Practice Abhyanga (Self-Massage)

Abhyanga is an Ayurvedic self-massage that involves applying warm oil (like sesame or coconut) all over your body. This practice nourishes the skin, stimulates the immune system, and relieves stress. Massaging with oil can improve circulation, soften the skin, and create a glowing effect.

8. Hydrate with Herbal Teas

Herbal teas are central in Ayurveda for balancing the doshas and promoting health:

- Tulsi (Holy Basil) Tea: Tulsi is known as an “elixir of life” for its immune-boosting and anti-inflammatory properties.

- Ginger Tea: Warming and soothing, ginger tea aids digestion and boosts immunity.

- Fennel Tea: Great for cooling and detoxifying, fennel tea benefits the skin and aids digestion, especially for Pitta types.

9. Make Seasonal Changes

Ayurveda emphasizes the importance of eating seasonally to maintain balance. In colder months, focus on warming foods and spices, like stews and soups with ginger, turmeric, and cumin. In warmer months, enjoy cooling foods like cucumbers, watermelon, and leafy greens.

10. Take Time for Meditation and Breathwork

Ayurveda recognizes the mind-body connection, so managing stress is essential for both immunity and skin health. Practice daily meditation or pranayama (breathwork) to reduce stress, support immunity, and promote vibrant skin.

Bringing It All Together: Glowing Skin and a Strong Immune System, the Ayurvedic Way

Ayurveda offers a holistic approach that goes beyond skincare products and short-term solutions. By nourishing your body with the right foods, herbs, and daily practices, you can boost immunity, support skin health, and experience a lasting glow. Embrace these practices to see the benefits, and watch your skin—and your health—transform in harmony with nature.