Spring
The qualities of spring are warm, moist, changing between winter and fall like weather. Energy begins to move up as the snow begins to melt and the flowers begin to bloom. Accumulated Kapha from the winter begins to liquefy, that’s why it runny nose season. People get spring colds, and stomach bugs begin to spread. This season is loved by Vata and Pitta people, while Kapha people struggle to stay healthy. Allergies are prominent during this time of year. This is a great season to do cleansing, panchakarma, or a juice cleanse for a few days to eliminate stagnate energy. If you’ve ever wanted to do an elimination diet, this is the time to do it.
Some kitchen herbs that will help this season include; ginger, black pepper, cayenne, chili pepper, coriander, cumin, and fennel. Strictly avoid heavy, oily foods. It’s also better to limit sour, sweet, and salty foods. Stick to bitter, pungent, and astringent foods. Limit dairy intake, especially in the morning. Avoid ice-cream and cold drinks.
A cup of warm water with a teaspoon of honey will balance Kapha dosha. Brisk walks, Sun salutations and Kapha reducing yoga postures, such as; Boat, Bow, Locust, Lion, Camel, and Fish pose are recommended. Bhastrika and Right nostril breathing may also be helpful in reducing Kapha. This is a great time to do some spring cleaning, clearing out the past from your environment and within yourself. It’s a time for planting new seeds and letting those dreams blossom.
Always try to eat locally and in season fruits and vegetables, they include;
Carrots, turnip, artichoke, asparagus, chard, cauliflower, spinach, bean, peas, leek, potato, radish, cress, sorrel, hazelnut, walnut, apple, lemon, kiwi, orange, grapefruit, pomelo, endive, rocket salad, cherry, rhubarb
As spring advances you will want to change your regime from Kapha pacifying to Pitta pacifying as the weather gets warmer.
With love and light
Daria