Winter Storm Prep–the Ayurvedic Way

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​We just finished our first Winter Wellness & Wisdom for Women Workshop on Tuesday.  If you missed it, there’s another this Saturday morning at 10am. You can register HERE). 

We talked about the energetics of winter, how imbalance shows up, and how to maintain or restore health during this deep-to-late winter season.

And now…winter storms, possibly historic, are coming to the Southeast.  

It is wise to prepare your emergency kit--especially when ice is predicted and power lines may be affected.  Many of our cities in the Southeast dont' have the infrastructure or resources to manage storms that are more common in northern regions. 

So YES!  Prep and stock: water, blankets, food, flashlights, necessary toiletries, prescriptions, and anything else you may need to stay safe and comfortable. 

And, we don't have to let fear lead. Ayurveda can offer support that keeps your body, digestion and nervous system in mind as well so you can make clearer decisions, feel more grounded and creatively stay warm if the power is disrupted.

Below are simple ways to prepare--many drawn from our Winter Wellness & Wisdom Workshop, but with a more focused lens on storm-specific care.. In the workshop, we explore and understanding of the Vata and Kapha energies of winter--both in the season and within us.  And we explore simple practices that warm, hydrate and support a sense of grounding to balance to energies. 

1. OIL for your BODY  
cold, wind, and/or uncertainty can aggravate Vata.

• Sesame oil (cold pressed, organic) is preferred in winter.  Almond oil works too. 
• Massage the whole body if you can (traditionally before a shower) 
• In extreme cold, even a little oil before bed 
• At minimum: oil up your feet, belly and ears

It’s a simple ritual that is deeply regulating and supports sleep. 
(I’ve created a guide for this practice. If you haven’t yet seen it, you’ll find it HERE

2. GHEE –a good winter essential fat. 

• Shelf stable
• warms and supports digestion, 
• supports vitality and the nervous system.
• Can be added to almost anything

I love it plain.  A dash of cinnamon is lovely.  You can make it or buy it. (simple instructions below)


3. SPICE – Stock the Kitchen Medicine Cabinet! 
Spices can maintain digestion when routines are disrupted and warm you from the inside out!

• Cinnamon–warming, supports circulation, and yummy
• Ginger (fresh or dried) – warming, clears stagnation (known as “ama” in Ayurveda)
• Turmeric (fresh or dried) – can heal mucus membranes and is anti-inflammatory
• Black pepper – helps with absorption, expectorant
• Cardamom – gently warms, uplifting, boosts immunity and digestion
• Clove – warming, supports immunity, helps dispel colds

***with all spices and herbs, if you’re taking medications or have health conditions you are treating, please consult your practitioner and use responsibility. And use them in moderation. Often just a dash or sprinkle will do it!  There are so many other spices to explore moving forward.

4. Simple, Easy-to-Digest Foods  (Storm-friendly) 
Think foods that are grounding, gentle and OK at room temperature.

What I’m making ahead:

• Stewed apples with spices and ghee (pears work well too). Option to add raisins
• Chia pudding.  (chia and water or coconut milk, add nuts, spices and dates or raisins)
• Quiche or a savory egg dish–add veggies and spice
• Roasted root veggies with warming spices –one of my all time favorites in winter.  Any roots will do.

Got a thermos?  Bone broth is gold–deeply nourishing even if it cold.
Proteins?  Soak nuts and have cans of tuna or chicken on hand. Think easy to digest so you body can do the work of keeping you well and warm.   

5. Keep your core warm and eat regularly 
I know some of this seems common sense, much of ancient wisdom of Ayurveda actually is–yet we forget, especially in times of stress and some of feels counter-cultural these days.  But, ever wonder what our ancestors were doing before electricity and tech?  Some of the basics–and connecting with neighbors and sharing resources.  For now…

• Wear layers, warm socks
• Keep your belly and lower back warm or wrapped–neck too
• Slow belly breathing (diaphragmatic breathing) through the nose can help warm the body from within.

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         A SIMPLE AYURVEDIC STORM KIT

• Spices
• Ghee
• Body oil
• Dates or dried fruit
• Candle
• A  grounding book, journal or craft/art/hobby to spark joy.

***along with your basics (water, flashlight, food above, toiletries you might need, blankets , phone charged, etc) to support you and your loved ones this weekend. 

Bottom line–you don’t need much. 
Stay warm. Stay nourished. Stay grounded. Rest when you can.
Take or leave anything here. Check on your neighbors. Reach out to friends as possible. Ask for help if you need it. We need each other. 

If you do just THREE THINGS:

• Oil your body! –seriously, if you haven’t checked out, start here.
• Use Ghee
• Cook with spices you already have. Sprinkle them, put them in tea.

That alone can make a real difference.  And they can ignite a spark that helps you remember your wisdom too. 

Below is a simple ghee recipe if you’d like to make it yourself.  Check in before or after. Let me know how you are or if you have more tips you’d like to share, wise woman.
Join us in the Winter Wellness & Wisdom for Women Workshop–Restoring energy in winter this Saturday 10am EST.  You can register HERE.

With care and appreciation,
Karla


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EASY GHEE RECIPE: 
**If you have or can get the supplies.  Otherwise buy at the store for now and make it a goal in February.  : )
Put 1 lb. organic, unsalted butter in a pot and melt it, using low heat.
Boil on very low heat for 20-30 minutes. You will notice the milk solids separating into foam on top and sinking to the bottom. It’s best to stick close to your pot
Simmer until the foam clears out and you see a pot of golden ghee through patches of condensed foam. (You’ll also hear it start to settle)
Let cool for 20-35 minutes
Pour through a strainer lined with cheesecloth into a pint jar.
Discard the milk solids that have separated.
Let cool and leave out of the refrigerator (ghee is shelf stable) but always use a clean utensil so that it doesn’t get contaminated (which leads to molding).



BONUS not mentioned above or in workshop:

A Honey Turmeric paste one of my teachers, Cate Stillman, shared with me. When kids were little we made a lot!  (We even made a fun video together years ago). I still make and love it!  Esp early winter to spring.
It’s a simple remedy to boost immunity, reduce inflammation, protect against colds, congestion, and winter gunk.  **refer to the spice qualities above and how they support. 
-Add 1/2 cup raw honey to a mason jar.
-Add 1/3 cup turmeric powder (you can dry roast it first in a skillet for added benefit).
-Add 1/2 tsp. ginger powder.
-Add 1/4 tsp. black pepper. (cloves can be substituted and support respiratory as well)
-Stir. Store in a small tin or small glass jar.
-Put on the kitchen table in reach for all ages. Little ones like to roll it into pea-sized balls for fun bites.