We all know the power of a healthy diet. However, in our busy lives, we often choose what is easy to eat and ignore the impact it has on our physical and mental health. This increases our stress levels and brings anxiety into our daily lives. But the solution is actually quite simple. Ayurveda, an ancient system of medicine, offers a way to combat stress and anxiety and become a healthier, more active version of yourself.
In Ayurveda, herbs are used as powerful tools to bring the body back into balance. But with so many options to choose from, how do you find the best ones for you? The key is to try them one at a time, so you can see how your body responds to each herb. Once you find your favorites, pick two or three to incorporate into your daily routine.
Let’s take a closer look at some of these herbs.
Brahmi: A mainstay of Ayurvedic medicine, Brahmi is known for its memory enhancing and anxiety reducing properties. It also acts as a brain tonic, making it beneficial for everyone. Brahmi can be enjoyed as a capsule, or you can steep the powdered herb in hot water for a calming tea. For an extra soothing effect, mix it with ghee and then add hot water. The usual dose is 300-450 mg per day.
Ashwagandha: According to Dr Karthik Krishnan, Vice President, Arya Vaidya Pharmacy (Coimbatore) Limited, “This adaptogenic herb empowers the body to adapt to stress, improves sleep quality, increases energy levels and enhances cognitive function. The dosage of ashwagandha varies depending on the desired effect and ranges from 250mg to 1250mg per day. It can be taken in powder or capsule form, once or multiple times throughout the day.”
Chamomile: This delicate daisy-like flower packs a powerful punch. High in antioxidants, chamomile has a wide range of health benefits, including reducing the risk of disease, improving sleep and digestion, and lowering the body’s stress response. For a relaxing bedtime ritual, sip a cup of chamomile tea to soothe your mind and ease sleep disorders.
Mint: Known for its refreshing aroma, mint has a calming effect on the body and mind. It can also help ease indigestion and improve cognitive function, and can be enjoyed in moderation as a tea or mixed into a variety of dishes and drinks.
Today, a holistic approach to stress management goes beyond herbs. Here are some things you can add to your diet:
Nuts and seeds: Consuming a handful of walnuts, almonds, or chia seeds daily can significantly improve your mood and reduce anxiety.
Fruits: Rich in essential vitamins and antioxidants, fruits like berries, oranges, bananas and apples can help protect you against the physical effects of stress and boost your mood.
Vegetables: Include a variety of vegetables in your diet, such as kale, broccoli, and sweet potatoes, to help improve digestion and keep stress levels down.
Whole grains: For sustained energy throughout the day, choose whole grains like oats and quinoa, which can help maintain mental alertness and fight stress-related fatigue.
To truly achieve peace of mind and weather challenges with ease, Ayurveda goes beyond diet to emphasize certain eating habits that are fundamental to stress management. This includes limiting stimulants like caffeine, alcohol and processed foods that increase anxiety and disrupt peace. Mindful eating – savoring every bite and paying attention to your body’s hunger and fullness cues – allows for healthy digestion and reduces stress by building a mindful connection with food.
Finally, adding warm foods like soups, stews, and roasted vegetables can help pacify Vata (one of the three Ayurvedic doshas) and make you feel calm. By incorporating these simple yet powerful Ayurvedic principles, you can begin your journey to a more stress-free you, one conscious step at a time. Remember, even small changes can have big results in your overall health.
In Ayurveda, herbs are used as powerful tools to bring the body back into balance. But with so many options to choose from, how do you find the best ones for you? The key is to try them one at a time, so you can see how your body responds to each herb. Once you find your favorites, pick two or three to incorporate into your daily routine.
Let’s take a closer look at some of these herbs.
Brahmi: A mainstay of Ayurvedic medicine, Brahmi is known for its memory enhancing and anxiety reducing properties. It also acts as a brain tonic, making it beneficial for everyone. Brahmi can be enjoyed as a capsule, or you can steep the powdered herb in hot water for a calming tea. For an extra soothing effect, mix it with ghee and then add hot water. The usual dose is 300-450 mg per day.
Ashwagandha: According to Dr Karthik Krishnan, Vice President, Arya Vaidya Pharmacy (Coimbatore) Limited, “This adaptogenic herb empowers the body to adapt to stress, improves sleep quality, increases energy levels and enhances cognitive function. The dosage of ashwagandha varies depending on the desired effect and ranges from 250mg to 1250mg per day. It can be taken in powder or capsule form, once or multiple times throughout the day.”
Chamomile: This delicate daisy-like flower packs a powerful punch. High in antioxidants, chamomile has a wide range of health benefits, including reducing the risk of disease, improving sleep and digestion, and lowering the body’s stress response. For a relaxing bedtime ritual, sip a cup of chamomile tea to soothe your mind and ease sleep disorders.
Mint: Known for its refreshing aroma, mint has a calming effect on the body and mind. It can also help ease indigestion and improve cognitive function, and can be enjoyed in moderation as a tea or mixed into a variety of dishes and drinks.
Today, a holistic approach to stress management goes beyond herbs. Here are some things you can add to your diet:
Nuts and seeds: Consuming a handful of walnuts, almonds, or chia seeds daily can significantly improve your mood and reduce anxiety.
Fruits: Rich in essential vitamins and antioxidants, fruits like berries, oranges, bananas and apples can help protect you against the physical effects of stress and boost your mood.
Vegetables: Include a variety of vegetables in your diet, such as kale, broccoli, and sweet potatoes, to help improve digestion and keep stress levels down.
Whole grains: For sustained energy throughout the day, choose whole grains like oats and quinoa, which can help maintain mental alertness and fight stress-related fatigue.
To truly achieve peace of mind and weather challenges with ease, Ayurveda goes beyond diet to emphasize certain eating habits that are fundamental to stress management. This includes limiting stimulants like caffeine, alcohol and processed foods that increase anxiety and disrupt peace. Mindful eating – savoring every bite and paying attention to your body’s hunger and fullness cues – allows for healthy digestion and reduces stress by building a mindful connection with food.
Finally, adding warm foods like soups, stews, and roasted vegetables can help pacify Vata (one of the three Ayurvedic doshas) and make you feel calm. By incorporating these simple yet powerful Ayurvedic principles, you can begin your journey to a more stress-free you, one conscious step at a time. Remember, even small changes can have big results in your overall health.
