Spring is a natural time for renewal and reset, and the hours of night and daylight draw closer to a balance and the natural world starts to revive. After a long winter when you may have been less active and consuming more comfort foods, you may feel in need of cleansing your system and boosting your energy levels.
Here’s a look at how incorporating Ayurvedic powders into your daily routine can help to support this process.
What are Ayurvedic powders?
Ayurvedic powders are derived from Ayurvedic herbs, fruits, and other plant extracts which have been used in the Ayurveda system of medicine for over 3,000 years. The practice originated in India where many of the native herbs are grown. However, the holistic approach to healthcare has become popular in Western countries over the last few decades.
The best ayurvedic powders to detox naturally in spring
Triphala
Triphala is a blend of three fruits: Amalaki (Indian gooseberry), Bibhitaki, and Haritaki. This gives it a unique nutritional formula, which has traditionally been used to support digestion and encourage regular bowel movements; improve nutrient absorption; and flush out toxins from the colon and liver.
To take, simply mix one teaspoon of powder per day with a liquid. Triphala has a strong flavour, so it’s best taken with fruit juice or honey rather than plain water.
Ashwagandha
Ashwagandha has traditionally been used to support the immune system after an illness. It’s also an adaptogen, which means that it contains ingredients that can help the body to deal with stress and fatigue, and support overall wellbeing.
If you’ve been through a busy phase in life, or are just feeling depleted in serotonin levels after the winter, it may help to revive your natural energy levels and restore a sense of purpose and vitality. Ashwagandha has been used throughout the centuries to support a good night’s sleep and reduce the levels of stress hormones in the body.
To use, begin cautiously with this powerful herb, starting with a quarter of a teaspoon per day and gradually increasing to half or one teaspoon. However, do not exceed 6 grams per day. Ashwagandha can be mixed into drinks or smoothies. As a precaution, pregnant women should avoid taking this herb.
Turmeric
Turmeric has a distinctive golden yellow colour, and has been used for centuries both as a flavour enhancer and for medicinal purposes. It is extracted from the roots and the rhizomes of the curcuma longa plant. It has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties and a rich warm spicy flavour.
Turmeric can be sprinkled directly into dishes such as soups, curries and stews, or added to a hot drink and stirred well. This not only provides a pleasing depth of flavour, but also a densely packed nutritional content. Turmeric is used to aid digestion and boost metabolism, and may also be used to reduce inflammation levels in the body.