This topic came up in my Seasonal Living Collective program and I thought the information is to good not to share with everyone. Someone in our group posted what teas are best for head and chest congestion. We are at that time of the year where stuff is going around. I wanted to share a few Ayurvedic ideas of what to do if you start feeling the ickiness in your body.
Ginger Facial steam
How to do a facial steam? Boil 2 cups of water over the stove with 1 tsp of fresh ginger peeled in it. Take it off the stove and let it cool for 2 minutes. Place a towel over your head and breathe that in for 5-8 minutes. This helps reduce congestion in both the chest and head.
Clear broths & foods
The clear, foods and broths help reduce ama (toxins) in the body. You will want to stay away from thick, heavy foods and soups right now.
Ideas of what to eat-
- Bone broths
- Teas (I also like a lemon, turmeric tea listed below)
- Veggies that come translucent when cooked- bok choy, kale,leeks)
KAPHA TEA Recipe
- 1/4 teaspoon dry ginger
- 1 clove
- 1/4 teaspoon dill seed
- 1/4 teaspoon fenugreek seed 1 cup boiling water
**Seep for 5 minutes and enjoy.
Kapha tea is enjoyed to help reduce the congestion or stagnation which is often associated with the kapha dosha.
Drink lots of water
This one might be self- explanatory but make sure you're sipping water all day long to help remove those toxins.
Gargle salt water
The ancient wisdom that I know my grandmother always preached is true. Not only for strep throat but for congestion in the throat and chest area as well. Mix about 1/4 tsp salt in room temperature water, gargle for a minute or so. This will help loosen mucus in chest and throat.
Pranayama and breathwork
Breathwork helps open up the airways by removing congestion and increasing circulation. Here are a few example practices.
- Breath in for a count of 4, exhale for a count of 8. If that feels like you're straining just aim to make your exhale twice as long as your inhale.
- Another idea 4 square breath- inhale for a count of 4, hold the breath at the top for a count of 4, exhale for a count of 4, hold at the bottom for a count of 4.
Take a shot of fire cider or elderberry syrup
I always take a Tablespoon of fire cider 1-3x a day when I feel any sluggish energy coming my way. If you prefer Elderberry syrup you can do the same take between 1-3 Tablespoons. If you're giving elderberry syrup to kids the dosage is half of the adults.
Tulsi in warm water
Add 1/2 teaspoon of tulsi to a cup of water and enjoy 1-2 cups a day. I personally add my tulsi tincture to warm water and drink it that way. Tulsi helps remove excess kapha from the lungs and improves the respiratory tract. I personally love Banyan Botanicals for my Ayurvedic herbs.
I would love to know some of your favorite Ayurvedic or just old fashioned remedies that have stood the test of time. Send me a DM and share this podcast over on Instagram @seasonallivingmamas
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