- Rise with the sun, preferably before 6am as this is the time of Brahma muhurta. Considered to be the most favorable time for spiritual practice like meditation. The mind will be refreshed at this time and waking up early will give you time to enjoy the morning calm of nature. Try to create a daily routine; waking up the same time, daily Sadhana; Asana, pranayama, Kriya and meditation practice.

- In morning notice take note of how you feel, what your tongue and poop looks like. This is a tell tale sign of your digestion and Vikruti (current state)

- Scrape your tongue ideally with a copper scraper from the back to the front to get rid of Ama or toxins. Scraping the tongue not only keeps oral cavity healthy but also stimulates the internal organs

- Whatever you take in the morning sets the mood for the rest of the day! Drink a big glass of room temperature water in the morning after brushing your teeth. Afterwards drink another glass of warm water with lemon or lime juice. This washes the digestive tract or toxins that have built up overnight, stimulates peristalsis and gives the body a vitamin C boost.

- Oil pulling is one of the best ways to keep your gums and teeth healthy. It has been used for thousands of years! Take a small mouthful of sesame oil/Coconut oil and swish it around, pulling the oil in between the gaps in the teeth for approx. 10-15 minutes. The oil will become thin and turn into a whitish color. Spit it out and flush with hot water so it doesn’t clog the sink. Brush teeth again

- Dry brushing. Your skin is the biggest organ of elimination. Dry brushing gets red of dead cells, stimulates the lymphatic system and improves circulation. Use a natural bristle brush or a loofah and brush from feet up, long strokes along the legs and arms, brushing in circles around the abdomen, direction of brushing towards the heart.

- Use spices and herbs like Ginger, turmeric, cinnamon, fennel, coriander and cumin to improve digestive fire and metabolism.

- To aid digestion, drink Cumin, Corriander and Fennel tea, commonly known as CCF tea.  Boil 3 cups of water and add 1/4 tsp Cumin seeds, ¼ tsp Corriander seeds and ¼ tsp Fennel seeds. Cover pan with lid, steep and drain seeds out. Sip with your meal. This is one of the most simplest and traditional formulas to aid digestion. The combination of these herbs stokes the digestive fire, gets rid of sluggishness, water retention and relaxes the mind. One can also chew a small handful of fennel seeds after the meal to aid digestion, strengthen Agni and dispelling flatulence.

- Watch out for proportion and combination of food. Keep it simple. The amount we eat should not exceed the capacity of the stomach. Just like the laundry; overload= out of service!

- Take a hot bath with oils or shower before bedtime to relax entire body. It soothes Vata dosha and prepares mind and body for sleep.

- One of my favorite drinks to take before bedtime is a cup of golden milk. It helps reduce inflammation and aids relaxation. Golden milk is excellent for calming Vata dosha but it’s also a great tonic for all doshas. I like to use almond milk but it’s good with any nut milk.  Heat 1 cup of almond milk, add ½ tsp organic turmeric, a pinch of nutmeg, pinch of cinnamon,1 inch crushed fresh ginger and 3 crushed cardamom pods. Add maple syrup or other sweetener if desired.

- Massage the soles of the feet with Bhringaraj oil or sesame oil and cover with socks before bedtime. Additionally massage oil to the scalp and cover the pillow with a towel. Apply one drop of oil diluted nutmeg oil to each temple and forehead.  Nutmeg is especially good for those who have insomnia or restlessness.

- We often have too many worries and anxieties when we’re supposed to be sleeping. Do not look at computers or phones just before bedtime. Leave the phone in another room.

- After you take a hot shower or bath, lie down on the bed and watch the breath for a few minutes and slowly scan the entire body from the feet towards the head with your attention. You will sleep like a baby!

- Each individual has the power to heal him/herself. Find out your Prakriti and current Vikruti so you can maintain your optimum health.

For more information on Ayurveda cooking, as well as our plant-based dessert and cheese workshops, please contact Pam here.