In chapter 10.35 of the Bhagavad Gita, Lord Krishna reveals his true nature, “and of seasons, I am the flower-bearing spring,” the king of seasons. It is the time for growth, sprouting, and blooming. According to Ayurveda, the qualities of spring are warm, moist, gentle, and unctuous. The warmth of spring melts the cold accumulated kapha. This is why many people experience seasonal allergies. In addition, as flowers shed their fragrance and pollen, many people experience allergies and hay fever.

By honoring seasonal protocols, we honor the laws of nature and of the universe. Spring is a time for cleansing and cleaning. Celebrate spring by following seasonal guidelines mid-March through early June.

Good herbs for spring are pippali, black pepper, ginger, fennel, cumin, coriander, and fennel. To make a tea, add one teaspoon of each herb to 4 cups of water. Boil until the mixture is reduced by half. Strain and enjoy. You can also use those herbs liberally in your everyday cooking during the spring months.

Strictly avoid heavy, oily, sour, salty foods.

Limit dairy, including ghee and milk.

Favor bitter, pungent, and astringent foods.

All legumes such as lentils, pinto, and garbanzos are astringent and are highly recommended.

Astringent and pungent vegetables and spices include radish, spinach, okra, onions, garlic, black pepper, cayenne and chill peppers.

A cup of hot water with honey eases congestion. Never cook honey though, as it can clog the channels.

This is a good season to observe fasts of juices of pomegranates and apples.

Wake up early and go for a walk or do some invigorating sun salutations.

Avoid day sleeping, as it aggravates kapha.

References,

Vasant Lad. The Complete Book of Ayurvedic Home Remedies, Three Rivers Press; 1999.

By Katelynn Ingersoll

Katelynn is a yoga instructor and practitioner of Ayurveda and completed her Ayurvedic studies program at the Ayurvedic Institute (New Mexico) in 2012 under the guidance of Dr. Vasant Lad. Since then, she has continued to study extensively with leaders in the field of Ayurveda in clinical and intensive settings such as Dr. Claudia Welch’s mentorship program and a Gurukula setting with Dr. Lad in Pune, India. She is the director of Hot Yoga Philadelphia, Half Moon Ayurveda and Integrative Health and also the the founder of Philly Yoga Factory, a non-profit organization making yoga and integrative healing arts accessible to underserved communities in Philadelphia. Katelynn practices Ayurveda, organizes workshops, and teaches yoga at her yoga/ intergrative health clinic in Center City Philadelphia.