The season of dandruff in my hair, dryness on my lips, and dullness on my skin is officially back. And it is accompanied by the smog, pollution, and unclean air, which makes it even worse. But, for all my desi girls who want that perfect winter glow, plump, healthy skin, and hair that doesn’t look like straw, here’s something for you. Think oil massages approved by your dadi, kadhas that are like desi magic potions, and sunlight sessions that will double up as your seasonal serotonin shots. Here are the ayurvedic practices for winter to glow from within.

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1. Sip on copper-infused water in the morning

Give your cute Stanley cup a break, and this winter season, sip your water from a copper bottle. According to Ayurveda, it balances the doshas, boosts metabolism, and gives your skin a naturally luminous look. So, take a copper bottle, fill it the night before, and sip on the magic concoction, aka copper-infused water, at room temperature.

2. Indulge in abhyanga, the sesame oil massage

It’s peak Vata season, meaning dull, dry, and dehydrated skin no matter how many creams and lotions you lather. And one of the best Ayurvedic practices to follow this season is to indulge in abhyanga, a sesame oil massage. This Ayurvedic wellness ritual calms your nerves, moisturises your skin, and melts away the stress. Do it pre-bath and let the oil soak properly for best results.

3. Morning sun soaks are non-negotiable

Still putting reminders on your phone to pop vitamin D supplements? What if you just skipped the pills and picked up vitamin D directly from the source instead? Yep, morning sun soaks are a popular Ayurvedic practice that boosts immunity, regulates hormones, and lifts your mood better than your morning cup of caffeine. So, take out 10-15 minutes in the morning to stretch, journal, and plan your day while basking in the warm sunlight.

4. Try nasya drops in the morning

Breathing freely without a blocked nose and waking up without a headache is a blessing in the winter. One Ayurvedic practice for winter that will let you breathe easy is trying Nasya drops in the morning. This involves putting a few drops of warm oil in your nasal passage to keep it lubricated. This prevents sinus build-up, eases winter headaches, and enhances your focus.

5. Stir up some herb-infused kadhas

If you’ve grown up in a desi household, you know homemade kadhas are literal magic potions to keep you going through the winter season. The star ingredients include tulsi, ginger, cinnamon, black pepper, and more. You can easily find them in your kitchen and brew yourself a hot cup. These help boost immunity, aid digestion, improve blood circulation, reduce bloating, keep away period cramps, and keep your hydration levels in check.

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6. One spoon of ghee goes a long way

Don’t scrunch up your nose because desi ghee is the unsung hero of every Indian household, and for good reason. Contrary to popular belief, one spoon of ghee in the morning with warm water can do wonders for you. From glowing skin, weight loss, hydration, improved immunity, and enhanced digestion to much more, it is the liquid gold that you should be consuming. Apply some to your scalp to help with the dryness and make your roots stronger and healthier.

7. Try garshana, the desi dry brushing technique

Long before dry brushing showed up as a TikTok trend, Ayurveda had been following the practice of garshana, the Indian dry brushing method. This Ayurvedic practice for winter involves using a raw silk or linen brush to drain the lymphatic system. It helps in reducing puffiness, improves blood circulation, and leaves your skin feeling soft and smooth. You can also dry brush your hair to stimulate the points in your crown that stimulate blood flow and remove any flaky buildup. Follow it up with abhyanga to rehydrate your skin.

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