Happy September with Ayurveda!

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Season of mists and mellow fruitfulness

Close bosom friend of the maturing sun... (Keats)

September is a month of transition, hanging as it does between summer and fall. The abundant harvest of late summer and early fall invites us to enjoy local, seasonal produce just as people did in the time the Ayurvedic texts were written. The first frost comes as a shock after the warmth of summer. As the weather cools, begin to shift from astringent foods such as salads to warmer soups, dals and kitcheris. A gradual change will be easier on your system.

From summer cooling drinks, reintroduce Tulsi tea to help calm vata during the change of season. To cleanse out old pitta accumulated during the summer, enjoy plenty of bitter greens. A blend of bitter herbs known as Mahasudarshan can be taken daily during September--it will help with the Ragweed allergies that plague many at this time of year as well as cleansing old pitta from the blood and liver. To cleanse pitta gently from the small intestines, take Amlaki or Triphala each night before bed.

Change is stressful to vata, especially the onset of fall, the vata season. If you have the opportunity to do pancha karma during fall, it is an optimal time, especially for those who suffer from vata-related issues such as constipation, rheumatism, arthritis and nervous system disorders. If you can't set aside the time for your pancha karma cleanse this fall, at least make sure you do some self-abhyanga (oil massage) with sesame or almond oil each weekend. This practice will be particularly useful during the change of season. You can use castor or mustard oil on areas of your body where aches and pains are starting to show up. Follow your massage with a ginger bath using a third of a cup of dry ginger powder and a third of a cup of baking soda in the tub.

By making a gradual adjustment of diet and lifestyle from summer to fall and enjoying some self-abhyanga, you can make a healthy transition between seasons and prevent problems arising further into fall.

September is a great time to see an Ayurvedic Dcotor to get back on track after summer and plan your Fall cleansing and balancing!


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Alakananda Ma M.B., B.S. (Lond.) is an Ayurvedic Doctor (NAMA) and graduate of a top London medical school. She is co-founder of Alandi Ayurveda Clinic and Alandi Ayurveda Gurukula in Boulder Colorado, as well as a spiritual mother, teacher, flower essence maker and storyteller. Alakananda is a well known and highly respected practitioner in the Ayurveda community both nationally and internationally.

Enliven your holistic health! Visit Alakananda Ma in Alandi Ashram’s ayurvedic clinic to support the overall rejuvenation of your body, mind, and spirit. In-person and virtual appointments available. Book now!