Instagram is always bombarding me with hundreds of ways to “improve your life” through products with a price tag well above the average university student’s monthly budget. The idea of spending money on sheet masks and spa days was unheard of in the Indian household I grew up in — thousands of years of Ayurvedic practices were more than enough to get me through rough mornings and long days at school. If you’re looking for a new way to incorporate beneficial and eco-friendly habits into your daily routine, here are a few Ayurvedic remedies to try.
Boost your agni with a warm glass of lemon water
In Ayurveda, agni — the Sanskrit word for fire — refers to your digestive strength; the stronger it is, the less you experience indigestion, bloating, and toxin buildup. Late nights at Geisel Library and midnight Taco Bell runs can cause students to experience a steep decline in agni during stressful times like exam season. Drinking a cup of warm water with a teaspoon of lemon juice on an empty stomach first thing in the morning can quickly improve digestion. The lemon’s rich vitamin C content can reduce acidity and boost the immune system. If you are also experiencing indigestion or lack of appetite, adding some ginger can give your stomach the extra support it needs.
Unwind your body through surya namaskar sun salutations
Surya namaskar is an ancient practice that takes the body through 12 simple yoga poses with coordinated breathing exercises. This combination ignites the cardiovascular system and unlocks hidden flexibility. This short routine is one of the best ways to start your day and prevent an awkwardly loud back crack in the middle of a silent lecture hall. If you aren’t used to stretching in the morning, take it slow! Doing a simple child’s pose before you get into the sequence can help you open up a little more. The first step is to start in a standing prayer pose, raise your arms back, fold over, and enter a deep lunge. Next, stretch into a plank, a cobra pose, and a downward dog, then repeat the same steps in reverse. Take your time with this exercise and allow yourself to reflect on the day ahead of you.
Heal your skin with a 3-ingredient turmeric face mask
Turmeric is a staple in Ayurvedic practice, often considered a great balancing element due to its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. You can eat this golden spice, apply it on your skin, and spread it through your hair. If you’re looking for a quick way to refresh, mix together a pinch of turmeric, 1 tablespoon of dahi — a fermented yogurt — and 1 to 2 tablespoons of besan flour into a paste. Apply and then sit back for 20 minutes as the turmeric does its work. Pimple patches and face creams can feel tempting, but I promise that natural ingredients are just as refreshing. When that post-midterm acne breakout feels like the end of the world, this recipe will heal your skin and wash away those worries.
Strengthen your hair with a coconut oil massage
For centuries, warm coconut oil has banished dandruff and promoted hair growth. Its strong cooling effect can lock in proteins while also promoting blood circulation throughout the scalp. Spread the oil on your roots about an hour before you wash your hair. Give yourself a deep massage, so the scalp can absorb the oil’s nutrients. If your roots need extra support, consider mixing in protein-rich ingredients like avocado or leaving the oil overnight. If your hair is on the thicker or curlier side, keeping the oil in for longer will yield stronger results. Whenever you’re ready, make sure you give your scalp a thorough wash, as the oil can be tough to rinse out.
Self-care does not need to be bought on TikTok Shop or forced down your throat by a Sephora employee, especially when you can find balance through the natural ingredients in the back of your kitchen cabinet. For thousands of years, Ayurvedic healing practices have helped millions strengthen their bodies and rejuvenate their souls. I know that self-care can seem out of reach as the quarter gets busier, but remember to find moments for introspection and healing!
