Snippets of Ayurvedic Wisdom - December 2025
- Dr. Arlini Singh
- Dec 25, 2025
- 2 min read
Updated: Dec 25, 2025
Dear Friends
Winter officially began last Sunday with the Winter Solstice on December 21 - the point in the year when darkness is deepest and the light slowly begins its return.
It feels fitting to share this month's Ayurvedic guidance today, on Christmas Day - a time associated with warmth, nourishment, reflection and care from the heart. I hope this season brings you steadiness, good health and moments of quiet restoration.
Ayurveda & Winter : How to Stay Balanced
From an Ayurvedic perspective, winter is dominated by Vata, with Kapha gradually building as the season progresses. Cold, dryness, wind and shorter days can aggravate the nervous system, digestion, joints and sleep if we don't adapt consciously.
A few simple winter principles make a profound difference:
Choose warmth consistently
warm foods, warm drinks, warm routines.
Eat nourishing, cooked meals
soups, stews, grains, root vegetables.
Protect digestion (Agni)
avoid excessive cold or raw foods.
Calm the nervous system
regular sleep, oil massage, gentle evenings.
Small daily rituals done consistently are more powerful than occasional extremes.
A Festive Winter Recipe: Ayurvedic Hot Chocolate
This comforting drink is ideal for cold evenings and emotionally full days during the holidays.
Ingredients:
1 cup whole milk (or nut milk, of your choice)
1 t unsweetened cocoa powder
¼ t cinnamon
A pinch of cardamom powder
A pinch of dry ginger
½ t ghee (optional, especially beneficial for Vata)
Sweetener to taste (jaggery or maple syrup or sugar)
Method:
Gently warm the milk.
Whisk in cocoa, spices and ghee.
Simmer briefly, stirring continuously.
Remove from heat, and add sweetener.
If adding honey as a sweetener then cool slightly and then add the honey.
According to Ayurveda, honey should never be heated.
Ayurvedic benefits:
Supports the nervous system, satisfies sweet cravings without overwhelming digestion, and brings warmth and grounding during winter evenings.
Winter Teas /Often recommended
From my observations at the clinic, most patients want to know how to include herbal teas into their routine.
This traditional masala chai is more than a comfort drink - It contains Shatavari which supports hormonal balance and tissue nourishment and Tulsi which strengthens immunity and stress resilience, making it an ideal daily ritual during winter.
Adding 1 teaspoon of Ashwagandha Latte to this month's recipe, transforms the drink into a calming nightly ritual that supports stress resilience, nervous system balance, and restorative sleep - all areas commonly strained during winter.
Adding 1 teaspoon of Turmeric Milk to this month's recipe, turns the drink into a powerful winter anti-inflammatory ritual, supporting joint comfort, digestion, and tissue health while calming the body before rest.
Timing of the drink is also important. The masala chai is lovely for the cold mornings as it is energizing and the hot chocolate with ashwagandha or turmeric is best for the evenings, as it more calming and nurturing.
Taken regularly, these drinks help anchor daily routines and support the body gently through seasonal transitions.
As the year draws to a close, I want to thank you for your trust, your conversations and your continued support of my work.
May this winter be nourishing rather than draining - and may the returning light bring clarity, strength and renewed energy.
Warm wishes for Christmas and the season ahead.
Dr. Arlini Singh
Ayurvedic Doctor.
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