Insight into Menopause with Ayurveda

Menopause is an oasis of lightness wedged

between the phases of fertility and wisdom.

-Maya Tiwari

Yoni Yantra, art from ancient India

Unlike modern Western culture that has a negative stereotype of menopause, Vedic culture honors all times of life and stages of being.

To fully establish a lifestyle plan of balance, I recommend that you consult an Ayurvedic Practitioner to determine your current mind, body balance. 

In general, Ayurveda looks at hormonal balance and how Vata, the dosha that represents ether and air, are presenting in the body and mind to assist in holistic health.

Here are Vata balancing foods that you can incorporate everyday for warmth, deep nourishment and grounding:

·      Sweet potatoes

·      Asparagus

·      Artichoke

·      Green beans

·      Parsnips

·      Organic cow’s milk and ghee

·      Whole grains: quinoa, barley, brown rice

·      Fruits: dates, grapes, raisins, pomegranates, cooked apples

·      Almonds, soaked and made into milk

·      Cinnamon, clove, coriander, fennel, cumin, black pepper, saffron, basil, cardamom, ginger, licorice, rose, raspberry leaves

Light and Inspired Tea

1/2 tsp red raspberry leaves

1 tsp rose petals

½ tsp licorice powder or root

1 tsp marshmallow root

1 cup boiling water

Infuse herbs in water for 10 min, strain and sip blissfully.

Spicy Wise Woman Mix

Use 1 tsp per serving with soups, vegetables and grains. Saute in Cultured Ayurvedic Ghee for best results.

1 part Coriander powder

½ part Fennel powder

¼ part Cumin powder

20 Saffron thistles

10 Clove buds

¼ part Ginger powder

1/8 part Cardamom powder

1/8 part Cinnamon powder

1/8 part sweet Basil powder

1/4 part Turmeric powder

Powder all the spices in a mortar and pestle or a coffee grinder and mix them together.  Enjoy!

Saffron and Shatavari Milk

Recipe By Maya Tiwari in Woman’s Power to Heal

1 cup organic milk, cow is best, almond second- NO SOY.

10 strands saffron thistles

½ tsp shatavari powder

1 teaspoon ghee

Bring the milk to a boil.  Remove from the heat. Stir in the powders and add the ghee. Drink an hour or so before bed. Take for a period of three to six months.

Overall, Menopause is a time for deep nourishing and honoring of your inner Wise Woman.  Nourish yourself with these practices at midlife:

·      Nutrition that balances Vata

·      Ample and regular bed and rest schedules

·      Daily Warm Oil Massage

·      Yoga, Tai Chi and walking in nature.

Cheers to your inner wisdom!

Love,

Radha