Ah, November. The air is crisp, the leaves have fallen, and cozy sweaters are in full rotation. Finally, it’s pumpkin spice season! But as much as we may love the warmth and comfort of fall flavors, Ayurveda reminds us that balancing our seasonal cravings with mindful practices keeps us feeling our best.

 Why Fall Calls for Warm and Grounding Foods

In Ayurveda, fall is associated with Vata energy, which is cold, dry, and light. As Vata rises, we may feel more susceptible to dryness, anxiety, and scattered energy. To balance this, Ayurveda encourages us to embrace warming, grounding, and nourishing foods—exactly what we crave in seasonal favorites like pumpkin spice, cinnamon, ginger, and chai.

A lot of our favorite fall treats, like pumpkin spice, are inherently warming. And that totally tracks, since in Ayurveda we balance with the opposite quality. If summer is hot and bright, we balance with calm and cool. If fall is cool and dry, we balance with warm and moist. So the spices of chia and pumpkin spice, mulled apple cider, etc. are very balancing for fall time!  The seasonal energy of November aligns perfectly with these spices, making it an ideal time to enjoy them. Here’s how to savor fall flavors while keeping your body in harmony with the season.

 Ayurvedic Practices to Complement The Festive Season

While we enjoy these comforting flavors, integrating Ayurvedic self-care practices can make our seasonal transitions even smoother. Here’s how:

Abhyanga (Oil Self-Massage)

As Vata season intensifies, our skin often feels drier. Daily Abhyanga with warm, grounding oils like sesame or almond helps to balance Vata’s dryness. Massage the oil into your skin before your shower, allowing it to soak in for 10-15 minutes. This practice nourishes the skin, calms the nervous system, and grounds your energy for the day.

 Nasya (Nasal Oil Treatment)

The dry air of fall can aggravate sinuses. Nasya oil (a few drops in each nostril) keeps nasal passages moist, supporting respiratory health as you settle into the cooler season. Nasya can prevent congestion, help with brain fog, and keep your sinuses lubricated and comfortable.

 CCF Tea (Cumin, Coriander, Fennel)

Although it’s pumpkin season, it’s also the time to support digestion. CCF tea is a gentle digestive aid that supports agni (digestive fire) without the intense heat. Sip it throughout the day or before meals to warm your core and support smooth digestion. 

 Tongue Scraping

Start each day by scraping your tongue to clear any buildup (ama) accumulated overnight, which can be more common as digestion slows in cooler weather. A quick tongue scrape removes toxins, stimulates digestion, and freshens breath for the day.

 Kitchari

A grounding kitchari cleanse or meal is a great way to reset during the fall season, balancing Vata’s lightness with nourishment and simplicity. Prepare a pot of kitchari in the morning and eat it throughout the day. This dish is easy to digest and deeply nourishing, helping to support the digestive system as we transition into colder months.

 Savor Pumpkin Spice Mindfully!!

As you savor those fall flavors, remember to bring balance into every cup and bite. Let the warmth and spice nourish you from the inside out, and complement these seasonal treats with Ayurvedic practices that keep you grounded and healthy. Enjoy the season of pumpkin spice—it’s truly time!