Smooth out your monthly cycle
The human body is a delicate balancing act, and never more so than during a woman's monthly cycle.
Interestingly, in Ayurveda, the menstrual cycle has its very own AIR, FIRE and EARTH stage. If you can recognize which phase affects you most, then you can understand how to support yourself through your period. Here’s what you can do at each stage of the cycle:
AIR STAGE: YOUR PERIOD
From day 1-4: This phase is about pushing the blood lost during a period down & out of the body.
+ Issues: Digestive upset, constipation, pain during intercourse, fatigue, anxiety and insomnia
+ Tips:
keep warm
lighten your social calendar so you can recharge
take calming & nourishing herbs like ashwagandha, shatavari (and triphala/haritaki, if constipated)
drink licorice and holy basil teas
avoid: anxiety-inducing stimulants like caffeine
EARTH STAGE: PERIOD UNTIL OVULATION
From day 4-14: This stage of the cycle is often filled w/ energy & vitality. It’s about building the mucous membrane that lines the inside of the uterus and prepping for conception.
+ Issues: Fluid retention, breast lumps, weight gain, discharge, tiredness, back ache & heaviness
+ Tips:
keep yourself energized by walking around
try herbs that support oestrogen balance like shatavari & aloe vera
cook w/ invigorating spices like turmeric & ginger
drink cinnamon, matcha teas
avoid hibernating
FIRE STAGE: OVULATION TO NEXT PERIOD
From day 14-18: This stage is prepping the body for new life, where the sex hormone progesterone peaks.
+ Issues: Severe PMS, skin irritations, headaches, diarrhea, emotional overload
+ Tips:
help the liver metabolize the high hormone levels w/ spirulina & aloe vera
take ashwagandha & shatavari
eat antioxidant-packed dark leafy greens: spinach, kale, broccoli
drink cooling mint teas
avoid🍸
