Written by John Immel, Asheville, NCAs the first few weeks of fall carry a crisp chill in the air, you may need an extra blanket at night, a cozy sweater in the morning or even a hot cup of tea. In September, your body transitions from the hot summer days of Pitta season into the cooler Vata time of year. Fall is characterized by increased dryness, both in nature and in your body. This dryness can also make you feel more anxious and restless. Apples, cinnamon, and comfort foods are ideal to help you settle down and your body prepare for colder months ahead. We've compiled a list of our top 10 Ayurvedic recipes that will help you transition gracefully through the season change this September.

Do you live in the Southern Hemisphere? You may need the Ayurvedic Recipes for March instead.

Nourish Dry Skin

Richer, oiler foods can help your skin stay supple and moist in autumn. This Coconut, Almond Butter, Date and Vanilla Bean Smoothie not only nourishes skin, but coconut milk continues to clear any residual pitta heat from summer.

Apple Sauce with Ginger & Ghee hydrates and moisturizes from within, alleviating fall dryness. The fresh ginger root in this apple sauce recipe encourages strong circulation which also helps combat dry skin.

Richer Foods Encourage Smooth Digestion & Elimination

The cooler temperatures and dry qualities of fall can disrupt digestion and lead to unwanted ailments such as constipation. Including oily foods, such as avocados, coconuts, and salmon, can help ensure your body is internally lubricated, allowing for smooth elimination. Our Eggs Baked in Avocado is a perfect recipe to prevent fall constipation.

Fall dryness can make digestion weak. Using digestive spices in your food, such as cardamom in our Pistachio Pancakes with Cardamom, counteracts fall gas and bloating. Cardamom kindles your digestive fire (agni). Root vegetables, hearty grains, stews and casseroles are help you feel grounded and nourished this time of year.

Cleanse & Rejuvenate This Fall

In Ayurveda, the transition between two seasons it the optimal time to cleanse and rejuvenate, particularly in fall and spring. A Kitchari Cleanse is Ayurveda's favorite way to cleanse as it simultaneously nourishes and detoxes the entire body. Order our Kitchari Kit to get everything you need to make this Vata Reducing Kitchari. At this time of year, you also want to emphasize easy to digest food like this Butternut Squash Soup with Fennel, Ginger & Garlic, especially after doing a cleanse.

Soothe Sleepless Nights

Insomnia may become more frequent as the early darkness and our summertime energy conflict one another. Also, as kids go back to school and the end of the year is creeping ever closer, it's common to lay awake at night with swirling thoughts in September. A natural sedative before bed, such as this Poppy Seed Sleepy Time Tea, can help you drift into a night of deep, uninterrupted sleep. Including more soft and sweet foods, like dates, oats and sweet potato, will also help the body adapt to the cool and rough air. Sweet Cream of Wheat is a lovely warm and comforting breakfast or dessert option to help you adjust to the change in climate.

Summary

While the last of the summer days are slipping away, September invites a new chapter. It's the time of year to enjoy fresh morning walks in the cooler air and cozy evenings on the couch. The seasonal change can bring about shifts in your body, so be prepared that digestion may be a bit erratic this time of year. You may also feel a little more scattered than usual, have trouble drifting off to sleep at night or suffer with dry skin. Keep these ailments at bay and stay balanced this September with these warming, nourishing Ayurvedic recipes.

Drinks:
	Coconut Milk, Almond Butter, Date & Vanilla Bean Smoothie
	Poppy Seed Sleepy Time Tea
Breakfast:
	Eggs Baked in Avocado
	Pistachio Pancakes with Cardamom
	Almond Date Granola
Lunch / Dinner:
	Vata Reducing Kitchari
	Butternut Squash Soup with Fennel, Ginger & Garlic
	Pistachio Crusted Salmon with Lingonberry Jam
Snack / Dessert:
	Apple Sauce with Ginger & Ghee
	Sweet Cream of Wheat

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