Do you enjoy wine? After all … ’tis the season.
I often hear the question, “is there room for wine in an Ayurvedic lifestyle?”
The short answer is yes 🍷
Remember that Ayurveda focuses on the individual, so what may work for one, doesn’t necessarily work for another. The texts tell us that -
“the wrong use of alcohol will create illusion, fear, grief, anger, disease and death”.
Like anything, proper use is key. Herbal wines called arishtas and asavas have been used for thousands of years to treat everything from digestive upset to menstrual issues. So there can be some benefit to an occasional glass of wine. Just remember, the Ayurvedic serving size is 2 oz so start with a half glass and add some water or seltzer.
The qualities of most wine are pungent (heating) and drying (astringent). The pungent qualities will provoke Pitta dosha so be mindful of symptoms of heat such as cheeks flushing, reflux, or a fiery tongue. The drying quality will deplete Vata and Ojas over time.
For Vata, sweet white or red wine is best. They should avoid bubbles.
Those with high Pitta (fire) would do best to avoid alcohol altogether. If you are going to partake, try bitter or astringent wines like dry chardonnay.
Kapha’s slow digestion benefits from a little heat in the form of red wine and the astringency helps to dry up excess moisture in the body.
Whatever you choose to enjoy, be sure to eat first and hydrate in-between and after. A mug of hot licorice or ginger tea with a little honey, taken before bed, will do wonders to help you feel your best the next day.
What’s your take? Does wine leave you feeling nourished or depleted?
