Ayurveda’s Approach to the Flu: Understanding, Prevention, and Recovery
Discover how Ayurveda explains the flu, how to prevent it, and the best remedies for recovery. Learn how balance, rest, and herbal support can restore health.
Ayurveda’s Approach to the Flu: Understanding, Prevention, and Recovery
I almost always think that I won’t get sick, that I won’t catch whatever happens to be going around—despite the fact that I’m constantly around people. And while I teach this stuff, I don’t practice it perfectly 100% of the time. This time, I had just moved into a new home and thought I could do it all—work, yoga, teach, cook, unpack, organize, say yes to too many social scenarios, and agree to too many work obligations. I ignored my body's need for rest, and then I got hit with the flu. And instead of fully allowing myself the time to recover, I convinced myself that I could push through it—which, of course, made it worse.
Sometimes those of us who teach others how to be well and healthy need to take our own advice!
Why the Flu is So Bad Right Now
February is notorious for being peak flu season. The combination of cold weather, increased time indoors, and weakened immunity from post-holiday stress and travel makes it the perfect storm for viruses to spread. The flu is a highly contagious viral infection that circulates rapidly in winter months, and even if we’re taking good care of ourselves, exposure is inevitable.
Understanding the Flu Through the Lens of Ayurveda
The flu, according to Ayurveda, is often caused by an imbalance in Vata and Kapha doshas. The seasonal transition, particularly as we move into colder months, can aggravate Vata, weakening the immune system and making the body vulnerable. Kapha accumulation in the respiratory system can lead to congestion, sluggishness, and mucus buildup. If agni (digestive fire) is weak, the body struggles to fight off pathogens effectively, resulting in fever, body aches, and fatigue.
Recently, where I live, there has been quite a surge in flu cases—many people around me have been getting sick. Viruses spread easily in shared spaces, whether at work, in social gatherings, or even just running errands. While our exposure to pathogens is often unavoidable, our body's ability to resist them depends on our internal balance. And in my case? I was running on depletion and ignored the signs that I needed to slow down.
How to Prevent the Flu with Ayurveda
Ayurveda focuses on building resilience and maintaining balance before illness sets in. Here’s how:
1. Maintain Strong Digestion (Agni)
A strong agni is crucial for immunity. Incorporate warm, cooked foods, avoid excessive raw and cold meals, and add immune-boosting spices like ginger, turmeric, cumin, and black pepper to your diet.
2. Follow a Consistent Daily Routine (Dinacharya)
Having a regular sleep schedule, eating meals at consistent times, and practicing stress-reducing techniques like yoga and meditation help regulate the doshas and strengthen the body's defenses.
3. Keep Warm & Grounded
As Vata increases during seasonal transitions, staying warm with layered clothing, warm drinks, and well cooked foods.
What to Do When the Flu Hits
When symptoms appear, the goal is to support the body rather than suppress symptoms. Ayurveda emphasizes rest, warmth, and proper nourishment during this time.
1. Eat Easy-to-Digest Foods
Broths & Herbal Teas with ginger, turmeric, tulsi, and licorice root soothe inflammation and aid detoxification.
Avoid dairy, heavy foods, and excessive sugar, which can worsen congestion.
2. Hydrate & Detoxify
Sip warm water with lemon to aid digestion and flush toxins.
Steam inhalation with eucalyptus or ajwain seeds helps clear congestion.
Gargle with warm salt water to ease a sore throat and kill bacteria.
3. Rest Deeply
In Ayurveda, flu symptoms indicate Ojas depletion (our vital energy). Sleep and relaxation are non-negotiable for rebuilding immunity. Trying to push through illness (as I learned the hard way) only prolongs recovery.
Recovering from the Flu: Rebuilding Strength & Immunity
After the fever breaks and congestion clears, the body needs time to restore balance. Jumping back into intense activity too soon can leave you vulnerable to relapse.
1. Reintroduce Foods Slowly
Start with light soups and stews before returning to heavier meals.
Use digestive spices to rekindle agni and prevent sluggishness.
2. Gentle Movement & Breathwork
Restorative yoga or light stretching helps circulation without overtaxing the body.
Pranayama (breathwork) techniques like Nadi Shodhana (alternate nostril breathing) support lung recovery.
Final Thoughts
Getting the flu after doing “everything right” was humbling, but also a powerful reminder that doing all the right things doesn’t mean pushing ourselves past the point of exhaustion. Ayurveda teaches us to listen—really listen—to the body’s signals and respect its need for balance.
The flu may have knocked me down, but in true Ayurvedic fashion, it also reminded me to slow down, nourish deeply, and return to a place of harmony. If you find yourself fighting off illness, honor what your body is asking for. Rest, warmth, nourishment, and trust in the wisdom of Ayurveda will always guide you back to health.
Disclaimer
Hey, I’m always learning and a lot of what I choose to share is from my own personal practice. Lots of what works for me may not work for you, but the good news is that Ayurveda is not a one size fits all science. This work requires 1:1 with yourself - and with me! - to help sort out why you’re getting sick, why you may take loinger to recover than others, and how you can personally pervent the flu from rocking you too hard!
Let’s work together