As air quality indices plummet in major Indian cities, the health crisis from pollution intensifies. The Ayush Ministry urges citizens to go beyond surface-level precautions like masks. True protection lies in enhancing your body’s natural resilience through time-tested Ayurvedic strategies.

Ayurveda’s everyday remedies offer a practical shield. Embrace locally sourced, seasonal produce for their freshness and nutrient density. Winter favorites such as citrus fruits, guava, root vegetables like carrots and radishes, and greens like spinach arm your system with antioxidants and minerals.

Make ginger, pippali, haritaki, and bibhitaki staples. This herbal blend bolsters immunity and clears airways, preventing pollutant buildup. Enjoy them in teas or churnas tailored to your taste.

Warm fluids are non-negotiable. Infuse lukewarm water with citrus, honey, or holy basil for an immunity boost. Elevate it with kadha— a brew of tulsi, ginger, cinnamon, cloves, pepper, and jaggery—consumed multiple times daily to soothe respiratory irritations from smog.

Nutrition plays a starring role: opt for warm, freshly cooked meals. Avoid leftovers that sap vitality. Integrate ghee for its anti-inflammatory prowess, alongside milk, jaggery, and nuts like almonds and walnuts to fuel recovery from environmental toxins.

Weave in yoga, deep breathing exercises, and restful sleep to amplify these benefits. For those with chronic issues, professional medical advice is essential. By nurturing your inner health, you stand resilient against the pollution onslaught ravaging our cities.