Everyday Ayurveda with Kate

90. Your Daily Oral Care Routine, Backed by Ayurveda and Naturopathy

We spend a lot of time thinking about wellness — what we eat, how we sleep, how we manage stress — but one part of the picture often gets left out: the mouth. In this conversation, Kate welcomes naturopathic doctor Dr. Michael Murray, who has spent more than four decades studying natural approaches to health and healing and authored over 30 books, including The Encyclopedia of Natural Medicine and The Magic of Food.
Dr. Murray opens with the heart of naturopathic medicine: the healing power of nature, removing obstacles to health, and treating the cause rather than only the symptom. He shares the story that drew him into this work — watching natural therapies restore his father's facial movement after Bell's palsy and bring strength back to his own injured knee — and explains why he believes the medicine of the future will lean heavily on food, herbs, and lifestyle.
From there, the conversation turns to oral health. Dr. Murray makes the case that, as Hippocrates suggested, health begins in the gut — and the gut begins in the mouth. He introduces the idea of "leaky gum": when gums are inflamed and form pockets, that highly absorptive tissue can let undesirable compounds into the bloodstream and seed harmful bacteria further down the digestive tract. He walks through the research connecting the oral microbiome to systemic inflammation, rising colon health concerns, and even the gingipain theory associated with Alzheimer's research.
Practically, the two cover what actually helps: tongue scraping, oil pulling (which Dr. Murray frames as both mechanical cleaning and a way to draw out fat-soluble toxins), and smart flossing. They also dig into what to avoid — flosses coated in PFAS "forever chemicals," abrasive microplastics once used in toothpaste, and harsh conventional mouthwashes that can wipe out the beneficial oral microbiome. Dr. Murray highlights the value of Ayurvedic herbs like neem, the role of xylitol, and the importance of a flavonoid-rich diet for healthy gums and collagen.
Kate shares her own experience: facing a periodontist referral for gum recession, she committed to oil pulling (gandusha) and tongue scraping, and six months later her dentist confirmed the recession had stopped — a result that has held for two years. Together, she and Dr. Murray reassure listeners that the exact order of a routine matters less than doing it consistently.
The episode closes with Dr. Murray's broader mission — training practitioners, writing, and his free Thrive program — and a warm rapid-fire round on his own daily rhythms, ending with a gratitude and intention practice he learned from his grandmother.
Topics covered:
Naturopathic medicine and root-cause healing
The oral microbiome and the mouth-body connection
"Leaky gum" and systemic inflammation
Oral health links to colon health and Alzheimer's research (gingipain theory)
PFAS in floss, microplastics in toothpaste, and harsh mouthwash
Oil pulling, tongue scraping, neem, and xylitol
Flavonoid-rich foods for gum and collagen health
Kate's oil pulling experience and stopping gum recession
Building a daily oral care routine that lasts
Resources & Links:
Dr. Michael Murray: drmurray.com  |  @dr.michaelmurray
Free Thrive program: drmurray.com
Health Disclaimer
The information shared on Everyday Ayurveda with Kate is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before making changes to your diet, supplements, or wellness routine.
Spring Cleanse: https://ayurvedicliving.institute/kitchari-cleanse-ayurveda-springConnect with Kate: https://www.healwithkate.org Ayurvedic Living Institute Membership: https://ayurvedicliving.institute/membership Women's Health Collection: https://courses.ayurvedicliving.institute/collections/womens-healthhttps://courses.ayurvedicliving.institute/products/courses/copy-of-fall-community-cleanse-2024Thanks to our Sponsors: Banyan Botanicalshttps://alnk.to/eOQb34qBeauty Balmhttps://alnk.to/7qolQRWKate's Discount code 15% off Banyan SPRINGWITHKATEandDr. TungsDr. Tungs Link: https://drtungs.com/collections/oral-care-kits

90. Your Daily Oral Care Routine, Backed by Ayurveda and Naturopathy [Video]

We spend a lot of time thinking about wellness — what we eat, how we sleep, how we manage stress — but one part of the picture often gets left out: the mouth. In this conversation, Kate welcomes naturopathic doctor Dr. Michael Murray, who has spent more than four decades studying natural approaches to health and healing and authored over 30 books, including The Encyclopedia of Natural Medicine and The Magic of Food.
Dr. Murray opens with the heart of naturopathic medicine: the healing power of nature, removing obstacles to health, and treating the cause rather than only the symptom. He shares the story that drew him into this work — watching natural therapies restore his father's facial movement after Bell's palsy and bring strength back to his own injured knee — and explains why he believes the medicine of the future will lean heavily on food, herbs, and lifestyle.
From there, the conversation turns to oral health. Dr. Murray makes the case that, as Hippocrates suggested, health begins in the gut — and the gut begins in the mouth. He introduces the idea of "leaky gum": when gums are inflamed and form pockets, that highly absorptive tissue can let undesirable compounds into the bloodstream and seed harmful bacteria further down the digestive tract. He walks through the research connecting the oral microbiome to systemic inflammation, rising colon health concerns, and even the gingipain theory associated with Alzheimer's research.
Practically, the two cover what actually helps: tongue scraping, oil pulling (which Dr. Murray frames as both mechanical cleaning and a way to draw out fat-soluble toxins), and smart flossing. They also dig into what to avoid — flosses coated in PFAS "forever chemicals," abrasive microplastics once used in toothpaste, and harsh conventional mouthwashes that can wipe out the beneficial oral microbiome. Dr. Murray highlights the value of Ayurvedic herbs like neem, the role of xylitol, and the importance of a flavonoid-rich diet for healthy gums and collagen.
Kate shares her own experience: facing a periodontist referral for gum recession, she committed to oil pulling (gandusha) and tongue scraping, and six months later her dentist confirmed the recession had stopped — a result that has held for two years. Together, she and Dr. Murray reassure listeners that the exact order of a routine matters less than doing it consistently.
The episode closes with Dr. Murray's broader mission — training practitioners, writing, and his free Thrive program — and a warm rapid-fire round on his own daily rhythms, ending with a gratitude and intention practice he learned from his grandmother.
 
Topics covered:
Naturopathic medicine and root-cause healing
The oral microbiome and the mouth-body connection
"Leaky gum" and systemic inflammation
Oral health links to colon health and Alzheimer's research (gingipain theory)
PFAS in floss, microplastics in toothpaste, and harsh mouthwash
Oil pulling, tongue scraping, neem, and xylitol
Flavonoid-rich foods for gum and collagen health
Kate's oil pulling experience and stopping gum recession
Building a daily oral care routine that lasts
Resources & Links:
Dr. Michael Murray: drmurray.com  |  IG: @dr.michaelmurray
Free Thrive program: drmurray.com
 
Health Disclaimer
The information shared on Everyday Ayurveda with Kate is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before making changes to your diet, supplements, or wellness routine.
Spring Cleanse: https://ayurvedicliving.institute/kitchari-cleanse-ayurveda-springConnect with Kate: https://www.healwithkate.org Ayurvedic Living Institute Membership: https://ayurvedicliving.institute/membership Women's Health Collection: https://courses.ayurvedicliving.institute/collections/womens-healthhttps://courses.ayurvedicliving.institute/products/courses/copy-of-fall-community-cleanse-2024Thanks to our Sponsors: Banyan Botanicalshttps://alnk.to/eOQb34qBeauty Balmhttps://alnk.to/7qolQRWKate's Discount code 15% off Banyan SPRINGWITHKATEandDr. TungsDr. Tungs Link: https://drtungs.com/collections/oral-care-kits

89. What To Eat When It's Too Hot To Cook: Kate's Summer Meal Formula

Ever stare at the kitchen in the dog days of July and go completely blank? Kate O'Donnell has. And in this solo episode, she opens up her real summer kitchen — not the aspirational one, but the actual one — full of quick meals, prepped-ahead staples, and cooling drinks she's been making for decades.
 
Summer is Pitta season in Ayurveda, which means the digestive fire is strong but easily overwhelmed by heat, heaviness, and poor food choices. The solution isn't complicated. It's about working with the season: more fiber, more bitter and astringent foods, less oil and heat, and smarter hydration.
 
What Kate covers in this episode:
 
DIGESTION AND SUMMER FIBER
Summer warmth and humidity support the breakdown of high-fiber foods like beans and vegetables that might cause bloating in fall. Kate explains how to take advantage of this seasonal window.
 
LIQUID NOURISHMENT FOR HOT AFTERNOONS
Kate's afternoon strategy: cooling blender drinks between meals to manage blood sugar without overloading digestion. Highlights include black grape juice with cardamom, cantaloupe-cinnamon cooler, and watermelon with fresh basil.
 
CHANA DOSA: THE SUMMER FRIDGE STAPLE
Chickpea flour, water, yogurt, and salt. Kate whisks it together, keeps it in the fridge for five days, and fries up a couple at a moment's notice alongside summer soups. High protein, high fiber, endlessly adaptable.
 
WARM SUMMER SOUPS
Even in summer, Kate leans warm. Her rotation includes corn chowder with chipotle and coconut milk, the "only zucchini soup" (ghee, zucchini, salt, pepper, blended), and creamy green soups with coconut milk and fresh herbs.
 
QUINOA SALAD FOR THE BEACH BAG
Kate's most portable summer meal — quinoa with steamed vegetables, a simple olive oil and lemon dressing, and a tabbouleh version with parsley and Sun Gold tomatoes. Pairs perfectly with tahini sauce from a jar.
 
COOLING CREAMY DRINKS
When fruit drinks aren't enough, Kate turns to cardamom lassi (yogurt + water + cardamom + sweetener) and homemade cardamom almond milk — both cooling, nourishing, and easy on digestion.
 
THE CUCUMINT MOCKTAIL
Two cucumbers, two cups of coconut water, the juice of a lime, a few sprigs of mint. Blended, not strained. Served with a lime wedge, optionally salted or tajín-rimmed. Kate's go-to for hot summer evenings.
 
Resources mentioned:
healwithkate.org
Kate's book Everyday Ayurveda for Women's Health (seaweed gomasio recipe)
Banyan Botanicals Beauty Balm: banyanbotanicals.com/kate
Dr. Tung's oral care: drtungs.com (15% off for new customers)
 
Health Disclaimer: The information shared on Everyday Ayurveda with Kate is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before making changes to your diet, supplements, or wellness routine.
Spring Cleanse: https://ayurvedicliving.institute/kitchari-cleanse-ayurveda-springConnect with Kate: https://www.healwithkate.org Ayurvedic Living Institute Membership: https://ayurvedicliving.institute/membership Women's Health Collection: https://courses.ayurvedicliving.institute/collections/womens-healthhttps://courses.ayurvedicliving.institute/products/courses/copy-of-fall-community-cleanse-2024Thanks to our Sponsors: Banyan Botanicalshttps://alnk.to/eOQb34qBeauty Balmhttps://alnk.to/7qolQRWKate's Discount code 15% off Banyan SPRINGWITHKATEandDr. TungsDr. Tungs Link: https://drtungs.com/collections/oral-care-kits

89. What To Eat When It’s Too Hot To Cook: Kate’s Summer Meal Formula [VIDEO]

Ever stare at the kitchen in the dog days of July and go completely blank? Kate O'Donnell has. And in this solo episode, she opens up her real summer kitchen — not the aspirational one, but the actual one — full of quick meals, prepped-ahead staples, and cooling drinks she's been making for decades.
 
Summer is Pitta season in Ayurveda, which means the digestive fire is strong but easily overwhelmed by heat, heaviness, and poor food choices. The solution isn't complicated. It's about working with the season: more fiber, more bitter and astringent foods, less oil and heat, and smarter hydration.
 
What Kate covers in this episode:
 
DIGESTION AND SUMMER FIBER
Summer warmth and humidity support the breakdown of high-fiber foods like beans and vegetables that might cause bloating in fall. Kate explains how to take advantage of this seasonal window.
 
LIQUID NOURISHMENT FOR HOT AFTERNOONS
Kate's afternoon strategy: cooling blender drinks between meals to manage blood sugar without overloading digestion. Highlights include black grape juice with cardamom, cantaloupe-cinnamon cooler, and watermelon with fresh basil.
 
CHANA DOSA: THE SUMMER FRIDGE STAPLE
Chickpea flour, water, yogurt, and salt. Kate whisks it together, keeps it in the fridge for five days, and fries up a couple at a moment's notice alongside summer soups. High protein, high fiber, endlessly adaptable.
 
WARM SUMMER SOUPS
Even in summer, Kate leans warm. Her rotation includes corn chowder with chipotle and coconut milk, the "only zucchini soup" (ghee, zucchini, salt, pepper, blended), and creamy green soups with coconut milk and fresh herbs.
 
QUINOA SALAD FOR THE BEACH BAG
Kate's most portable summer meal — quinoa with steamed vegetables, a simple olive oil and lemon dressing, and a tabbouleh version with parsley and Sun Gold tomatoes. Pairs perfectly with tahini sauce from a jar.
 
COOLING CREAMY DRINKS
When fruit drinks aren't enough, Kate turns to cardamom lassi (yogurt + water + cardamom + sweetener) and homemade cardamom almond milk — both cooling, nourishing, and easy on digestion.
 
THE CUCUMINT MOCKTAIL
Two cucumbers, two cups of coconut water, the juice of a lime, a few sprigs of mint. Blended, not strained. Served with a lime wedge, optionally salted or tajín-rimmed. Kate's go-to for hot summer evenings.
 
Resources mentioned:
healwithkate.org
Kate's book Everyday Ayurveda for Women's Health (seaweed gomasio recipe)
Banyan Botanicals Beauty Balm: banyanbotanicals.com/kate
Dr. Tung's oral care: drtungs.com (15% off for new customers)
 
Health Disclaimer: The information shared on Everyday Ayurveda with Kate is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before making changes to your diet, supplements, or wellness routine.
Spring Cleanse: https://ayurvedicliving.institute/kitchari-cleanse-ayurveda-springConnect with Kate: https://www.healwithkate.org Ayurvedic Living Institute Membership: https://ayurvedicliving.institute/membership Women's Health Collection: https://courses.ayurvedicliving.institute/collections/womens-healthhttps://courses.ayurvedicliving.institute/products/courses/copy-of-fall-community-cleanse-2024Thanks to our Sponsors: Banyan Botanicalshttps://alnk.to/eOQb34qBeauty Balmhttps://alnk.to/7qolQRWKate's Discount code 15% off Banyan SPRINGWITHKATEandDr. TungsDr. Tungs Link: https://drtungs.com/collections/oral-care-kits

88. Ayurvedic Summer Foods: Cool Your Body & Balance Pitta Naturally

Summer isn't just a season — it's a whole shift in how your body functions, digests, and eliminates. In this solo episode of Everyday Ayurveda with Kate, host Kate O'Donnell offers a thorough and practical Ayurvedic guide to navigating the summer months with intention.
Drawing on the classical concept of Ritucharya (seasonal routines), Kate explains why summer is actually the time of year when the body is weaker and digestive fire (agni) is more diffuse — and what that means for how you eat, move, and care for your skin.
This episode also makes an important distinction that many wellness guides miss: not all summers are the same. Whether you're experiencing humid coastal heat or the dry fire of the desert Southwest, Kate's guidance is tailored to help you work with your unique climate.
 
Key Takeaways
Your digestive fire (agni) is actually weaker in summer — heat spreads throughout the body rather than concentrating in the gut
Humid vs. dry summer heat require different approaches to food, skincare, and body oiling
The six tastes to favor in summer: bitter and astringent (with sweet, cooling fruits as your ally)
Cooling superstars: melons, cucumbers, zucchini, fennel, pomegranate, black grapes, mint, cilantro, cardamom
Why onion and garlic are heating foods that can make you sweat more and feel less refreshed
Aloe vera as a summer hero — both internally (2 oz in coconut water or pomegranate juice) and topically as an alternative to heavy oils
Why coconut oil is the recommended massage oil in summer (lighter and actually cooling to the body)
Ayurveda's favored summer exercise: swimming. Timing also matters — exercise early before the heat peaks
How to adjust meal timing so your biggest meal happens before the hottest part of the day
How your personal activity level and climate affect what "summer eating" actually looks like for you
Spring Cleanse: https://ayurvedicliving.institute/kitchari-cleanse-ayurveda-springConnect with Kate: https://www.healwithkate.org Ayurvedic Living Institute Membership: https://ayurvedicliving.institute/membership Women's Health Collection: https://courses.ayurvedicliving.institute/collections/womens-healthhttps://courses.ayurvedicliving.institute/products/courses/copy-of-fall-community-cleanse-2024Thanks to our Sponsors: Banyan Botanicalshttps://alnk.to/eOQb34qBeauty Balmhttps://alnk.to/7qolQRWKate's Discount code 15% off Banyan SPRINGWITHKATEandDr. TungsDr. Tungs Link: https://drtungs.com/collections/oral-care-kits

88. Ayurvedic Summer Foods: Cool Your Body & Balance Pitta Naturally [VIDEO]

Summer isn't just a season — it's a whole shift in how your body functions, digests, and eliminates. In this solo episode of Everyday Ayurveda with Kate, host Kate O'Donnell offers a thorough and practical Ayurvedic guide to navigating the summer months with intention.
Drawing on the classical concept of Ritucharya (seasonal routines), Kate explains why summer is actually the time of year when the body is weaker and digestive fire (agni) is more diffuse — and what that means for how you eat, move, and care for your skin.
This episode also makes an important distinction that many wellness guides miss: not all summers are the same. Whether you're experiencing humid coastal heat or the dry fire of the desert Southwest, Kate's guidance is tailored to help you work with your unique climate.
 
Key Takeaways
Your digestive fire (agni) is actually weaker in summer — heat spreads throughout the body rather than concentrating in the gut
Humid vs. dry summer heat require different approaches to food, skincare, and body oiling
The six tastes to favor in summer: bitter and astringent (with sweet, cooling fruits as your ally)
Cooling superstars: melons, cucumbers, zucchini, fennel, pomegranate, black grapes, mint, cilantro, cardamom
Why onion and garlic are heating foods that can make you sweat more and feel less refreshed
Aloe vera as a summer hero — both internally (2 oz in coconut water or pomegranate juice) and topically as an alternative to heavy oils
Why coconut oil is the recommended massage oil in summer (lighter and actually cooling to the body)
Ayurveda's favored summer exercise: swimming. Timing also matters — exercise early before the heat peaks
How to adjust meal timing so your biggest meal happens before the hottest part of the day
How your personal activity level and climate affect what "summer eating" actually looks like for you
Spring Cleanse: https://ayurvedicliving.institute/kitchari-cleanse-ayurveda-springConnect with Kate: https://www.healwithkate.org Ayurvedic Living Institute Membership: https://ayurvedicliving.institute/membership Women's Health Collection: https://courses.ayurvedicliving.institute/collections/womens-healthhttps://courses.ayurvedicliving.institute/products/courses/copy-of-fall-community-cleanse-2024Thanks to our Sponsors: Banyan Botanicalshttps://alnk.to/eOQb34qBeauty Balmhttps://alnk.to/7qolQRWKate's Discount code 15% off Banyan SPRINGWITHKATEandDr. TungsDr. Tungs Link: https://drtungs.com/collections/oral-care-kits

87. How to Rebuild Your Digestion After Antibiotics: An Ayurvedic Recovery Protocol

Antibiotics are sometimes necessary — Kate shares her own experience with a 2019 sinus infection that required treatment, and how she tracked the recovery process closely. What she learned from that experience forms the backbone of this episode.
 
What We Cover:
Why antibiotics kill agni (digestive fire) and what that means for your health
The two-week protocol: what to do while taking antibiotics AND the critical week after
Why the post-antibiotic period is more dangerous than the treatment itself
One-pot healing meals: kitchari, meat stews, soups, and hot cereals
Ayurvedic probiotic approaches: lassi (diluted yogurt drink) and small-batch ferments
CCF tea (cumin, coriander, fennel) and ginger tea as digestive rebuilders
What to avoid: cold foods, fruit mixed with dairy, heavy proteins, raw salads
How to track hunger as a sign your agni is returning
How this protocol applies to colonoscopy prep recovery
How to apply all of this for children as well
 
Kate also addresses the all-important listener concern: 'Do I really have to be careful for a full week after I finish the antibiotics?' Yes, friend. And she explains exactly why — with warmth, zero judgment, and a lot of practical wisdom.
 
Resources mentioned:
Everyday Ayurveda cookbook by Kate O'Donnell — lassi recipe and anti-ama meals
Banyan Botanicals Breathe Easy Balm (Kate's personal sinus support)
Cumin, coriander, and fennel (CCF) tea
Fermented vegetables: sauerkraut, kimchi, local small-batch options
For deeper support on seasonal routines, digestion, and Ayurvedic wellness, visit healwithkate.org.
 
Health Disclaimer: The information shared on Everyday Ayurveda with Kate is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before making changes to your diet, supplements, or wellness routine.
Spring Cleanse: https://ayurvedicliving.institute/kitchari-cleanse-ayurveda-springConnect with Kate: https://www.healwithkate.org Ayurvedic Living Institute Membership: https://ayurvedicliving.institute/membership Women's Health Collection: https://courses.ayurvedicliving.institute/collections/womens-healthhttps://courses.ayurvedicliving.institute/products/courses/copy-of-fall-community-cleanse-2024Thanks to our Sponsors: Banyan Botanicalshttps://alnk.to/eOQb34qBeauty Balmhttps://alnk.to/7qolQRWKate's Discount code 15% off Banyan SPRINGWITHKATEandDr. TungsDr. Tungs Link: https://drtungs.com/collections/oral-care-kits

87. How to Rebuild Your Digestion After Antibiotics: An Ayurvedic Recovery Protocol (VIDEO)

Antibiotics are sometimes necessary — Kate shares her own experience with a 2019 sinus infection that required treatment, and how she tracked the recovery process closely. What she learned from that experience forms the backbone of this episode.
 
What We Cover:
Why antibiotics kill agni (digestive fire) and what that means for your health
The two-week protocol: what to do while taking antibiotics AND the critical week after
Why the post-antibiotic period is more dangerous than the treatment itself
One-pot healing meals: kitchari, meat stews, soups, and hot cereals
Ayurvedic probiotic approaches: lassi (diluted yogurt drink) and small-batch ferments
CCF tea (cumin, coriander, fennel) and ginger tea as digestive rebuilders
What to avoid: cold foods, fruit mixed with dairy, heavy proteins, raw salads
How to track hunger as a sign your agni is returning
How this protocol applies to colonoscopy prep recovery
How to apply all of this for children as well
 
Kate also addresses the all-important listener concern: 'Do I really have to be careful for a full week after I finish the antibiotics?' Yes, friend. And she explains exactly why — with warmth, zero judgment, and a lot of practical wisdom.
 
Resources mentioned:
Everyday Ayurveda cookbook by Kate O'Donnell — lassi recipe and anti-ama meals
Banyan Botanicals Breathe Easy Balm (Kate's personal sinus support)
Cumin, coriander, and fennel (CCF) tea
Fermented vegetables: sauerkraut, kimchi, local small-batch options
For deeper support on seasonal routines, digestion, and Ayurvedic wellness, visit healwithkate.org.
Health Disclaimer: The information shared on Everyday Ayurveda with Kate is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before making changes to your diet, supplements, or wellness routine.
Spring Cleanse: https://ayurvedicliving.institute/kitchari-cleanse-ayurveda-springConnect with Kate: https://www.healwithkate.org Ayurvedic Living Institute Membership: https://ayurvedicliving.institute/membership Women's Health Collection: https://courses.ayurvedicliving.institute/collections/womens-healthhttps://courses.ayurvedicliving.institute/products/courses/copy-of-fall-community-cleanse-2024Thanks to our Sponsors: Banyan Botanicalshttps://alnk.to/eOQb34qBeauty Balmhttps://alnk.to/7qolQRWKate's Discount code 15% off Banyan SPRINGWITHKATEandDr. TungsDr. Tungs Link: https://drtungs.com/collections/oral-care-kits

86. What One in Four Women Experience and No One Talks About

Pregnancy loss touches one in four pregnancies — yet it remains one of the least discussed experiences in women’s health. Kate O’Donnell sits down with Jenny June Arnold, certified Ayurvedic practitioner, postpartum doula, and Reiki master, to have the conversation that too many women have never been able to have.
 
Jenny June is also the author of Held, a new e-book on healing after pregnancy loss, and shares her own deeply personal story of two ectopic pregnancies, emergency surgeries, the loss of both fallopian tubes, and the years-long journey through grief, identity, and eventually a profound reconnection with her body through Ayurveda.
 
This is a rich, compassionate episode for anyone who has experienced pregnancy loss, loves someone who has, or wants to understand why this topic deserves far more care and conversation than our culture currently gives it.
 
What We Cover
Why Jenny June uses the term “pregnancy loss” rather than “miscarriage” — and the full spectrum of losses it honors
The types of pregnancy loss beyond miscarriage: ectopic pregnancies, chemical pregnancies, blighted ovum, failed embryo transfer, and more
Jenny June’s own story: two ectopic pregnancies, emergency surgeries, and losing both fallopian tubes
How the period after pregnancy loss mirrors postpartum — and why the body deserves the same 42-day recovery window
Vata and Kapha through grief: what happens in the body and how to respond with warmth, food, and ritual
Abhyanga as a practice of physical and emotional reconnection after loss
The role of warm, nourishing food in grief recovery — and why cooking can itself become a healing ritual
What to say (and what not to say) to someone experiencing pregnancy loss
Why ceremony and honoring the loss matters — even years later
How Ayurveda’s tools apply to grief of all kinds, not only pregnancy loss
 
Guest Bio: Jenny June Arnold
Jenny June Arnold is a certified Ayurvedic practitioner, postpartum doula, and Reiki master based in Maine. She is the founder of Pearl and Moon Ayurveda, where she works primarily with women navigating pregnancy loss, infertility, and IVF. Her practice centers on helping women befriend their bodies after loss and rebuild a relationship with themselves through Ayurvedic tools, energy work, and ceremony.
 
Jenny June is the author of Held: Healing After Pregnancy Loss, an e-book offering practical tools, recipes, and rituals grounded in Ayurveda and her own nine-year healing journey. She draws on personal experience — including two ectopic pregnancies that led to the loss of both fallopian tubes — to meet her clients with deep compassion and lived understanding.
 
Website: pearlandmoonayurveda.com
E-book: Held: Healing After Pregnancy Loss — available at pearlandmoonayurveda.com
Spring Cleanse: https://ayurvedicliving.institute/kitchari-cleanse-ayurveda-springConnect with Kate: https://www.healwithkate.org Ayurvedic Living Institute Membership: https://ayurvedicliving.institute/membership Women's Health Collection: https://courses.ayurvedicliving.institute/collections/womens-healthhttps://courses.ayurvedicliving.institute/products/courses/copy-of-fall-community-cleanse-2024Thanks to our Sponsors: Banyan Botanicalshttps://alnk.to/eOQb34qBeauty Balmhttps://alnk.to/7qolQRWKate's Discount code 15% off Banyan SPRINGWITHKATEandDr. TungsDr. Tungs Link: https://drtungs.com/collections/oral-care-kits

85. Is Alcohol Making Your Perimenopause Worse? The Ayurvedic Framework You Need

You asked. Kate answered — honestly.
In this solo episode, Kate O'Donnell goes deep on one of the most-requested topics from her community: alcohol. Drawing on the Charaka Samhita, seven years of personal observation, and her clinical work with women in perimenopause, she unpacks the Ayurvedic properties of alcohol, why it complicates midlife health, and how to build a more self-aware — and shame-free — relationship with this very common substance.
 
What We Cover
How Ayurveda classifies alcohol as hot and dry — and why that matters
Why alcohol and perimenopause are a challenging combination
The alcohol-sugar connection and what it reveals about cravings
Sleep disruption, the pitta detox window, and why you wake up at 1am
Damage control tools: timing, herbs, movement, and the "bar closes at 8" rule
When to avoid alcohol during the menstrual cycle
How to investigate your why without shame or judgment
Host: Kate O'Donnell | healwithkate.org | @katedonnell.ayurveda
Health Disclaimer: The information shared on Everyday Ayurveda with Kate is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before making changes to your diet, supplements, or wellness routine.
Spring Cleanse: https://ayurvedicliving.institute/kitchari-cleanse-ayurveda-springConnect with Kate: https://www.healwithkate.org Ayurvedic Living Institute Membership: https://ayurvedicliving.institute/membership Women's Health Collection: https://courses.ayurvedicliving.institute/collections/womens-healthhttps://courses.ayurvedicliving.institute/products/courses/copy-of-fall-community-cleanse-2024Thanks to our Sponsors: Banyan Botanicalshttps://alnk.to/eOQb34qBeauty Balmhttps://alnk.to/7qolQRWKate's Discount code 15% off Banyan SPRINGWITHKATEandDr. TungsDr. Tungs Link: https://drtungs.com/collections/oral-care-kits