Everyday Ayurveda with Kate

31. Ayurvedic Secrets for a Healthy Menstrual Cycle: Embrace Your Natural Rhythm

In this solo episode, Kate O’Donnell opens the conversation on periods from an Ayurvedic lens, inviting listeners to sync their menstrual health with the rhythms of the moon and the wisdom of nature. This is the first of a two-part masterclass exploring the monthly cycle through the three doshas — Vata, Kapha, and Pitta — and how to bring harmony to each phase.
Kate walks us through practical ways to nourish our bodies during menstruation with warm, moist foods, restorative movement, and subtle lifestyle shifts. You’ll learn how small changes — like avoiding artificial light after 10 PM or choosing period panties over tampons — can have a profound effect on your energy, digestion, mood, and menstrual flow.
Whether you’re experiencing PMS, navigating your first period, or supporting someone who bleeds, this episode offers tools to honor the body’s intelligence, instead of overriding it.
In This Episode, You’ll Learn:
How Ayurveda explains each phase of the menstrual cycle
What to eat (and what to avoid) to support downward flow
Why moon bathing helps regulate ovulation
The role of natural light in hormonal balance
Ayurvedic movement practices during your bleed
How to reduce bloating, cramps, and irritability naturally
Why you should always sit down to eat during your period
The emotional and spiritual wisdom of resting more
 
Relevant Links:
Ayurvedic Living Institute: Women’s Health Courses
Kate’s Lunar Yoga Practice
Kate’s book Everyday Ayurveda for Women’s Health
 
Next Episode:
Stay tuned for Part 2 of this menstrual masterclass, where Kate dives into imbalances — like pain, irregularity, and intense PMS — and how to address them through Ayurvedic lifestyle shifts.
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.
 
Mentioned in this episode:
Ayurvedic Living Insitute: Women's Health Courses
https://courses.ayurvedicliving.institute/collections/courses
Connect with Kate: https://www.healwithkate.org Summer Self Care Workshop: https://courses.ayurvedicliving.institute/courses/summer-self-care-workshop   Summer Bundle:  https://courses.ayurvedicliving.institute/bundles/SummerBundle Thanks to our Sponsors: This episode is brought to you by Osi Oils — one of my favorite daily rituals. These handcrafted, organic oils are rooted in Ayurvedic tradition and thoughtfully formulated to support your skin, your senses, and your dosha. Whether you’re nourishing your face with their gorgeous Glow Face Oil (my personal go-to), caring for your nasal passages with their Nasya Oil, or balancing your constitution with a dosha-specific body oil, Osi Oils is the kind of ritual that gives back. ✨ Listeners get 20% off at osioils.com with the code AYURVEDA20.  

30. How Vedic Astrology Can Help You Heal, Grow, and Thrive

Have you ever wondered how Vedic astrology could offer more than predictions — how it might serve as a tool for healing, understanding, and inner growth?
In today’s conversation, Kate sits down with Roma Kapadia, a Mumbai-based Vedic astrologer, to explore how the ancient science of astrology aligns with Ayurveda and yoga to guide us toward a deeper relationship with our true selves.
Roma shares her personal journey of discovering astrology through a health crisis, discusses the essential differences between Vedic and Western astrology, and explains how understanding planetary periods can bring clarity, purpose, and resilience to everyday life.
This conversation offers not just a glimpse into the planetary map at the time of your birth — but a living, breathing method for navigating life’s challenges with greater empathy, patience, and trust.
Whether you’re new to astrology or curious about how it connects to Ayurveda and your soul’s journey, this episode opens the door to powerful insights and practical wisdom.
What We Cover in This Episode
How Roma’s health journey led her to astrology as a path of internal healing
Why Vedic astrology focuses on the moon rather than the sun — and how this changes everything
Understanding planetary periods (Mahadashas) and how they shape long cycles in your life
The interplay between karma, free will, and soul contracts in Vedic philosophy
Why astrology, Ayurveda, and yoga are the three pillars of the Vedas — and how they interrelate
Practical ways to use astrology to strengthen self-awareness, decision-making, and resilience
Insights into 2025’s energetic climate: why it’s a year of transition and what that means for your choices
Rituals and simple practices to harmonize planetary influences in daily life
How to start exploring your own Vedic birth chart — and when it’s time to work with a trusted astrologer
 
About Our Guest
Roma Kapadia is a Mumbai-based Vedic astrologer, intuitive guide, and teacher with over 15 years of experience. Initially studying astrology as a hobby, she soon recognized it as a lifelong calling.
Roma uses astrology not merely for prediction, but as a powerful tool for psychological insight, healing, and spiritual evolution. Her work is deeply rooted in the Vedic traditions, connecting the threads of karma, free will, and planetary influence into a practical map for personal transformation.
She works almost entirely by word of mouth and can be found sharing cosmic insights through her Instagram handle: @innergalaxy.
To inquire about private astrology sessions with Roma, you can email her directly at romakapadia@gmail.com.
Resources and Links Mentioned:
Roma Kapadia on Instagram:@theinnergalaxy
Email Roma: romakapadia@gmail.com
Book Recommendation:
The Greatness of Saturn by Dr. Robert Svoboda — A profound introduction to the mythology and energy of Saturn in the Vedic tradition.
 
Thanks to our Sponsor:
This episode is sponsored by Acknowledge, makers of full-spectrum hemp tinctures grown on a regenerative organic farm. Try the Sleep tincture with code KATE30 for 30% off your first order.
🌟 If this conversation sparked your curiosity about Vedic astrology, or helped you understand your own healing journey in a new way, we’d love to hear from you.
 
Share the episode with a friend who could use a little cosmic clarity.
Subscribe to Everyday Ayurveda with Kate and leave a review — it helps more pod pals find our growing community.
Follow along for more everyday Ayurveda wisdom at healwithkate.org and on Instagram
 
 
Let’s keep exploring the ancient wisdom that lights the way for our modern lives. ✨
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.
Connect with Kate: https://www.healwithkate.org Summer Self Care Workshop: https://courses.ayurvedicliving.institute/courses/summer-self-care-workshop   Summer Bundle:  https://courses.ayurvedicliving.institute/bundles/SummerBundle Thanks to our Sponsors: This episode is brought to you by Osi Oils — one of my favorite daily rituals. These handcrafted, organic oils are rooted in Ayurvedic tradition and thoughtfully formulated to support your skin, your senses, and your dosha. Whether you’re nourishing your face with their gorgeous Glow Face Oil (my personal go-to), caring for your nasal passages with their Nasya Oil, or balancing your constitution with a dosha-specific body oil, Osi Oils is the kind of ritual that gives back. ✨ Listeners get 20% off at osioils.com with the code AYURVEDA20.  

29. The Crown Jewel of Ayurveda: How Panchakarma Can Change Your Life

In this much-requested solo episode, Kate O’Donnell explores Panchakarma, Ayurveda’s ancient and deeply transformative cleansing and rejuvenation process. Whether you’re new to the concept or considering a retreat yourself, Kate breaks down everything you need to know: what Panchakarma is, how it works, who it’s for, and whether a three-week immersive in India or a shorter U.S.-based version is right for you.
Through personal stories, clinical wisdom, and practical tips, Kate demystifies this powerful process and helps you consider when, why, and how to incorporate it into your own long-term healing path.
What You’ll Learn in This Episode
Why Panchakarma is considered the “crown jewel of Ayurveda”
What the five cleansing actions are and how they work in the body
The role of toxins (ama) and doshas in the disease process
How Panchakarma differs when done in the U.S. versus in India
The importance of preparation and rejuvenation phases
Why it’s not a quick fix—and what to do before you ever book a retreat
Kate’s personal experiences with Panchakarma and spiritual awakening
How to know if you’re ready—or not yet ready—for this process
Legitimate options for those who want to do a shorter or local version
Practical tips on daily routines and diet to support longevity
 
About Kate O’Donnell
Kate O’Donnell is the founder of the Ayurvedic Living Institute, an international speaker, practitioner, and author of four bestselling books on Ayurveda. With over 25 years of experience teaching yoga and Ayurvedic lifestyle, Kate translates ancient wisdom into modern, practical tools for healing and self-care. She leads trainings, retreats, and now, a Panchakarma group trip to India in 2026.
Thanks to our Sponsor:
This episode is sponsored by Acknowledge, makers of full-spectrum hemp tinctures grown on a regenerative organic farm. Try the Sleep tincture with code KATE30 for 30% off your first order.
📚 Learn more about Kate at healwithkate.org
🔗 Resources & Links
Panchakarma Group Trip (India 2026): Email hello@ayurvediclivinginstitute.com
Sohum Healing Resort in North Carolina: https://sohumhealing.com/
Use code KATEPK2025 for $500 off
Panchakarma Retreat in Vermont: https://ayurvedicliving.institute/ayurveda-retreat-vermont
Kate’s books + cookbook: healwithkate.org/books
 
Call to Action
Feeling curious about how Panchakarma could fit into your healing journey? Start by tuning into this episode, then visit the show notes for retreat options or email Kate’s team to inquire about the 2026 group trip.
And remember—before jumping into a cleanse, create the foundation. Start small: nourishing food, daily rhythms, and sleep by 10pm. You’ve got this.
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.
Connect with Kate: https://www.healwithkate.org Summer Self Care Workshop: https://courses.ayurvedicliving.institute/courses/summer-self-care-workshop   Summer Bundle:  https://courses.ayurvedicliving.institute/bundles/SummerBundle Thanks to our Sponsors: This episode is brought to you by Osi Oils — one of my favorite daily rituals. These handcrafted, organic oils are rooted in Ayurvedic tradition and thoughtfully formulated to support your skin, your senses, and your dosha. Whether you’re nourishing your face with their gorgeous Glow Face Oil (my personal go-to), caring for your nasal passages with their Nasya Oil, or balancing your constitution with a dosha-specific body oil, Osi Oils is the kind of ritual that gives back. ✨ Listeners get 20% off at osioils.com with the code AYURVEDA20.  

28. CBD for Sleep, Mood, and Focus: Insights from a Regenerative Hemp Farm

In this deeply informative conversation, Kate is joined by regenerative hemp farmer and wellness entrepreneur Stefanie Reiser, founder of Acknowledge Farms. They explore the healing potential of the hemp plant and the nuances of creating clean, effective CBD products. Stefanie shares how her personal wellness journey and background in agricultural policy led her to start a farm dedicated to organic, regenerative practices.
Together, Kate and Stefanie demystify the language of CBD—from cannabinoids and terpenes to full-spectrum vs. isolate products—and discuss how to choose the right form and dosage based on your body’s unique response. Whether you’re navigating perimenopause, struggling with sleep, or simply curious about using plant medicine safely and intentionally, this conversation offers grounded, Ayurvedic-aligned guidance you can trust.
What You’ll Learn:
• The difference between hemp and cannabis, and why that matters
• What full-spectrum CBD really means and why it’s important
• How cannabinoids like CBD and THC work with your endocannabinoid system
• The role of terpenes in plant medicine and mood regulation
• How to start using CBD for sleep, mood, inflammation, or focus
• The importance of traceability, clean farming, and transparency in CBD production
• Why product quality matters—and how to assess it
About Our Guest:
Stefanie Reiser is the founder of Acknowledge Farms, a small regenerative hemp farm in Maryland that brings hemp from seed to shelf. With a background in agricultural policy and a passion for clean, wellness-driven products, Stefanie has made it her mission to produce full-spectrum CBD tinctures and gummies that support sleep, focus, mood, and performance. Her commitment to quality, sustainability, and consumer education sets her apart in the rapidly expanding world of plant-based wellness.
Resources & Links:
• Visit Acknowledge Farms: https://acknowledge.co
• Follow on Instagram: @acknowledge_wellness
• Connect with Kate: https://www.healwithkate.org
Thanks to our Sponsor:
This episode is sponsored by Acknowledge, makers of full-spectrum hemp tinctures grown on a regenerative organic farm. Try the Sleep tincture with code KATE30 for 30% off your first order.
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.
Connect with Kate: https://www.healwithkate.org Summer Self Care Workshop: https://courses.ayurvedicliving.institute/courses/summer-self-care-workshop   Summer Bundle:  https://courses.ayurvedicliving.institute/bundles/SummerBundle Thanks to our Sponsors: This episode is brought to you by Osi Oils — one of my favorite daily rituals. These handcrafted, organic oils are rooted in Ayurvedic tradition and thoughtfully formulated to support your skin, your senses, and your dosha. Whether you’re nourishing your face with their gorgeous Glow Face Oil (my personal go-to), caring for your nasal passages with their Nasya Oil, or balancing your constitution with a dosha-specific body oil, Osi Oils is the kind of ritual that gives back. ✨ Listeners get 20% off at osioils.com with the code AYURVEDA20.  

27. The Ayurvedic Sleep Solution: Fall Asleep Faster, Wake Up Refreshed

In this episode of Everyday Ayurveda with Kate, we explore one of the most universal struggles of modern living—sleep. Whether you’re waking up at 3AM or finding it hard to wind down at night, Kate unpacks the Ayurvedic clock to explain what your body is trying to tell you and how your routines—from meals to movement—could be affecting your rest.
This solo teaching dives into the energetic qualities of each part of the day, why timing your meals and bedtime matters more than you think, and how to tailor your evenings to naturally prepare for restorative sleep. You’ll also learn how perimenopause, stimulants, late-night eating, and screen time may be influencing your unique pattern of sleep disturbance — and how to bring things back into balance.
This is your invitation to sleep with more ease, intention, and awareness.
Episode Breakdown:
• Introduction to the Ayurvedic perspective on sleep
• Kate’s personal experience with light sleep and smart ring data
• Why not all sleep is created equal (deep vs. light vs. REM)
• Understanding the Ayurvedic clock and daily dosha cycles
• Aligning your schedule with nature’s rhythms for better sleep
• Simple practices for grounding and nervous system care
• The ideal timing for meals and screen use
• Sleep disturbances: what your wake-up time is telling you
• Herbs, oils, and tools to support deep rest
• Why Ayurveda works in seasons—and so should your routines
Mentioned in the Episode:
• The Ayurvedic Clock (Dosha cycles throughout the day)
• Smart rings and tracking sleep data
• Everyday Ayurveda Cookbook
• Kate’s Instagram: @kateodonnell.ayurveda
• Book: Everyday Ayurveda for Women
• Past episode on smart devices and sleep hygiene
• Dr. Claudia Welch’s research on alcohol and women’s health
Call to Action:
If you’ve been experimenting with your sleep and want to understand what your body’s trying to say, this episode offers a clear Ayurvedic roadmap to support rest and rejuvenation. Share your sleep story with us by emailing hello@ayurvediclivinginstitute.com or leaving a comment on YouTube.
Kate’s Everyday Ayurveda Cookbook (for light evening meals & soups)
Episode on Smart Rings & Device Hygiene (Kate’s previous discussion on data + tech)
Kate’s Instagram for Ongoing Tips & Experiments
Dr. Claudia Welch: https://drclaudiawelch.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.
Connect with Kate: https://www.healwithkate.org Summer Self Care Workshop: https://courses.ayurvedicliving.institute/courses/summer-self-care-workshop   Summer Bundle:  https://courses.ayurvedicliving.institute/bundles/SummerBundle Thanks to our Sponsors: This episode is brought to you by Osi Oils — one of my favorite daily rituals. These handcrafted, organic oils are rooted in Ayurvedic tradition and thoughtfully formulated to support your skin, your senses, and your dosha. Whether you’re nourishing your face with their gorgeous Glow Face Oil (my personal go-to), caring for your nasal passages with their Nasya Oil, or balancing your constitution with a dosha-specific body oil, Osi Oils is the kind of ritual that gives back. ✨ Listeners get 20% off at osioils.com with the code AYURVEDA20.  

26. How Turmeric Works: A PhD Perspective on Inflammation and Healing

What if the secret to vibrant health lies in your spice cabinet? In this powerful episode, Kate sits down with Dr. Shivani Gupta, a PhD in turmeric, Ayurvedic practitioner, and founder of Fusionary Formulas, to unpack the science, tradition, and daily rituals that can help reverse chronic inflammation. From autoimmune flares to hormone imbalances, leaky gut to joint pain, this conversation goes beyond the turmeric latte and into the real, research-backed benefits of Ayurveda’s golden root. Dr. Gupta shares her personal journey from chronic illness to vibrant health, plus practical detox strategies, Ayurvedic rituals, and exactly how to build resilience in a toxic world.
If you’re struggling with fatigue, brain fog, joint pain, or just feel off—this is a must-listen. Learn how inflammation hides in plain sight, how it fuels many modern diseases, and how to gently reclaim your health using both Eastern wisdom and modern science.
What You’ll Learn in This Episode:
The real science behind turmeric and its anti-inflammatory power
What “inflammaging” is—and why it’s not just about getting older
How Ayurveda and functional medicine intersect in healing
What leaky gut, mold exposure, and toxins have to do with hormone imbalance
Dr. Gupta’s exact detox and self-care routines (and why they matter)
The one Ayurvedic tool she recommends more than turmeric (!)
When cold plunges aren’t a good idea and what to do instead
A grounded take on hormone replacement therapy and why gut health is still key
How to reduce your toxic load—without losing your mind
About Dr. Shivani Gupta:
Dr. Shivani Gupta is an Ayurvedic practitioner, wellness entrepreneur, and founder of Fusionary Formulas. With a PhD focused on turmeric and inflammation, she has spent over a decade helping patients and practitioners bridge the gap between Eastern and Western approaches to healing. A frequent speaker at integrative and functional medicine conferences, Dr. Gupta is known for making ancient practices accessible and practical for modern life. She is also the host of the Ayurveda Health Podcast and an advocate for daily rituals that create vibrant, pain-free living.
Find Dr. Gupta Online:
Website: https://shivaniGupta.com
Supplements: FusionaryFormulas.com – Use code EVERYDAYAYURVEDA for 15% off
Podcast: Ayurveda Health Podcast
Instagram: @dr.shivanigupta
Relevant Links from This Episode:
Therasage Portable Infrared Sauna – grounding and detox-focused
Fusionary Deep Sleep Tea – featuring Ayurvedic herbs like Ashwagandha and Brahmi
Copper Tongue Scraper – Dr. Gupta’s most recommended tool
Everyday Ayurveda Discount Code for Fusionary Formulas – “EVERYDAYAYURVEDA”
 
Call to Action:
If this episode lit a fire in you to re-evaluate your self-care, detox routines, or supplement strategy, share it with a friend who needs to hear it. Be sure to leave a review and subscribe so you never miss a moment of everyday wisdom. 🌿
Want more Ayurveda in your inbox? Sign up for Kate’s newsletter at HealWithKate.org.
Follow Kate on Instagram: @kateodonnellayurveda
Subscribe to Everyday Ayurveda with Kate wherever you get your podcasts!
Health Disclaimer:
The information shared on Everyday Ayurveda with Kate is for educational purposes 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.
Sponsor Mention:
This episode is sponsored by Acknowledge, makers of full-spectrum hemp tinctures grown on a regenerative organic farm. Try the Slim Sleep tincture with code KATE30 for 30% off your first order.
Connect with Kate: https://www.healwithkate.org Summer Self Care Workshop: https://courses.ayurvedicliving.institute/courses/summer-self-care-workshop   Summer Bundle:  https://courses.ayurvedicliving.institute/bundles/SummerBundle Thanks to our Sponsors: This episode is brought to you by Osi Oils — one of my favorite daily rituals. These handcrafted, organic oils are rooted in Ayurvedic tradition and thoughtfully formulated to support your skin, your senses, and your dosha. Whether you’re nourishing your face with their gorgeous Glow Face Oil (my personal go-to), caring for your nasal passages with their Nasya Oil, or balancing your constitution with a dosha-specific body oil, Osi Oils is the kind of ritual that gives back. ✨ Listeners get 20% off at osioils.com with the code AYURVEDA20.  

25. Reclaim Your Health: The Surprising Benefits and Dangers of Smart Rings

Can smart technology support your wellness journey — or is it just another distraction? In this solo episode, Kate shares her personal experience experimenting with wearable devices like smart rings and watches. She breaks down the pros and cons of tracking data such as sleep and activity, discusses how constant connectivity can affect our mental state, and offers Ayurvedic insight into when and how to integrate technology with intention. Whether you’ve been curious about smart tech or are looking to recalibrate your relationship with devices, Kate offers a thoughtful guide to finding balance in a data-driven world.
Episode Breakdown:
Why Kate Chose a Smart Ring Over a Smartwatch → The need to avoid notifications and stay present during daily life and conversation.
Experimenting with Data for Sleep & Health → Kate’s deep dive into using the Oura Ring and Evie Ring to track sleep, activity, and stress levels.
The Cost of Constant Tracking → When data collection becomes obsession: how the Oura Ring impacted Kate’s mood, sense of self, and intuition.
Sleep, Alcohol, and Deep Sleep Insights → How smart rings confirmed the negative impact of alcohol on sleep quality and shifted Kate’s evening habits.
Fertility Tracking & Body Awareness → Why Kate prefers paying attention to cervical mucus over using devices for cycle tracking.
Technology Hygiene: Managing Your Devices Mindfully → Tips for keeping your phone and wearable tech from taking over your life, including airplane mode, no-phone zones, and using an alarm clock.
Final Thoughts on Wearables → How to use smart devices intentionally and why putting them away for seasons of time can support your health and mental clarity.
 
Have you tried wearable tech to support your health? What have you learned? Let Kate know what you’re experimenting with — and be sure to subscribe for upcoming episodes, including her deep dive into herbal supports for sleep. Until then, take care of your body, your mind, and your relationship with technology.
Relevant Links & Resources:
Explore Kate’s Ayurvedic offerings: https://healwithkate.org.
Stay connected: Follow Kate on Instagram @kateodonnell.ayurveda
Acknowledge Sleep Tincture and Gummies: https://acknowledge.co
Mentioned in this episode:
This episode is sponsored by Acknowledge, makers of full-spectrum hemp tinctures grown on a regenerative organic farm. Visit https://acknowledge.co/ and try the Slim Sleep tincture with code KATE30 for 30% off your first order.
Connect with Kate: https://www.healwithkate.org Summer Self Care Workshop: https://courses.ayurvedicliving.institute/courses/summer-self-care-workshop   Summer Bundle:  https://courses.ayurvedicliving.institute/bundles/SummerBundle Thanks to our Sponsors: This episode is brought to you by Osi Oils — one of my favorite daily rituals. These handcrafted, organic oils are rooted in Ayurvedic tradition and thoughtfully formulated to support your skin, your senses, and your dosha. Whether you’re nourishing your face with their gorgeous Glow Face Oil (my personal go-to), caring for your nasal passages with their Nasya Oil, or balancing your constitution with a dosha-specific body oil, Osi Oils is the kind of ritual that gives back. ✨ Listeners get 20% off at osioils.com with the code AYURVEDA20.  

24. Moving Through Grief: Insights from a leading Ayurveda Expert

Grief is more than an emotional experience—it leaves its imprint on the body, digestion, and overall health. In this deeply personal episode, host Kate O’Donnell speaks with Ayurvedic doctor Sweta Vikram, author of The Loss That Binds Us, about how Ayurveda helps us process grief. Kate shares her own journey of loss after her father’s passing, while Sweta discusses how grief manifested physically and emotionally after the sudden deaths of her father and father-in-law. Together, they explore Ayurvedic practices that support the digestion of emotions and movement of grief through the body.
From understanding how grief shows up in digestion and tongue diagnosis to setting boundaries and finding rituals that honor lost loved ones, this episode offers compassionate wisdom and actionable steps for navigating loss.
Topics Covered in This Episode:
• The connection between digestion and grief in Ayurveda
• How grief manifests physically in the body (inflammation, digestion, immune system)
• Ayurvedic breathwork practices for processing emotions
• The importance of setting boundaries and creating space for healing
• Movement and mindful rituals for emotional release
• How unprocessed emotions turn into toxicity (Ama) in the body
• The role of nature, journaling, and solo walks in grief processing
• Ayurvedic insights into different grief responses based on doshas
Guest Bio:
Sweta Vikram is an Ayurvedic doctor, author, and mindfulness coach specializing in holistic well-being. Her latest book, The Loss That Binds Us, offers 108 actionable ways to process grief and loss. With a background in both Western and Eastern healing modalities, Sweta integrates Ayurveda, yoga, and mindfulness into her grief coaching practice, helping individuals navigate loss in a deeply compassionate and sustainable way.
Learn more about Sweta Vikram and her work:
📌 Website: https://www.swetavikram.com
📌 Instagram: @swetavikram
📌 Book: The Loss That Binds Us (Available online)
Connect with Kate O’Donnell:
📌 Website: https://healwithkate.org
📌 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kateodonnell.ayurveda/
This episode is sponsored by our friends at Sohum Healing Resort:
https://sohumhealing.com/
use code KATEPK2025 for $500 off when you book a panchakarma retreat
Call to Action:
If you or someone you know is navigating grief, take a moment to pause and listen to your body. Share this episode with a friend who may need support, and consider implementing one of the practices shared today.
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.
Mentioned in this episode:
This episode is sponsored by our friends at Sohum Healing Resort
https://sohumhealing.com/ use code KATEPK2025 for $500 off when you book a panchakarma retreat
Connect with Kate: https://www.healwithkate.org Summer Self Care Workshop: https://courses.ayurvedicliving.institute/courses/summer-self-care-workshop   Summer Bundle:  https://courses.ayurvedicliving.institute/bundles/SummerBundle Thanks to our Sponsors: This episode is brought to you by Osi Oils — one of my favorite daily rituals. These handcrafted, organic oils are rooted in Ayurvedic tradition and thoughtfully formulated to support your skin, your senses, and your dosha. Whether you’re nourishing your face with their gorgeous Glow Face Oil (my personal go-to), caring for your nasal passages with their Nasya Oil, or balancing your constitution with a dosha-specific body oil, Osi Oils is the kind of ritual that gives back. ✨ Listeners get 20% off at osioils.com with the code AYURVEDA20.  

23: Ayurveda on Protein: Bottom Line - It’s Not About the Grams

In this solo episode of Everyday Ayurveda, Kate unpacks one of the most frequently asked questions: How much protein do I actually need? But instead of following mainstream nutrition trends, she offers an Ayurvedic approach — one that moves beyond counting grams to understanding the role of protein as a grounding, nourishing force in the body.
She discusses how dietary needs shift with age, why protein consumption isn’t a one-size-fits-all equation, and how the imbalance between sugar and protein in modern diets has led to confusion about what our bodies truly need. Whether you’re vegetarian, a lifelong meat eater, or somewhere in between, Kate shares insights on choosing the right sources of protein, optimizing digestion, and using food as a way to create balance, not stress.
What You’ll Learn in This Episode:
• The Ayurvedic perspective on protein and why it’s about more than numbers
• How sugar has shaped modern protein consumption (and why it matters)
• The role of elements in food and why balance is key
• Best sources of protein for midlife and beyond
• Why digestion matters more than the amount of protein
• Kate’s personal story of discovering protein’s impact on her body
• Practical tips for integrating more grounding foods into your diet
Resources & Links:
• Grab Kate’s books: The Everyday Ayurveda Cookbook
• Follow Kate on Instagram: @kateodonnell.ayurveda
• Check out Kate’s favorite grass-fed whey protein: LifeSpa Whey Protein
Ready for a Spring Cleanse? Learn more here.
🔗 More on Panchakarma & Cleansing
🔗Best practices for a gentle seasonal cleanse (Podcast ep. 11)
Love the show? Leave a review! And if you’re curious about deepening your Ayurvedic practice, subscribe and stay tuned for more solo episodes and expert interviews.
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.
Connect with Kate: https://www.healwithkate.org Summer Self Care Workshop: https://courses.ayurvedicliving.institute/courses/summer-self-care-workshop   Summer Bundle:  https://courses.ayurvedicliving.institute/bundles/SummerBundle Thanks to our Sponsors: This episode is brought to you by Osi Oils — one of my favorite daily rituals. These handcrafted, organic oils are rooted in Ayurvedic tradition and thoughtfully formulated to support your skin, your senses, and your dosha. Whether you’re nourishing your face with their gorgeous Glow Face Oil (my personal go-to), caring for your nasal passages with their Nasya Oil, or balancing your constitution with a dosha-specific body oil, Osi Oils is the kind of ritual that gives back. ✨ Listeners get 20% off at osioils.com with the code AYURVEDA20.  

22: The Truth About Panchakarma: Detox, Digestion & Healing

Welcome to another episode of Everyday Ayurveda with Kate O’Donnell! Today, we’re diving into the wisdom of Ayurveda with special guest Salila Sukumaran, a generational Ayurveda practitioner from Kerala, India, now based in the San Francisco Bay Area. Salila is a practitioner, educator, chef, and yogi. In this episode, she shares her incredible journey of rediscovering Ayurveda after struggling with infertility and how she helps others integrate Ayurvedic principles into their modern lives.
If you’ve ever wondered how to make Ayurveda work for you—whether you’re balancing digestion, exploring Panchakarma, or looking for at-home wellness hacks—this conversation is for you.
In This Episode, We Cover:
✔️ How to adapt Ayurveda for modern living, no matter where you are
✔️ The power of food as medicine & how to substitute Ayurvedic ingredients in the U.S.
✔️ Simple at-home hacks for Ayurvedic cleansing (even if you don’t have a sauna!)
✔️ The difference between everyday detoxing and deep Panchakarma therapies
✔️ The role of oiling in Ayurveda for stress relief, longevity, and self-care
✔️ The ancestral wisdom behind digestion, hormonal health, and menopause support
✔️ How small, consistent practices can completely transform your health
Connect with Our Guest:
🌿 Follow Salila Sukumaran on Instagram: @salila.ayurveda
📩 Email Salila: Salila@ayurgamea.com
Resources & Links Mentioned:
🔗 Kate’s Books on Ayurveda https://healwithkate.org/book-tour
🔗 More on Panchakarma & Cleansing https://healwithkate.org/podcast/21-spring-into-balance-ayurvedic-insights-for-a-spring-seasonal-cleanse
https://healwithkate.org/podcast/11-the-best-practices-for-a-gentle-seasonal-cleanse-nourish-your-body-naturally
 
👉 If you loved this episode, be sure to subscribe and leave a review! Your support helps us continue sharing Ayurveda wisdom with the world.
Connect with Kate: https://www.healwithkate.org Summer Self Care Workshop: https://courses.ayurvedicliving.institute/courses/summer-self-care-workshop   Summer Bundle:  https://courses.ayurvedicliving.institute/bundles/SummerBundle Thanks to our Sponsors: This episode is brought to you by Osi Oils — one of my favorite daily rituals. These handcrafted, organic oils are rooted in Ayurvedic tradition and thoughtfully formulated to support your skin, your senses, and your dosha. Whether you’re nourishing your face with their gorgeous Glow Face Oil (my personal go-to), caring for your nasal passages with their Nasya Oil, or balancing your constitution with a dosha-specific body oil, Osi Oils is the kind of ritual that gives back. ✨ Listeners get 20% off at osioils.com with the code AYURVEDA20.