Everyday Ayurveda with Kate

54. Ayurveda in the Kitchen: Seasonal Hydration, Food Combining & Fall Cooking

Author and teacher Kate O’Donnell sits down with Mysore-based cook and educator Sahana Murthy to explore seasonal eating, real hydration, and the quiet genius of traditional South Indian cooking. You’ll learn why soupy meals hydrate better than constant water chugging, when to lean on salted buttermilk (and when not to), how to make coriander “coffee” to cool excess pitta, and why food combining matters for digestion. Sahana shares travel hacks, fall-friendly meals, and a simple approach to cooking that nourishes more than it performs.
What You’ll Learn
Hydration, actually: Why soups, dals, and stews “hold” hydration better than plain water; when salted buttermilk helps—and when to skip it.
Coriander “coffee”: A cooling, pitta-pacifying alternative to coffee, made by roasting and brewing coriander seeds; delicious with milk and a touch of jaggery.
Seasonal smarts: How fall’s dryness calls for more oils, squashes, and cooked foods. Why spicy heat belongs more to true winter.
Food combining basics: Traditional pairings (like ash gourd + beans) that support agni and what to avoid if you run hot or feel heavy.
North vs South Indian: Why restaurant-style North Indian can feel heavy for many, and how lighter South Indian staples (idli, lemon rice, mung dal) digest more cleanly.
Travel toolkit: Simple routines for dry climates—abhyanga (oil massage), triphala (when appropriate), and choosing lighter restaurant options.
About Our Guest — Sahana Murthy
Sahana is a Mysore-based cooking teacher and founder of a home-grown kitchen project that blends traditional South Indian recipes with practical Ayurvedic wisdom. Raised in a family steeped in Ayurveda, she teaches in-person classes in Mysore, cooks for retreats, and offers periodic live online sessions. Her work centers on food as nourishment, balance, and vitality—not performance.
Mentioned in the Episode
Coriander “Coffee” (cooling, pitta-friendly): roast whole coriander seeds to a dark hue, grind, then brew like tea; enjoy plain or with milk and a touch of jaggery.
Salted Buttermilk (Chaaz/Neer Mor): 1 part plain yogurt to ~4 parts water; churn until very thin; add a pinch of salt and a little asafoetida. Prefer midday in hot weather.
Kate’s books for methods and recipes referenced:
Everyday Ayurveda Guide to Self-Care — buttermilk & hydration guidance
The Everyday Ayurveda Cookbook — dals, kitchari, seasonal meals
Everyday Ayurveda for Women’s Health — contributions from Sahana on black sesame balls
Resources & Links
Kate O’Donnell & books: healwithkate.org
Sahana’s IG: https://www.instagram.com/rasayanamysorekitchen?igsh=MWN1c2MwOTJxMG42aA==
Sahana’s Website: https://www.rasayanamysorekitchen.com/about
Call to Action
Try the coriander coffee this week—swap one caffeinated beverage and notice the difference.
Make one soupy lunch (dal, rasam, or brothy veggies) on three days this week and track energy + digestion.
Share your results: tag @healwithkate so we can cheer you on.
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 Ayurvedic Living Institute Membership: https://ayurvedicliving.institute/membership Cleanse Leader Training: https://ayurvedicliving.institute/cleanse-leader-training Deep Winter Self-Care Workshop: https://courses.ayurvedicliving.institute/courses/self-care-workshop-deep-winterWomen's Health Collection: https://courses.ayurvedicliving.institute/collections/womens-healthhttps://courses.ayurvedicliving.institute/products/courses/copy-of-fall-community-cleanse-2024Gift Guide: https://courses.ayurvedicliving.institute/products/digital_downloads/gift-guide

53. What To Eat When You Don’t Know What To Eat: Fast Ayurvedic Meals For Fall

Feeling hungry, unprepared, and tempted by the snack cabinet? In this solo episode, Kate shares her real-life Ayurvedic plan for those “what do I eat?” moments—especially in fall. You’ll learn easy, grounding meals that come together quickly: 15-minute dals and greens, creamy porridges, tortillas with eggs or beans, “eggs + greens” anytime meals, and the evening hot-milk ritual for deep sleep. You’ll also hear Kate’s minimal prep habits (chia soaks, toasted pepitas, soaked almonds) that make fast meals possible, plus exactly how she navigates cheese, grains, fats, and variety without stress.
What You’ll Learn
Why perfection isn’t required: whole-food choices that work in real life
The two-meal rhythm Kate uses most days (mid-morning + early evening)
The “fast soup” formula: split moong or red lentils + 1 green + tempering
Breakfast done: soaked grain porridge with spices, nuts, and ghee
Tortilla magic: corn or almond-flour tortillas with cheese/eggs/beans/greens
The anytime fallback: eggs + Swiss chard (or kale)
Smart add-ons: toasted pumpkin seeds, fresh parsley/cilantro, coconut milk
Nighttime comfort: spiced hot milk with almonds/dates to ground and sleep
Gentle notes on cheese (goat vs cow) and why spice matters for digestion
Minimal prep that changes everything: soak, toast, and keep greens on hand
This episode includes
A Reality check: Ayurveda without the perfection pressure
Great Morning moves: soak chia; soak grains; simple porridge build
Fast lunch/dinner: 20-minute dal + one green + tempering
Snack strategy: keep “crunch” small; use toasted pepitas instead
Tortilla & egg ideas: huevos-ish, beans, quick greens, simple sauces
Eggs + greens: one-pan, spiced, eaten plain or with toast/tortilla
Protein treats: almond-flour cookies as warm, quick add-ons
Evening nightcap: spiced milk variations that truly satisfy
Prep mindset: soak, toast, stock tortillas and fast-cooking greens
Quick Recipes (mini blueprints)
15-Minute Dal & Greens
Rinse red lentils or yellow split moong.
1 cup dal + 4 cups hot water, bring to boil with fall spice mix + ginger.
Add 1 chopped veg (Swiss chard stems early; leaves at end).
Simmer ~20 min; temper ghee + mustard + cumin; salt; black pepper.
Breakfast Porridge
Soak oats or quinoa; cook with water + splash canned coconut milk.
Spice with cardamom, cinnamon, ginger; add teaspoon ghee; top with nuts.
Tortilla Stack
Warm corn or almond-flour tortillas with cheese (optional).
Add fried egg or beans; salsa or simple aioli; quick Swiss chard toss.
Eggs + Greens
Sauté Swiss chard in ghee; add whisked eggs + spice; cook till set.
Spiced Evening Milk
Warm milk of choice with cinnamon, cardamom, ginger; option: turmeric, honey/maple, blended almonds/dates; whisk in a little ghee if needed.
Resources & Relevant Links
Kate’s books & recipes: healwithkate.org
Ayurvedic Living Institute programs & community: ayurvedicliving.org
Basic pantry: split moong (mung dal), red lentils, ghee, coconut milk, Swiss chard, pumpkin seeds, tortillas (corn/almond-flour), chia seeds, ginger, cinnamon, cardamom
Call to Action
Try one “emergency meal” this week and tell Kate your favorite variation.
Join Kate on Instagram @kateodonnellayurveda and share your bowl.
Subscribe, rate, and review Everyday Ayurveda with Kate to support the show.
Get on the newsletter for recipes and seasonal practices: 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.
Connect with Kate: https://www.healwithkate.org Ayurvedic Living Institute Membership: https://ayurvedicliving.institute/membership Cleanse Leader Training: https://ayurvedicliving.institute/cleanse-leader-training Deep Winter Self-Care Workshop: https://courses.ayurvedicliving.institute/courses/self-care-workshop-deep-winterWomen's Health Collection: https://courses.ayurvedicliving.institute/collections/womens-healthhttps://courses.ayurvedicliving.institute/products/courses/copy-of-fall-community-cleanse-2024Gift Guide: https://courses.ayurvedicliving.institute/products/digital_downloads/gift-guide

52. How to Find the Right Ayurvedic Practitioner for Your Health Needs

In this episode of Everyday Ayurveda with Kate, Kate O’Donnell sits down with Ayurvedic doctor and podcast host Sasha Bershadsky for an eye-opening look at how Ayurveda is taught, practiced, and evolving in the United States.
Many listeners ask:
What’s the difference between an Ayurvedic health counselor, practitioner, and doctor?
How do you know who to see—and for what kind of health concerns?
What kind of training do Ayurvedic doctors in the U.S. actually receive?
Will insurance ever cover Ayurvedic care?
Sasha shares her remarkable journey from the corporate advertising world in New York City to eight years of Ayurvedic study, culminating in her doctoral certification with Kerala Ayurveda Academy. She explains the sacrifices and courage it took to commit fully to Ayurveda, and why she believes integration with Western medicine is the future.
This conversation is a must-listen if you are:
Considering a career in Ayurveda
Wondering what level of practitioner is right for you
Curious about how Ayurveda is being standardized in the U.S.
Seeking guidance on what to look for when choosing an Ayurvedic professional
What You’ll Learn in This Episode:
The differences between counselors, practitioners, and Ayurvedic doctors
What Ayurvedic education looks like today in the U.S.
How Sasha balanced freelance corporate work while studying Ayurveda
The role of courage, faith, and sacrifice in following a calling
Practical tips for finding the right Ayurvedic practitioner
How Ayurveda could integrate with Western medicine in the future
Connect with Sasha Bershadsky:
Website: https://www.ojasoasis.com
Podcast: Ojas Oasis : https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/ojas-oasis-ayurvedic-wisdom-and-healing/id1615242839
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sashabershad/
Suggested Resources & Links:
National Ayurvedic Medical Association (NAMA) Practitioner Directory: https://www.ayurvedanama.org
Kerala Ayurveda Academy: https://www.keralaayurveda.us
California College of Ayurveda: https://www.ayurvedacollege.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 Ayurvedic Living Institute Membership: https://ayurvedicliving.institute/membership Cleanse Leader Training: https://ayurvedicliving.institute/cleanse-leader-training Deep Winter Self-Care Workshop: https://courses.ayurvedicliving.institute/courses/self-care-workshop-deep-winterWomen's Health Collection: https://courses.ayurvedicliving.institute/collections/womens-healthhttps://courses.ayurvedicliving.institute/products/courses/copy-of-fall-community-cleanse-2024Gift Guide: https://courses.ayurvedicliving.institute/products/digital_downloads/gift-guide

51. Fall Foods That Strengthen Digestion

As the season cools and dries, your body changes too. Kate shares exactly how to pivot your meals toward warm, moist, grounding foods, plus easy spice pairings and a gentle two-week transition mindset that protects digestion at the seasonal “joint” (the ṛtu sandhi). Expect soups and stews, cooked fruit, warm water rituals, and smart use of fat and seeds. If you’re feeling the first signs of dryness—skin, eyes, stools—this episode gives you simple, delicious ways to respond.
What You’ll Learn
Why fall is naturally “cleansing” and how a short, simpler diet window helps digestion recalibrate.
Core fall cooking shifts: soups/stews, cooked fruit, warm (not cold) drinks, and more oil.
Spices that stoke agni (digestive fire) without overheating: ginger, cumin, cinnamon, coriander, fennel, turmeric.
When to avoid potential irritants (e.g., caffeine, nightshades, nuts during a cleanse window).
Moisture matters: adding ghee, olive, coconut, sesame, flax, or hemp (used appropriately).
Practical pantry habits: toasted seed toppers, a go-to dressing or tahini sauce, and a thermos of hot water.
Mindful eating cues: sit down, breathe, and let the nervous system settle before meals.
Episode Highlights (Breakdown)
Seasonal logic: Cold + dry outside calls for warm + moist in your bowl.
Soups & stews: Blend greens with veggie broth, coconut milk, ginger, and cumin; add a scoop of cooked grain for texture.
Beans for gentle detox: think mung beans (and classic kitchari) cooked very soft.
Cooked fruit > raw fruit in cold weather: sautéed apples with ghee + cinnamon, stewed pears, stewed prunes.
Warm water ritual: swap the water bottle for a thermos; consider plain hot water between meals.
Fats & oils: increase slightly if you notice dryness (skin, eyes, stools).
Seeds = mineral boost: toast pumpkin/sunflower; finish with ume plum vinegar or tamari as a daily topper.
Dressings you’ll use: olive/hemp/flax oil with ume plum or balsamic, herbs; or a lemon-tahini drizzle.
Root veg & squash love: carrot, beet, fennel, kale, collards, winter squash + coconut milk + red lentils + ginger = fall gold.
Eating posture: sit, slow down, and skip screens to keep wind (vāta) from spiking.
Mentioned in this episode:
Kate O’Donnell / Ayurvedic Living Institute: healwithkate.org
Kate’s cookbooks & fall recipes: https://healwithkate.org/book-tour
Fall Community Cleanse: https://ayurvedicliving.institute/kitchari-cleanse-ayurveda-fall
Call to Action
Join Kate’s Fall Community Cleanse (10 days of gentle transitions, spices, and guided routines).
Grab the Everyday Ayurveda Cookbook for the fall section (soups, stews, cooked fruits).
Try the thermos swap: carry hot water for one week and notice the difference.
Share your fall bowl: Tag @healwithkate with your soup/stew and seed topper!
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 Ayurvedic Living Institute Membership: https://ayurvedicliving.institute/membership Cleanse Leader Training: https://ayurvedicliving.institute/cleanse-leader-training Deep Winter Self-Care Workshop: https://courses.ayurvedicliving.institute/courses/self-care-workshop-deep-winterWomen's Health Collection: https://courses.ayurvedicliving.institute/collections/womens-healthhttps://courses.ayurvedicliving.institute/products/courses/copy-of-fall-community-cleanse-2024Gift Guide: https://courses.ayurvedicliving.institute/products/digital_downloads/gift-guide

50. From Rope to Remedies: The Real Story of Hemp and CBD

Everywhere you look, there’s another shop selling cannabis products. But how do you separate hype from helpful? Kate welcomes Stefanie Reiser of Acknowledge Farms back to demystify hemp, CBD, THC, and the often-mentioned but rarely explained CBDV. They trace hemp’s history in the U.S., unpack how research and regulation shape today’s products, and explain why regenerative, organic farming can influence how you feel a tincture or gummy. You’ll learn what the endocannabinoid system is, what the “entourage effect” means, how terpenes matter, why micro-dosing THC can be useful for some people, and simple steps to shop without overwhelm. If you’ve ever stood in a dispensary thinking “where do I even start,” this one’s for you.
 
Episode Breakdown
Why stores are everywhere and why it’s so confusing
Hemp vs. marijuana: the real (legal) distinction and why it matters
How prohibition slowed research, and who’s doing the best work today
Regenerative farming 101: biodiversity, soil health, and product efficacy
The endocannabinoid system in plain English
CBD, THC, CBDV, CBG, CBN: what these acronyms actually mean
Terpenes like limonene, pinene, and why smell can hint at effects
Micro-dosing THC with CBD: when it helps and when it doesn’t
Bioavailability: why oil choice (long-chain vs medium-chain) can change results
How to shop a dispensary or online store with confidence
“Start low, start slow”: a kinder protocol for testing what works for you
Guest Bio
Stefanie Reiser is the Founder/CEO of Acknowledge Farms, a regenerative, organic hemp farm and wellness company based in Maryland. A former policy professional and Washington Business Journal “Women Who Mean Business” honoree, Stefanie brings a rare blend of ag policy expertise and hands-in-the-soil farming to plant medicine. Acknowledge Farms focuses on biodiversity, soil regeneration, and transparent, education-first product development.
Relevant Links
5 Essential Things to Know about Cannabidivarin
Exploring CBDV: A New Frontier in Cannabinoid Wellness 
Cannabidivarin alleviates neuroinflammation by targeting TLR4 co-receptor MD2 and improves morphine-mediated analgesia -- National Library of Medicine
Cannabidivarin-rich cannabis extracts are anticonvulsant in mouse and rat via a CB1 receptor-independent mechanism -- National Library of Medicine
Misunderstood: A Brief History of Hemp in the US
Call To Action
Try Kate’s “start low, start slow” protocol this week: pick one product, one time of day, and journal your results for 5 days.
Subscribe, rate, and review the show to help more listeners find practical, trustworthy guidance.
Share this episode with a friend who’s CBD-curious but overwhelmed.
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 Ayurvedic Living Institute Membership: https://ayurvedicliving.institute/membership Cleanse Leader Training: https://ayurvedicliving.institute/cleanse-leader-training Deep Winter Self-Care Workshop: https://courses.ayurvedicliving.institute/courses/self-care-workshop-deep-winterWomen's Health Collection: https://courses.ayurvedicliving.institute/collections/womens-healthhttps://courses.ayurvedicliving.institute/products/courses/copy-of-fall-community-cleanse-2024Gift Guide: https://courses.ayurvedicliving.institute/products/digital_downloads/gift-guide

49. Should It Be a Book, Podcast, or Substack? A Practical Guide to Publishing

In this solo teaching, Kate gets real about finishing creative work—and whether your idea truly needs to become a book. She walks through practical next steps for authors and educators (hello, market comps and outlines), and widens the lens: podcasts, audio, YouTube, and Substack might serve your message—and your audience—better right now. If publishing is your path, you’ll hear where to start, how to think like a marketer (not just a writer), and why building audience before pitching changes everything.
What You’ll Learn
Should it be a book? A simple litmus test to decide if your idea requires long form—or if audio, video, or Substack serve you better.
Your first move (it’s not writing): Use publisher proposal prompts to clarify audience, comps, and the actual problem your book solves.
Market comps that matter: How to read the field, then let it go so you can write your book.
Outlines that flex: Why your outline is “meant to be broken” and how to rearrange chapters as your thinking matures.
Audience before agent: The honest reason publishers ask about reach (newsletter, socials, podcast downloads).
Self-publish vs. traditional: On-demand printing, hybrid routes, and why self-publishing now doesn’t preclude a future deal.
Teacher advantage: Turning lectures, sessions, and talks into manuscripts using transcripts + connective tissue.
Ayurvedic sensibility for creators: Right-sizing the project, steady rhythm over grind, and sustainable focus.
Key Takeaways
Format follows function. If your core message must be said in 20–40K words, book it. If not, consider audio, video, or Substack to share sooner and iterate.
Start with comps and audience. Proposals make you think like a publisher: Who is this for? What’s different? Why now?
Build your platform. Visibility isn’t vanity—it’s how your work is found, read, and sustained.
Resources Mentioned (as referenced in the conversation)
Publisher proposal pages (e.g., Penguin Random House, Simon & Schuster, Shambhala Publications)
Substack for writing + audience building
YouTube & podcasts for sharing ideas in audio/video
Using AI tools to research keywords and audience questions (e.g., “what are people searching for right now?”)
Transcripts from lectures/teachings as manuscript seeds
👉 Want Kate to cover another behind-the-scenes topic? Email me at kateodonnell.ayurveda@gmail.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 Ayurvedic Living Institute Membership: https://ayurvedicliving.institute/membership Cleanse Leader Training: https://ayurvedicliving.institute/cleanse-leader-training Deep Winter Self-Care Workshop: https://courses.ayurvedicliving.institute/courses/self-care-workshop-deep-winterWomen's Health Collection: https://courses.ayurvedicliving.institute/collections/womens-healthhttps://courses.ayurvedicliving.institute/products/courses/copy-of-fall-community-cleanse-2024Gift Guide: https://courses.ayurvedicliving.institute/products/digital_downloads/gift-guide

48. Why Women Thrive When They Live by Energy Cycles

In this episode of Everyday Ayurveda with Kate, Kate O’Donnell is joined by longtime friend and colleague Nea Ferrier, a Level 2 Authorized Ashtanga Yoga teacher, international retreat leader, and founder of Nilaya House in Dubai. Together, they explore the interplay of yoga, Ayurveda, and entrepreneurship, with a particular focus on how women can align with life stages and menstrual seasons to live more integrated, balanced, and joyful lives.
Nea shares her journey from the hedonistic nightlife of Hong Kong to becoming a respected yoga teacher and business owner in Dubai. She opens up about her relationship with alcohol, the discipline of daily practice, and the importance of embracing life’s pleasures without guilt. Kate and Nea also dive into the Ayurvedic and yogic framework of the four aims of life (Purusharthas)—Dharma, Artha, Kama, and Moksha—and how these can guide us through the many seasons of living.
The conversation also highlights Nea’s work as a Menstruality Mentor, her passion for teaching women to honor their cycles, and practical ways to manage energy, productivity, and self-care throughout perimenopause and beyond.
Episode Breakdown
Nea’s journey from Hong Kong’s party scene to the yoga path
The four aims of life and how they support balance and purpose
Living in sync with menstrual and life seasons
Navigating perimenopause with awareness and self-compassion
The connection between discipline, pleasure, and sustainable practice
Building and running Nilaya House in Dubai as a yogi entrepreneur
Why women thrive when they schedule work and rest around energy cycles
How yoga practice and business success share the same foundation
Guest Bio
Nea Ferrier is a Level 2 Authorized Ashtanga Yoga teacher (2010) and founder of Ashtanga Yoga Dubai and the yoga school Nilaya House. Teaching internationally since 2008, she has been a guest teacher across Asia, Europe, and the Middle East. A student of yoga for 20 years, Nea continues to study Ayurveda, Tantra, and Vedic chanting. She is also a certified Menstruality Mentor with The Red School, sharing menstruality as a profound spiritual practice for women. Nea’s compassionate, intuitive teaching style empowers students to find balance between effort and ease in practice, life, and business.
Learn more about Nea Ferrier:
🌐 Website: neaferrieryoga.com
📸 Instagram: @neaferrieryoga
Call to Action
Ready to live in rhythm with your body and life seasons? Tune into this conversation with Kate and Nea for tools, stories, and inspiration—and don’t forget to explore Kate’s books and upcoming retreats for deeper support.
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 Ayurvedic Living Institute Membership: https://ayurvedicliving.institute/membership Cleanse Leader Training: https://ayurvedicliving.institute/cleanse-leader-training Deep Winter Self-Care Workshop: https://courses.ayurvedicliving.institute/courses/self-care-workshop-deep-winterWomen's Health Collection: https://courses.ayurvedicliving.institute/collections/womens-healthhttps://courses.ayurvedicliving.institute/products/courses/copy-of-fall-community-cleanse-2024Gift Guide: https://courses.ayurvedicliving.institute/products/digital_downloads/gift-guide

47. Back-to-School Balance: Ayurvedic Routines for Fall Stress

Back-to-school season isn’t just about school supplies and new schedules—it’s also a time of significant change for body and mind. In this episode of Everyday Ayurveda with Kate, host Kate O’Donnell explores how both seasonal shifts and cultural transitions (like returning to school or work routines) can stir up anxiety, digestive upset, and sleep disturbances. Drawing from Ayurveda’s timeless wisdom, Kate offers practical strategies to bring balance and rhythm back into your life.
What You’ll Learn in This Episode:
Why fall transitions often trigger Vata imbalance
The connection between sudden schedule shifts and anxiety
How to gradually adjust sleep and mealtimes for better balance
Ayurvedic food strategies for easing digestion during change
Why simple, warm meals help during transitional periods
Easy practices to ground your nervous system in September
Evening routines to support sleep and calm the mind
This is a solo episode with Kate O’Donnell, Ayurvedic practitioner, bestselling author, and founder of the Ayurvedic Living Institute. Kate has been teaching and practicing Ayurveda for over 25 years, making ancient wisdom accessible for 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 Ayurvedic Living Institute Membership: https://ayurvedicliving.institute/membership Cleanse Leader Training: https://ayurvedicliving.institute/cleanse-leader-training Deep Winter Self-Care Workshop: https://courses.ayurvedicliving.institute/courses/self-care-workshop-deep-winterWomen's Health Collection: https://courses.ayurvedicliving.institute/collections/womens-healthhttps://courses.ayurvedicliving.institute/products/courses/copy-of-fall-community-cleanse-2024Gift Guide: https://courses.ayurvedicliving.institute/products/digital_downloads/gift-guide

46. How Processed Oils Harm Digestion (and What Ayurveda Says to Do Instead)

Kate O’Donnell welcomes Dr. John Douillard, DC, CAP, a pioneer in Ayurveda and modern health integration. Together, they explore some of the most confusing and most-asked questions in wellness today: Which cooking oils are truly healthy? How do we eat seasonally in a modern world? And how can breathwork provide nourishment as powerful as food itself?
Dr. John shares his personal journey from competitive triathlete to living in India, studying Ayurveda, and eventually creating LifeSpa.com, one of the largest online Ayurvedic resources. He explains why processed oils are so damaging to digestion, how seasonal diets build resilience and metabolic flexibility, and why breathing through the nose can change everything from anxiety to immunity.
This episode is a masterclass in bringing ancient wisdom and modern science together.
What You’ll Learn in This Conversation
The difference between saturated and polyunsaturated fats
Why processed seed oils harm digestion and the liver
The role of bile, stomach acid, and enzymes in overall health
How seasonal eating builds metabolic flexibility
Why stress is at the root of modern metabolic syndrome
The connection between breathwork, oxygen efficiency, and longevity
How protein needs change as we age
The deeper wisdom of Ayurveda for the “Vata years” of life
About Dr. John Douillard
Dr. John Douillard, DC, CAP, is a globally recognized leader in Ayurveda, natural health, and nutrition. With over 40 years of experience, he has helped more than 100,000 patients as the founder and director of LifeSpa. A former Director of Player Development for the New Jersey Nets NBA team, Dr. John is also a bestselling author of seven books, including Eat Wheat and The 3-Season Diet. His podcast, Ayurveda Meets Modern Science, continues his mission of bridging ancient wisdom with modern research.
Links & Resources
Dr. John Douillard’s Website: lifespa.com
Article on Cooking Oils:   https://lifespa.com/health-topics/liver-gallbladder/cooking-oils
Subscribe to Dr. John’s Newsletter: LifeSpa Newsletter
Podcast: Ayurveda Meets Modern Science
Instagram: @lifespa
YouTube: LifeSpa Channel
If you loved this conversation, be sure to subscribe to Everyday Ayurveda with Kate and share this episode with a friend who’s confused about oils or curious about seasonal eating. Leave us a review to help more people discover how Ayurveda can bring balance and vitality to everyday life.
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 Ayurvedic Living Institute Membership: https://ayurvedicliving.institute/membership Cleanse Leader Training: https://ayurvedicliving.institute/cleanse-leader-training Deep Winter Self-Care Workshop: https://courses.ayurvedicliving.institute/courses/self-care-workshop-deep-winterWomen's Health Collection: https://courses.ayurvedicliving.institute/collections/womens-healthhttps://courses.ayurvedicliving.institute/products/courses/copy-of-fall-community-cleanse-2024Gift Guide: https://courses.ayurvedicliving.institute/products/digital_downloads/gift-guide

45. Ancient Ayurvedic Secrets for Strong, Healthy, and Lustrous Hair

Hair loss, thinning, and lackluster strands are often blamed on products, genetics, or age — but Ayurveda sees the story differently. In this episode, Kate O’Donnell takes you beyond shampoos and serums into the deep connection between your bones, digestion, stress, and hair health. You’ll learn how hair is considered an upadhatu (secondary tissue) of the bones, why fats and proteins are essential, and how stress, grief, and poor digestion show up in your hair, nails, and teeth.
From foods rich in omega-3s and minerals to scalp massage rituals with cooling oils, Kate offers practical tools to nourish your hair from the inside out. She shares her personal experience with stress-related hair loss, the role of seasonal cleanses in fat metabolism, and how small Ayurvedic rituals — from ginger-spiced milk tonics to weekly head massage — can restore luster, thickness, and strength to your hair.
What You’ll Learn in This Episode:
How Ayurveda views hair as a reflection of bone health
Foods and spices that nourish hair from within
The role of stress, grief, and sleep in hair loss
Why digestion is key to getting nutrients to your hair
Ayurvedic herbs and oils for scalp massage
The surprising benefits of flax seeds, sea moss, and Brazil nuts
The difference between Vata and Pitta hair loss patterns
Safe and effective ways to support hair during times of stress
Call to Action:
Your hair tells a story — about your digestion, your stress, your sleep, and your self-care. Start small: try a weekly head massage, add flax or chia seeds to your meals, and notice the difference. Share your hair journey with Kate on Instagram @kateodonnell.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.
Connect with Kate: https://www.healwithkate.org Ayurvedic Living Institute Membership: https://ayurvedicliving.institute/membership Cleanse Leader Training: https://ayurvedicliving.institute/cleanse-leader-training Deep Winter Self-Care Workshop: https://courses.ayurvedicliving.institute/courses/self-care-workshop-deep-winterWomen's Health Collection: https://courses.ayurvedicliving.institute/collections/womens-healthhttps://courses.ayurvedicliving.institute/products/courses/copy-of-fall-community-cleanse-2024Gift Guide: https://courses.ayurvedicliving.institute/products/digital_downloads/gift-guide