Elements of Ayurveda Podcast

Colette is joined by Dr. Sujatha Kekada to explore some of the most common myths surrounding Ayurveda and bring clarity to what this ancient system truly teaches. From questions around diet and lifestyle to its relevance in today's scientific landscape, they unpack how Ayurveda is far more adaptable, nuanced, and evidence-aligned than many believe.
Together, they explore how Ayurveda meets you where you are, honouring individuality, context, and balance rather than enforcing one-size-fits-all rules.
In this episode, they discuss:
Whether Ayurveda is truly "scientific" and how modern research supports its core principles
Ayurveda's perspective on vegetarianism and the role of animal protein in healing
The origins of avoiding garlic and onions and when they may be appropriate
How Ayurveda evaluates coffee and alcohol 
Why Ayurveda is not inherently strict or restrictive, and how it embraces flexibility and indulgences
How to follow Ayurvedic principles while maintaining a vegan lifestyle, including alternatives to ghee
Check out Dr. Sujatha's offerings here Amrtasiddhi.com 
Exciting News: The New Elements of Ayurveda Podcast Community is Live!
Over the years, this podcast has blossomed into a global community, a gathering of seekers, healers, and lifelong learners. And now, I'm delighted to share that our revitalized community space is officially open!
This new online home was created for those who wish to go deeper into Ayurveda, together. Inside, you'll find:
Early access to podcast episodes 

Member forums for discussion and Q&A 

Mindfulness and self-care practices 

Monthly live Zoom meetups 

Seasonal group challenges and reflections

It's a conscious, supportive space to connect, learn, and grow with others walking the Ayurvedic path.
Come say hello, introduce yourself, and be part of this living, breathing sangha.
Join the new Elements of Ayurveda Podcast Community here: 
https://www.elementshealingandwellbeing.com/community
I look forward to connecting with you soon!
Check out Colette's online services: 
Online Consultations https://www.elementshealingandwellbeing.com/consultations

At-home Digestive Reset Cleanse https://www.elementshealingandwellbeing.com/digestive-reset-cleanse

Online Daily Habits for Holistic Health Program https://www.elementshealingandwellbeing.com/daily-habits

Reset-Restore-Renew Program https://www.elementshealingandwellbeing.com/reset-restore-renew

Have questions on Colette's online services? Book a FREE 15 min Services Enquiry Call here. https://www.elementshealingandwellbeing.com/consultations
Do I have an accumulation of ama/toxins in my body? Take this quiz to find out https://www.elementshealingandwellbeing.com/resources
Stay connected on social media:
Instagram https://www.instagram.com/elementsofayurvedapodcast/ 
Facebook https://www.facebook.com/elementshealingandwellbeing
Thank you for listening!
If this episode supported you, please consider leaving a review and if you think this information would be helpful to family or friends, please share this episode so we can spread this wisdom of Ayurveda. 
Stay tuned and stay aligned with the Elements of Ayurveda Podcast.
Thanks for listening!

Mushrooms have become increasingly popular in the modern wellness world, particularly for their potential benefits for the nervous system, immunity and resilience. But where do they fit within Ayurveda?
In this episode, I'm joined by Sharmistha Guha Majumdar to explore mushrooms through the lens of Ayurvedic principles. While mushrooms are not extensively described in the classical texts, Ayurveda offers a sophisticated framework for understanding any substance through observation, energetics and ecological context. Sharmistha shares how we can move beyond simply asking whether something is listed in the texts and instead learn how to evaluate it through the Ayurvedic concepts of dravya, guna, karma, and the subtle energies of prana, tejas and ojas.
Together we explore how mushrooms grow, what their ecological patterns reveal about their energetics, and what considerations are important when incorporating them into the diet.
In this episode, we discuss:
How substances like mushrooms can be evaluated through Ayurvedic principles

The role of observation and ecological intelligence in understanding the energetics of foods and herbs

Mushrooms and their potential influence on the subtle energies of prana, tejas and ojas

General qualities and considerations when incorporating mushrooms into the diet

Why digestive capacity and agni are important when consuming mushrooms

The energetic patterns and potential actions of specific mushrooms including; Lion's Mane, Cordyceps, Reishi and Chaga 

Why Ayurveda is a living framework that allows us to interpret new substances through timeless principles

This episode offers a thoughtful exploration of how Ayurvedic wisdom can be applied to modern foods and herbs, helping us deepen our understanding of both mushrooms and Ayurveda itself.
Connect with Sharmistha Guha Majumdar here on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/ayurvedistsharmistha/
Check out Colette's online services: 
Online Consultations https://www.elementshealingandwellbeing.com/consultations

Private Digestive Reset Cleanse https://www.elementshealingandwellbeing.com/digestive-reset-cleanse

Online Daily Habits for Holistic Health Program https://www.elementshealingandwellbeing.com/daily-habits

Reset-Restore-Renew Program https://www.elementshealingandwellbeing.com/reset-restore-renew

Have questions on Colette's online services? Book a FREE 15 min Services Enquiry Call here. https://www.elementshealingandwellbeing.com/consultations
Do I have an accumulation of ama/toxins in my body? Take this quiz to find out https://www.elementshealingandwellbeing.com/resources
Stay connected on the Elements social media:
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/elementsofayurvedapodcast/

Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/elementshealingandwellbeing

Thank you for listening!
If this episode supported you, please consider leaving a review and if you think this information would be helpful to family or friends, please share this episode so we can spread this wisdom of Ayurveda. 
Stay tuned and stay aligned with the Elements of Ayurveda Podcast.
Thanks for listening!

As winter transitions into spring, many people begin to notice subtle shifts in how they feel. You might experience brain fog, sluggish digestion, low motivation, seasonal allergies, or new cravings for sugar and comfort foods. While these symptoms may seem random, Ayurveda recognizes them as common responses to the seasonal shift from winter to spring.
In this episode, Colette shares seven signs that your body may be asking for a seasonal reset and explain how Ayurveda views these signals as early messages from the body. Rather than waiting for deeper imbalance to develop, Ayurveda encourages us to recognize these subtle signs and support the body through seasonal cleansing, lighter foods, and strengthening digestion.
You'll learn how seasonal accumulation develops, why spring often brings feelings of heaviness or congestion, and how small adjustments can help restore clarity, energy, and digestive balance.
In this episode, we explore:
Why kapha accumulates during winter and begins to mobilize in spring

How seasonal changes can weaken agni (digestive fire)

The Ayurvedic concept of ama (metabolic toxins) and how it forms

The 7 signs indicating winter accumulation
Why spring is traditionally considered the ideal season for cleansing

Check out Colette's online services: 
Online Consultations https://www.elementshealingandwellbeing.com/consultations

Group Digestive Reset Cleanse - April 17th, 2026 https://www.elementshealingandwellbeing.com/group-cleanse

Private Digestive Reset Cleanse https://www.elementshealingandwellbeing.com/digestive-reset-cleanse

Online Daily Habits for Holistic Health Program https://www.elementshealingandwellbeing.com/daily-habits

Reset-Restore-Renew Program https://www.elementshealingandwellbeing.com/reset-restore-renew

Have questions on Colette's online services? Book a FREE 15 min Services Enquiry Call here. https://www.elementshealingandwellbeing.com/consultations
Do I have an accumulation of ama/toxins in my body? Take this quiz to find out https://www.elementshealingandwellbeing.com/resources
Stay connected on the Elements social media:
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/elementsofayurvedapodcast/

Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/elementshealingandwellbeing

Thank you for listening!
If this episode supported you, please consider leaving a review and if you think this information would be helpful to family or friends, please share this episode so we can spread this wisdom of Ayurveda. 
Stay tuned and stay aligned with the Elements of Ayurveda Podcast.
Thanks for listening!

Have you ever felt tired… but something about it didn't feel like true fatigue? In this episode, Colette explores the subtle but important difference between Kapha accumulation and true fatigue, and how easily the two can be confused. What feels like low energy may actually be heaviness, stagnation, and mental fog, which are signs that the body is asking for movement and stimulation, not more rest.
Colette shares a recent personal experience of waking up feeling heavy, slow, and mentally foggy, not depleted, but stuck. Through her Ayurvedic lens she understood that these qualities were not in fact fatigue but a Kapha accumulation. Understanding this distinction prevented her from unintentionally moving further out of balance.
She shares how to recognize these qualities in your body and how to respond in a way that restores balance. This episode is about tuning inwards and taking note of the qualities you feel in your body, being curious and building a deeper relationship with your body's inner intelligence.
In this episode Colette discusses:
The difference between Kapha imbalance and true fatigue
Why "feeling tired" isn't always about needing more rest
Common signs of Kapha accumulation (heaviness, fog, low motivation)
How Kapha shows up in the mind as inertia and lack of clarity
The concept of manda (slowness/dullness) in Ayurveda
Why misinterpreting symptoms can lead to deeper imbalance
Simple ways to support Kapha to restore balance
The importance of awareness before taking action
Why this is especially relevant during the spring season
Episode Sponsor:
Kerala Ayurveda Academy's India Immersion is a 14-day immersive experience guided by renowned Ayurvedic doctor Vaidya Jayarajan Kodikannath. Whether you're new to Ayurveda or a dedicated student or practitioner, this immersive experience offers a rare opportunity to study, travel, and experience this ancient healing tradition in its place of origin. To learn more about the India Immersion and download the full brochure, visit keralaayurveda.us 
Join the Spring Digestive Reset Cleanse
If you're ready to support your body through this seasonal transition, my Discounted Group Digestive Reset Cleanse begins April 17th.
This Ayurvedic cleanse is designed to gently remove winter accumulation, strengthen digestion, and help you re-establish daily rhythm while learning about your unique constitution and patterns.
You'll also receive guidance, structure, and support throughout the process so that the experience becomes both healing and educational.
Learn more and register by booking your cleanse consultation at:
Group Digestive Reset Cleanse starting April 17th https://www.elementshealingandwellbeing.com/group-cleanse

Private Digestive Reset Cleanse - chosse your own dates https://www.elementshealingandwellbeing.com/digestive-reset-cleanse

Check out Colette's online services: 
Online Consultations https://www.elementshealingandwellbeing.com/consultations

Group Digestive Reset Cleanse - April 17th, 2026 https://www.elementshealingandwellbeing.com/group-cleanse

Private Digestive Reset Cleanse https://www.elementshealingandwellbeing.com/digestive-reset-cleanse

Online Daily Habits for Holistic Health Program https://www.elementshealingandwellbeing.com/daily-habits

Reset-Restore-Renew Program https://www.elementshealingandwellbeing.com/reset-restore-renew

Have questions on Colette's online services? Book a FREE 15 min Services Enquiry Call here. https://www.elementshealingandwellbeing.com/consultations
Do I have an accumulation of ama/toxins in my body? Take this quiz to find out https://www.elementshealingandwellbeing.com/resources
Stay connected on the Elements social media:
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/elementsofayurvedapodcast/

Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/elementshealingandwellbeing

Thank you for listening!
If this episode supported you, please consider leaving a review and if you think this information would be helpful to family or friends, please share this episode so we can spread this wisdom of Ayurveda. 
Stay tuned and stay aligned with the Elements of Ayurveda Podcast.
Thanks for listening!

Healing rarely happens through a single change. More often, it unfolds through awareness, consistency, and a growing relationship with the body and mind.
In this episode, Colette is joined by her client Erica, who shares her deeply personal journey of healing through Ayurveda. What began as a search for answers during a period of fatigue and sluggishness became a transformational process of self-discovery, compassion, and empowerment.
Erica began working with Colette in January 2025 and joined the Reset–Restore–Renew Program, where she experienced how structured cleansing, supportive routines, self-care and mindfulness practices can create a powerful container for healing. Over time, she moved from feeling heavy and depleted to experiencing renewed energy, clarity, and vitality.
In their conversation, Erica reflects on how life's busyness can easily pull us out of balance and how returning to seasonal resets and supportive habits has helped her reestablish structure and stability. With each cleanse, she noticed her awareness deepening, not only physically, but mentally and emotionally as well.
One of the most beautiful insights from Erica's journey is the role of self-compassion. Rather than striving for perfection, she has embraced an 80/20 approach to living Ayurveda, allowing her to maintain balance while still living fully.
This conversation is a reminder that healing is not about rigid rules. It's about learning to listen to your body, honoring where you are, and cultivating kindness toward yourself along the way.
In this episode, they discuss:
How Erica's personal healing journey led her to Ayurveda

Her experience inside the Reset–Restore–Renew Program

Moving from lethargy and sluggishness to renewed energy and vitality

How the busyness of life can lead to imbalance and how repeating cleanses helped her reestablish balance and structure

The increased physical, mental, and emotional awareness that she developed with each cleanse

The importance of self-compassion and self-love on the healing journey

How embracing an 80/20 approach made her Ayurvedic lifestyle sustainable

Join the Spring Digestive Reset Cleanse
If you're ready to support your body through this seasonal transition, my Discounted Group Digestive Reset Cleanse begins April 17th.
This Ayurvedic cleanse is designed to gently remove winter accumulation, strengthen digestion, and help you re-establish daily rhythm while learning about your unique constitution and patterns.
You'll also receive guidance, structure, and support throughout the process so that the experience becomes both healing and educational.
Learn more and register by booking your cleanse consultation at:
Group Digestive Reset Cleanse starting April 17th https://www.elementshealingandwellbeing.com/group-cleanse

Private Digestive Reset Cleanse - choose your own dates https://www.elementshealingandwellbeing.com/digestive-reset-cleanse

Check out Colette's online services: 
Online Consultations https://www.elementshealingandwellbeing.com/consultations

Group Digestive Reset Cleanse - April 17th, 2026 https://www.elementshealingandwellbeing.com/group-cleanse

Private Digestive Reset Cleanse https://www.elementshealingandwellbeing.com/digestive-reset-cleanse

Online Daily Habits for Holistic Health Program https://www.elementshealingandwellbeing.com/daily-habits

Reset-Restore-Renew Program https://www.elementshealingandwellbeing.com/reset-restore-renew

Have questions on Colette's online services? Book a FREE 15 min Services Enquiry Call here. https://www.elementshealingandwellbeing.com/consultations
Do I have an accumulation of ama/toxins in my body? Take this quiz to find out https://www.elementshealingandwellbeing.com/resources
Stay connected on the Elements social media:
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/elementsofayurvedapodcast/

Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/elementshealingandwellbeing

Thank you for listening!
If this episode supported you, please consider leaving a review and if you think this information would be helpful to family or friends, please share this episode so we can spread this wisdom of Ayurveda. 
Stay tuned and stay aligned with the Elements of Ayurveda Podcast.
Thanks for listening!