‘My day starts with Ushapan…': Vidya Malavade swears by these 3 habits to kickstart her mornings the traditional Ayurvedic way
In a recent Instagram post, actor Vidya Malavade shared three elements from her morning routine that focus on gut health, oral hygiene, and overall wellness.
The first step to her routine involves Ushapan in Malasana, where she sips warm water mixed with ghee. 'Malasana improves hip mobility, strengthens the lower body, it can relieve lower back pain, improve posture, and promote relaxation,' she wrote. She also adds, 'Ghee with warm water in the morning is amazing because ghee contains butyric acid, a fatty acid that aids metabolism and the food breakdown process.'
Next on her list is Gandusha, the Ayurvedic practice of oil pulling. 'For healthier teeth and gums… to reduce plaque formations, gingivitis… kills bacteria in the mouth… that cause bad breath,' she explained. Malavade stressed, 'DO NOT SWALLOW THE OIL, spit it out in a waste basket… gargle with salt + turmeric water… spit that out too… then brush and use tongue cleaner (sic).'
She concludes her post by discussing the advantages of infusing Ayurvedic herbs into coconut oil, citing ingredients such as Ashwagandha, Moringa, and Shatavari, stating the various benefits of each of the ingredients. Malavade also shares that she practices Jal Neti (nasal irrigation) two to three times a week.
Dr Anjana Kalia, ayurvedic doctor and nutrionist at Bloom Clinix, tells indianexpress.com, 'Drinking warm water with a small amount of ghee on an empty stomach is a traditional Ayurvedic practice believed to support digestion and improve bowel movements. Ghee, being a healthy fat, may lubricate the digestive tract and enhance the absorption of fat-soluble vitamins. Sitting in malasana (garland pose) while drinking or shortly after may aid digestion by opening the hips and aligning the pelvis, which can help stimulate the abdominal organs. But people having knee pain should avoid sitting in malasana.'
A post shared by Vidya S Malavade (@vidyamalavade)
However, she adds that there are certain considerations. This practice may not be suitable for everyone, particularly individuals with gallbladder issues, a history of pancreatitis, or those on a low-fat diet due to health concerns. 'Excessive ghee intake can lead to unwanted calorie gain or digestive discomfort in people with sensitive stomachs. Moderation is key, and it's always advisable to consult a healthcare provider before incorporating such routines,' notes Dr Kalia.
According to Dr Kalia, oil pulling is a traditional Ayurvedic method involving swishing oil (typically sesame or coconut oil) in the mouth for about 10–20 minutes. 'This practice is generally safe and may support oral health by reducing harmful bacteria, improving gum health, and helping with bad breath,' informs the expert.
However, precautions are essential. Oil pulling should always be done on an empty stomach, and the oil should never be swallowed as it may contain toxins and bacteria. People should avoid overdoing it; once daily is sufficient. Also, individuals with jaw issues (like TMJ disorders) should be cautious, as prolonged swishing might strain the muscles.
Herbs like Ashwagandha, Moringa, and Shatavari are well known for their internal health benefits when taken orally as part of a balanced Ayurvedic routine.
When used externally in a base like coconut oil, Dr Kalia notes, they may offer some localised benefits such as soothing inflammation, nourishing the skin, or improving circulation. For instance, Ashwagandha oil is traditionally used in Abhyanga (Ayurvedic massage) to relax muscles and reduce stress. However, the absorption of active compounds through the skin is generally limited compared to oral intake.
DISCLAIMER: This article is based on information from the public domain and/or the experts we spoke to. Always consult your health practitioner before starting any routine.
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