Coffee: Friend or Foe

In Ayurveda, it is believed that every substance in nature has something to offer us. It is also believed that every substance has the potential to be beneficial or poisonous depending on how we use it. So... let's talk about coffee. And to begin, let’s talk about the qualities of coffee so that we can better understand when this substance is beneficial for us and when it’s time to take a break.  

Coffee is bitter, astringent (drying), heating and mobile. These qualities are made up of the air and fire elements.

Whom is coffee most beneficial for? And when does it act as poison? 

In general, the astringent and mobile qualities of coffee can be balancing to kapha dosha’s wet and sluggish nature. On the other hand, these same qualities can create spaciness, anxiety, nervousness and insomnia for vata people and the acidic heating qualities of coffee can create exhaustion and excess heat for pitta dosha.  

When considering whether or not to drink coffee, always keep your doshic constitution, current state of health and season in mind. And remember, it’s not consuming coffee that is the problem, but how you consume it that will ultimately define whether you will benefit from it or not. Typically speaking, kapha has the go when it comes to coffee and anyone with excess vata or pitta should tread carefully.  

Not sure if you have a vata or pitta imbalance? If you experience dehydration, dry skin, nervousness/anxiety or insomnia, vata is at play. If you are experiencing redness, skin imbalances, heartburn or anger, pitta is aggravated. Still not sure? Take this free dosha quiz online.

As with most things, Ayurveda offers suggestions to help us consume coffee in a more conscious healthier way.  Let’s talk about those things.. 

1. Drink coffee early in the morning, between 6:00-10:00 AM, this is when kapha is predominant in our bodies.  

1. Drink coffee in moderation, think 1 cup a day.  

1. Add cardamom to your coffee.  Cardamom will ground vata dosha, reducing anxiety and jitteriness and its cooling energy will help soothe the excess heat acidity brings.  

1. Add ½ teaspoon of ghee or coconut oil to your coffee.  Blending in this fat can help calm the nervous system and support the digestive system.  The lubricating quality of fat can also help reduce coffee’s drying and acidic effects.  

Coffee isn’t supporting you and you know it’s time to let go?  There are many things you can do!

1. Replace the ritual with drinking hot water in the morning, an herbal tea or herbal coffee substitute.  

1. To avoid caffeine withdrawal, try reducing coffee by mixing it with an herbal coffee substitute.  For example, 75% coffee: 25% teecino for 3 days, then 50% coffee: 50% teecino for 3 days, then 25% coffee: 75% teecino for 3 days then 100% teecino! 3. Afraid you won’t have a bowel movement without coffee?  Talk to an Ayurvedic Practitioner about digestive herbs that can support you. Book now with Mary!

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