Ayurveda’s Late Winter (Shishir Rutu) Guide for Skin, Scalp, Dandruff and Nourishing Foods

Shishira Ritu — The Best Ayurvedic Guide for Late Winter Skin, Scalp and Nourishment

Complete patient-friendly manual: why skin and scalp worsen in Shishira, what to do, how to eat ghee safely, gajak, dandruff care, hair protection and lifestyle rules.

Author: Dr.Karan Dave Lifestyle Disease Reversal Expert. Article 2 in Winter Skin Series. Designed for patients and practitioners.

Overview — What is Shishira Ritu?

Shishira Ritu is the late winter period in classical Ayurveda, spanning roughly from mid-January to mid-March. It follows Hemanta and represents the coldest and driest part of winter. The air becomes sharper and drier, indoor heating and cold winds reduce ambient humidity and the body’s internal warmth declines. In Ayurvedic language this season promotes a marked increase in Vata qualities, particularly dryness and mobility, which directly affect the skin, scalp, joints and digestion.

शिशिरे तु पुनः शीतो वायुः प्रकुप्यति Aṣṭāṅga Hṛdaya, Sūtrasthāna 3

This verse emphasises that cold wind becomes more active in Shishira and provokes Vata. Practically, this explains the rise in skin dryness, chapping, flaking and sensitivity during these months.

How Shishira Affects Skin and Scalp

When Vata and Kapha are disturbed in the scalp and skin, the result is loss of natural oils, increased transepidermal water loss and reduced blood flow. Clinically you may notice:

• Dry, rough skin and early fine lines
• Flaky patches, chapping of lips and cracked heels
• Aggravation of chronic conditions like eczema and psoriasis
• Increased dandruff and hair fall due to scalp dryness and poor circulation

Note for patients: If you have active inflammatory skin disease, consult your physician before starting vigorous oiling routines. Gentle measures are usually safe and beneficial.

Dandruff and Hair Fall — Why It Happens in Late Winter

Dandruff commonly rises in winter because cold, dry air and heaters strip protective sebum from the scalp. Ayurveda interprets dandruff as a Vata-Kapha imbalance. Vata imparts dryness while Kapha produces flakiness or scaling. Both together create an unstable scalp environment where hair roots weaken and shedding increases.

Symptoms to watch for

• Visible white flakes on scalp and shoulders
• Itching and tightness on the scalp
• Increased hair shedding, especially after combing
• Dry, dull hair strands that break easily

Ayurvedic explanation

Balanced scalp has a thin film of sebum and regular circulation. In Shishira, the film becomes thin and brittle. Scalp tissues (twak and roga) require snigdha (unctuous) support and mild warmth to restore normal function.

Practical Scalp and Hair Care in Shishira

Regular oiling

Apply natural oils once or twice weekly depending on scalp type:

Scalp type	Recommended oil	Notes
Dry, flaky	Warm sesame oil, bhringraj oil, amla oil	Good penetration and deep nourishment
Oily but flaky	Light coconut oil, aloe-ghrita blends, ghrita-based gels	Less greasy, still nourishing
Sensitive/eczema-prone	Shatadhouta ghrita (100x washed ghee), medicated light oils	Cooling and gentle

Method

1. Warm the oil slightly (do not overheat).
2. Part hair and apply oil to the scalp with fingertips.
3. Massage gently in circular motions for 5–10 minutes.
4. Cover head with a warm towel for 15–20 minutes to improve absorption.
5. Wash with a gentle, chemical-free shampoo or rinse with warm water.

For those who dislike heavy oils, try ghrita-based hair gels or aloe-vera ghrita blends. Herbal packs with hibiscus, amla, fenugreek or triphala can be used weekly to strengthen roots and reduce flakes.

Topical Skin Care — Daily and Weekly Routines

Skin barrier protection is the first line of defence. Follow simple daily and weekly steps to maintain moisture and prevent cracks.

Daily

• Warm oil self-massage (abhyanga) with sesame oil or a medicated oil for 5–15 minutes.
• Use warm (not hot) water to bathe and a mild, non-stripping cleanser.
• Apply a small amount of ghee or a nourishing oil to dry areas such as lips, heels and elbows before bed.
• Wear natural fabrics and protect skin from cold winds.

Weekly

Use a hydrating ubtan rather than abrasive scrubs. Example ubtan:

Sandalwood 1 tsp, yashtimadhu 1 tsp, manjistha 1 tsp, multani mitti 1 tsp, mix with milk/rose water and ¼ tsp ghee. Apply 10–12 minutes and rinse gently.

उत्सादनं त्वग्मलघ्नं वर्ण्यं च। Aṣṭāṅga Hṛdaya, Sūtrasthāna (on utsādana/ubtan)

Dietary Strategy — Ghee, Warm Foods and How to Use Them

Diet forms the backbone of Shishira care. The goal is to introduce snigdha (unctuous) and ushna (warm) elements to counter the extreme external dryness. Ghee is central for its ability to soothe Vata, kindle digestion (agni) and carry nutrients into tissues (dhatus).

स्निग्धोष्ण आहार सेवनात् वात निग्रहः भवेत् Charaka Saṃhitā, Sūtrasthāna 6

Practical ways to take ghee

Method	How it helps
With roti or rice	Improves digestion, eases bowel movements, lubricates gut lining
In khichdi or dal	Enhances absorption, reduces roughness of grains
A teaspoon in hot water in morning	Supports lubrication and gentle bowel movement
With turmeric milk (haldi doodh)	Supports immunity and reduces inflammation
Small amount in coffee (bullet-style)	Provides steady energy and satiety; use sparingly

How ghee helps physiologically: Ghee contains short-chain fatty acids that aid digestion, provides fat-soluble vitamins, supports the skin barrier and reduces transepidermal water loss. From an Ayurvedic view, it pacifies Vata and transports rasa to deeper dhatus, improving tissue nourishment.

Ghee with dry foods

Adding ghee to ruksha aahar such as millets, roasted snacks, popcorn, bajra or jowar preparations neutralises their drying effect. This prevents Vata aggravation, reduces bloating and imparts snigdhata (softness) across the body.

Clinical caution: For patients with uncontrolled hyperlipidemia or acute pancreatitis consult your physician before increasing ghee intake. Small, regular amounts under guidance are preferable to large, occasional portions.

Gajak — Traditional Winter Snack with Real Benefits

Gajak is a regional winter favourite. When prepared properly it is not simply a sweet; it is a nourishing food. Important quality checks:

• Use whole sesame seeds that retain natural oil. Avoid til-khali which is the dried residue after oil extraction.
• Use pure jaggery (gud) with no synthetic additives, colours or artificial flavours.
• Prefer small portions in moderation because it is calorie-dense but nutrient-rich.

Why gajak works in winter: sesame provides healthy fats, calcium, magnesium and warmth; jaggery supplies iron, minerals and gentle energy. Together they help maintain skin lubrication, bone strength and steady metabolic heat in cold months.

Herbs and Rasayana for Late Winter

Classical rasayana herbs support tissue repair and antioxidant defence. Useful herbs in Shishira include:

Herb	Primary benefit
Amla (Emblica officinalis)	Antioxidant, varnya, supports skin glow
Ashwagandha	Strength, anti-aging, supports tissue nourishment
Yashtimadhu (licorice)	Softens skin, supports pigmentation and inflammation
Manjistha	Blood purifier, supports healthy complexion

Use rasayana under physician guidance. Some formulations interact with medication or are contraindicated in pregnancy.

Alcohol and Shishira — Strong Warning

Ayurveda classifies madira (alcohol) as ruksha and ushna in nature. This means it is drying and heating, and therefore aggravates Vata and Pitta. During Shishira, when external dryness is already high, alcohol accelerates internal dehydration, disturbs electrolyte balance and worsens skin and scalp problems.

मदिरा वात पित्तकारी रुक्शोष्ण स्वभावतः Charaka Saṃhitā, Sūtrasthāna 27

Modern physiology concurs: alcohol increases urine output, promotes fluid loss and impairs skin barrier recovery. Advice: avoid alcohol in Shishira, or reduce intake significantly and ensure plenty of warm fluids and unctuous foods if alcohol has been consumed.

Useful Daily Routine (Ritucharya) for Patients

Simple, actionable routine to follow during Shishira:

1. Morning: Warm water on rising; 1 tsp ghee in hot water for those who tolerate it.
2. Daily or alternate-day: Short self-abhyanga (5–15 min) with warm sesame oil followed by warm bath.
3. Scalp oiling: Once weekly for normal scalps; twice weekly for very dry scalps.
4. Meals: Warm, cooked foods; add 1–2 tsp ghee per meal unless contraindicated.
5. Avoid cold drinks and refrigerated foods; prefer warm herbal teas (ginger, cinnamon, mulethi).
6. Avoid alcohol; keep warm clothing and protect from cold winds.

Troubleshooting — When to See a Doctor

• Severe eczema flare with oozing, pain or infection
• Unexplained rapid hair loss (>100 hairs/day) or patchy alopecia
• Persistent dandruff with scalp inflammation
• Systemic symptoms like fever, severe joint pain or weight loss

These require medical assessment and may need combined Ayurvedic and modern dermatological care.

References and Classical Citations

• Aṣṭāṅga Hṛdaya, Sūtrasthāna 3 (Shishira description)
• Charaka Saṃhitā, Sūtrasthāna 6 (Snigdhaushna ahara)
• Charaka Saṃhitā, Sūtrasthāna 27 (Madira nature)
• Aṣṭāṅga Hṛdaya — references on abhyanga, swedana and utsadana
• Suśruta Saṃhitā — Sharirasthana (Tvak layers)

Note: Use standard critical editions or printed commentaries for exact verse numbering and word-for-word academic citations when needed.

Final takeaway: Shishira Ritu requires deliberate, patient-friendly care. Emphasise warm oils, regular abhyanga, ghee-based nourishment, wholesome sesame foods like properly made gajak, scalp protection and strict avoidance of dehydrating substances such as alcohol. These measures provide the most practical Ayurvedic approach to maintain skin and hair health through the driest phase of winter.

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