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The Everyday Ayurveda Guide to Self-Care: Rhythms, Routines, and Home Remedies for Natural Healing
Embrace the ancient principles of Ayurveda to become a more integrated, whole, and healthy version of yourself. This detailed guide walks you through the steps of foundational Ayurvedic practices that can be easily integrated into your existing self-care routine--from self-massage, oil pulling, and tongue scraping to breathing practices, meditation exercises, and eating with intention--to uplift your physical health and state of mind.
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288 pages, Paperback
Published July 28, 2020
68 people are currently reading
237 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
April 27, 2020
I have been interested in Ayurvedic medicine for awhile and was looking for a good introduction. This is a good solid intro to the theory and practice. I think I would have preferred a hard copy of this book but the electronic copy also has some very nice photos. My only criticism is that this book is still slightly too advanced for the likes of me, someone with interest but absolutely zero understanding of Ayurvedic traditions. It provides good introductions to the theory but could probably still have explained some of the basics more clearly. Or maybe I just need more of a total beginner’s book. Nevertheless, it is a very good reference book with great tips and I plan to use it a lot. May be easier reading if you already have a basic understanding of Ayurveda.
July 19, 2020
This book, written by Kate O’Donnell with photography by Cara Brostrom, is a handbook on how the practice of Ayurveda can inform our daily routines and be the self-care we need to be healthy and well, both in mind and spirit. It’s a beautiful book and accessible even for those with no background in Ayurveda. 5 stars (⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️)!
[Disclosure: I read an ARC/e-galley from Shambhala Publications, Inc. via NetGalley, in exchange for my honest review.]
Kate O’Donnell is one of the best known Ayurveda teachers in America. She also teaches Ashtanga yoga, and Ashtanga is a type of yoga known for its systematic, set asana series (poses) and its goal of staying true to its lineage and traditional roots in India. This is over-simplifying a bit but is to say that Ashtanga yoga and Ayurveda often attract the same types of practitioners: those looking for more “traditional,” “natural,” but still straightforward ways to stay healthy. Neither is a “quick fix.”
I practice Ashtanga yoga and this is why I have heard her name and knew broad strokes about Ayurveda for many years. It wasn’t until this quarantine time of COVID-19 when I’ve really been noticing the impacts on my body of stress, not eating enough healthy foods, and not sleeping enough. I’m even exercising more since quarantine, and I’ve been surprised that despite that, I still have felt sluggish, bloated, puffy, and carrying a few extra corona-pounds. Pre-quarantine, the hurrying of life makes it easy to ignore your body, going for one place to another just trying to get through the day. Now, my days are largely similar and so it’s easier to notice what daily tasks and routines feel good and what don’t. (This is also the appeal of the Ashtanga practice—if the asanas don’t change, you can notice how and why your body and mind feel on different days.)
So I jumped at the opportunity to read and review this book on NetGalley. First - the photography by Cara Brostrom is absolutely gorgeous. It’s modern, colorful, clean, and inviting. The photos are truly a gift to this book and the book would be very different without it.
Second, the book is organized in a way that makes sense. The first part is the basics of Ayurveda. The second part is information about what daily and seasonal routines should look like. And the final part is DIY recipes for teas, waters, oils, and others.
What makes this book special is O’Donnell’s approach to sharing her wealth of knowledge. She does not dumb anything down—I’m going to have to re-read the first part of the book to absorb it all. But her approach is 1) there is wisdom in these practices that can be applied in the present time with ingredients we can reasonably find; 2) there is value in getting in tune with your body; and 3) just start and do something. And she does it with levity! She’s not afraid to use words we all do like burp and fart, and she shares that she does, in fact, eat ice cream (and if you follow her on Instagram, that she drinks the occasional cocktail). Ayurveda is not about suffering or denying yourself, but the opposite: thriving.
I like that O’Donnell reminds us to get back to basics with our bodies. Nobody is saying rely only on nature to a fault—modern medicine to cure cancer, vaccines to prevent disease, etc. are amazing. But O’Donnell writes: “Human beings are microcosmic members of the macrocosm, and the laws that govern nature govern us as well. For example, waking with the sun and sleeping in the dark have beneficial effects on our health. Modern science is presently fleshing out the details of this phenomenon through the study of circadian rhythms and the effects these rhythms have on our mental well-being, hormones, digestion, and so on.” That is—science likes to figure out the “why,” but we can sometimes see very plainly the “what” and we should examine our daily routines to see how the choices we make affect our health. There’s a particular hubris attached to thinking we are above nature and can go against some of these natural rhythms without negative effect, but O’Donnell never guilts or shames the reader—she just urges the reader to make a small change and see how it feels.
The older I get, the more I notice the connections between what I do or don’t do and how I feel later. But still, I stay up way too late/eat too many sweets/drink too much wine because it feels good in the moment. But I don’t always feel good later. The idea of self-care has been “treat yourself,” and while that’s of course part of it, that’s not the core meaning. If you’re tired, not eating or drinking well, too sedentary, etc., no amount of treats or pedicures are going to make up for it. Self-care is doing what’s good for you; not always what feels good in the moment, but what will help you feel good in general. O’Donnell’s book shows that you can have rituals that both feel good in the moment and are sustaining. She writes: “Self-care is not all about flower petals and herbal spritzes (though there are some floral recipes in part three). The path to wellness is paved with bricks of self-knowledge, hard-won and wisely applied to the process of daily life.”
Later, she writes: “Being a healthy, happy human requires a strong union of consciousness and matter; a balance of mental energies; and awareness of sensory activity, our actions, and reactions. Whoa! Taking vitamins just won’t cut it. This is why the Ayurvedic approach to self-care is so helpful—it addresses all of the components that make up life as we know it.”
Let’s take better care of ourselves, especially during this tough time, and this book is a great way to help to help with that!
[Disclosure: I read an ARC/e-galley from Shambhala Publications, Inc. via NetGalley, in exchange for my honest review.]
Kate O’Donnell is one of the best known Ayurveda teachers in America. She also teaches Ashtanga yoga, and Ashtanga is a type of yoga known for its systematic, set asana series (poses) and its goal of staying true to its lineage and traditional roots in India. This is over-simplifying a bit but is to say that Ashtanga yoga and Ayurveda often attract the same types of practitioners: those looking for more “traditional,” “natural,” but still straightforward ways to stay healthy. Neither is a “quick fix.”
I practice Ashtanga yoga and this is why I have heard her name and knew broad strokes about Ayurveda for many years. It wasn’t until this quarantine time of COVID-19 when I’ve really been noticing the impacts on my body of stress, not eating enough healthy foods, and not sleeping enough. I’m even exercising more since quarantine, and I’ve been surprised that despite that, I still have felt sluggish, bloated, puffy, and carrying a few extra corona-pounds. Pre-quarantine, the hurrying of life makes it easy to ignore your body, going for one place to another just trying to get through the day. Now, my days are largely similar and so it’s easier to notice what daily tasks and routines feel good and what don’t. (This is also the appeal of the Ashtanga practice—if the asanas don’t change, you can notice how and why your body and mind feel on different days.)
So I jumped at the opportunity to read and review this book on NetGalley. First - the photography by Cara Brostrom is absolutely gorgeous. It’s modern, colorful, clean, and inviting. The photos are truly a gift to this book and the book would be very different without it.
Second, the book is organized in a way that makes sense. The first part is the basics of Ayurveda. The second part is information about what daily and seasonal routines should look like. And the final part is DIY recipes for teas, waters, oils, and others.
What makes this book special is O’Donnell’s approach to sharing her wealth of knowledge. She does not dumb anything down—I’m going to have to re-read the first part of the book to absorb it all. But her approach is 1) there is wisdom in these practices that can be applied in the present time with ingredients we can reasonably find; 2) there is value in getting in tune with your body; and 3) just start and do something. And she does it with levity! She’s not afraid to use words we all do like burp and fart, and she shares that she does, in fact, eat ice cream (and if you follow her on Instagram, that she drinks the occasional cocktail). Ayurveda is not about suffering or denying yourself, but the opposite: thriving.
I like that O’Donnell reminds us to get back to basics with our bodies. Nobody is saying rely only on nature to a fault—modern medicine to cure cancer, vaccines to prevent disease, etc. are amazing. But O’Donnell writes: “Human beings are microcosmic members of the macrocosm, and the laws that govern nature govern us as well. For example, waking with the sun and sleeping in the dark have beneficial effects on our health. Modern science is presently fleshing out the details of this phenomenon through the study of circadian rhythms and the effects these rhythms have on our mental well-being, hormones, digestion, and so on.” That is—science likes to figure out the “why,” but we can sometimes see very plainly the “what” and we should examine our daily routines to see how the choices we make affect our health. There’s a particular hubris attached to thinking we are above nature and can go against some of these natural rhythms without negative effect, but O’Donnell never guilts or shames the reader—she just urges the reader to make a small change and see how it feels.
The older I get, the more I notice the connections between what I do or don’t do and how I feel later. But still, I stay up way too late/eat too many sweets/drink too much wine because it feels good in the moment. But I don’t always feel good later. The idea of self-care has been “treat yourself,” and while that’s of course part of it, that’s not the core meaning. If you’re tired, not eating or drinking well, too sedentary, etc., no amount of treats or pedicures are going to make up for it. Self-care is doing what’s good for you; not always what feels good in the moment, but what will help you feel good in general. O’Donnell’s book shows that you can have rituals that both feel good in the moment and are sustaining. She writes: “Self-care is not all about flower petals and herbal spritzes (though there are some floral recipes in part three). The path to wellness is paved with bricks of self-knowledge, hard-won and wisely applied to the process of daily life.”
Later, she writes: “Being a healthy, happy human requires a strong union of consciousness and matter; a balance of mental energies; and awareness of sensory activity, our actions, and reactions. Whoa! Taking vitamins just won’t cut it. This is why the Ayurvedic approach to self-care is so helpful—it addresses all of the components that make up life as we know it.”
Let’s take better care of ourselves, especially during this tough time, and this book is a great way to help to help with that!
July 18, 2020
Originally published on my blog: Nonstop Reader.
The Everyday Ayurveda Guide to Self-Care is a DIY and technique manual for wellness and natural healing by Kate O'Donnell. Due out 28th July 2020 from Shambhala publishing, it's 288 pages and will be available in paperback and ebook formats.
This book provides a broad survey course in Ayurvedic wellness from the beginner concepts through more advanced uses and lifestyle applications. The content is split into three sections: what Ayurveda is and some ways our bodies and minds work and interact with the energy around us, Ayurvedic lifestyle changes (and the attendant benefits) in the context of daily & seasonal changes, and finally a collection of DIY tutorials and recipes.
The book is logically formatted and written in an accessible and understandable style. I was also glad to see useful recipes with a minimum of pseudoscientific emphasis. The book is full of safe and natural suggestions for everyone, no matter what life-stage they're at. The recipes include ingredients which are relatively easy to source and should be easy to find in most places. Recipe ingredients are listed with American standard measures only (there's no conversion chart in the book, but it shouldn't be problematic to convert to metric measures if necessary. The author has also included a resource/bibliography list for further reading, glossary, chapter notes, and a cross referenced index. The book throughout, including the recipe sections is well photographed with clear and attractive tutorial and recipe photos which are easy to follow.
All in all it's a good beginner to intermediate handbook for Ayurvedic concepts.
Four stars.
Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes.
The Everyday Ayurveda Guide to Self-Care is a DIY and technique manual for wellness and natural healing by Kate O'Donnell. Due out 28th July 2020 from Shambhala publishing, it's 288 pages and will be available in paperback and ebook formats.
This book provides a broad survey course in Ayurvedic wellness from the beginner concepts through more advanced uses and lifestyle applications. The content is split into three sections: what Ayurveda is and some ways our bodies and minds work and interact with the energy around us, Ayurvedic lifestyle changes (and the attendant benefits) in the context of daily & seasonal changes, and finally a collection of DIY tutorials and recipes.
The book is logically formatted and written in an accessible and understandable style. I was also glad to see useful recipes with a minimum of pseudoscientific emphasis. The book is full of safe and natural suggestions for everyone, no matter what life-stage they're at. The recipes include ingredients which are relatively easy to source and should be easy to find in most places. Recipe ingredients are listed with American standard measures only (there's no conversion chart in the book, but it shouldn't be problematic to convert to metric measures if necessary. The author has also included a resource/bibliography list for further reading, glossary, chapter notes, and a cross referenced index. The book throughout, including the recipe sections is well photographed with clear and attractive tutorial and recipe photos which are easy to follow.
All in all it's a good beginner to intermediate handbook for Ayurvedic concepts.
Four stars.
Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes.
July 29, 2020
Parts Not Very Accessible; Remedies Sound Good
When I went to massage school, we talked a little about Ayurvedic practices. So when I saw this book at one of my favorite book review sites, I was curious. Not really having been a student of Ayurveda in any depth, I found this book hard to get into and understand. The author clearly knows a lot about Ayurveda, and she throws around terms as if we are all as knowledgeable as her. She does explain them somewhat but repeats the terminology over and over throughout as if we know what she is talking about, making the text sometimes difficult to understand. I just don't have the depth and breadth of knowledge about the topic that the author has. I feel like the author could have tightened up the introductory material, making it useful to the understanding of the rituals and remedies to come and not a barrier. At least when we get to the home remedy section, the book becomes more accessible. The home remedy recipes include simple mix-ins to honey, many tonics, healing soups, and more. The preparation of most seemed relatively straightforward. Some do, however, have ingredients that you may not find in the typical American grocery store, though an ethnic market or health food store might have some of the more exotic ingredients. Of course, you can buy them from places like Amazon as well. All in all, I found myself a little disappointed in this book because of the large sections that I didn't find as accessible as the recipes in the remedy section. If you are already a practitioner of Ayurveda or understand its concepts and terminology, you won't have the difficulties I did understanding all that and will probably enjoy the book more than I did.
I received a free copy of this book, but that did not affect my review.
My book blog: https://www.readingfanaticreviews.com
When I went to massage school, we talked a little about Ayurvedic practices. So when I saw this book at one of my favorite book review sites, I was curious. Not really having been a student of Ayurveda in any depth, I found this book hard to get into and understand. The author clearly knows a lot about Ayurveda, and she throws around terms as if we are all as knowledgeable as her. She does explain them somewhat but repeats the terminology over and over throughout as if we know what she is talking about, making the text sometimes difficult to understand. I just don't have the depth and breadth of knowledge about the topic that the author has. I feel like the author could have tightened up the introductory material, making it useful to the understanding of the rituals and remedies to come and not a barrier. At least when we get to the home remedy section, the book becomes more accessible. The home remedy recipes include simple mix-ins to honey, many tonics, healing soups, and more. The preparation of most seemed relatively straightforward. Some do, however, have ingredients that you may not find in the typical American grocery store, though an ethnic market or health food store might have some of the more exotic ingredients. Of course, you can buy them from places like Amazon as well. All in all, I found myself a little disappointed in this book because of the large sections that I didn't find as accessible as the recipes in the remedy section. If you are already a practitioner of Ayurveda or understand its concepts and terminology, you won't have the difficulties I did understanding all that and will probably enjoy the book more than I did.
I received a free copy of this book, but that did not affect my review.
My book blog: https://www.readingfanaticreviews.com
May 31, 2025
Thank you to Netgalley and the Publisher for my digital copy in exchange for an honest review. This was one of three books on Ayurvedic Medicine I recently requested and all three were good books and they all three were very different. This one by far had the most knowledge contained within it's pages BUT it was also the one that read most like a textbook for me. That means I couldn't quite get into it as much because I don't want to feel like I am studying when I am reading something for enjoyment. This was also a little more advanced than the others, which is a good thing because we need different levels out there...not everybody is just beginning. There were many beautiful pictures included and some recipes as well...all in all, this was a good book and I would definitely recommend it to anyone interested in this form of medicine :)
July 9, 2020
This book was received as an ARC from Shambhala Publications, Inc - Shambhala in exchange for an honest review. Opinions and thoughts expressed in this review are completely my own.
I am so intrigued by the art of Ayurveda and the healthy effects it has on ones body. I have to say I have never learned so much from a book than I have on this book of Ayurveda. I was familiar with some of the process and history but this book really opened my eyes in a whole new light and my curiosity has definitely peaked at a point where I might try some of these techniques and see what comes of it.
We will consider adding this title to our R collection at our library. That is why we give this book 5 stars.
I am so intrigued by the art of Ayurveda and the healthy effects it has on ones body. I have to say I have never learned so much from a book than I have on this book of Ayurveda. I was familiar with some of the process and history but this book really opened my eyes in a whole new light and my curiosity has definitely peaked at a point where I might try some of these techniques and see what comes of it.
We will consider adding this title to our R collection at our library. That is why we give this book 5 stars.
March 21, 2021
I really liked this book! You almost have to treat it like a text book, once a term is defined the author expects you to remember the term and apply the knowledge later in the book.
It is not a mainstream approach to Ayurveda and you can tell the author has really taken the time to learn the principles.
I would have liked some worksheets and methods to track my Dosha and imbalances. There are a lot of things to keep track of and now that I have read through the book, I’ll have to go back through and take notes to figure out best ways to apply the knowledge.
It is not a mainstream approach to Ayurveda and you can tell the author has really taken the time to learn the principles.
I would have liked some worksheets and methods to track my Dosha and imbalances. There are a lot of things to keep track of and now that I have read through the book, I’ll have to go back through and take notes to figure out best ways to apply the knowledge.
October 26, 2024
Wow.
I just finished reading this (up to the recipes which I’ll now start testing!) and it is hands down the best ayurveda book I’ve ever read.
I spent a year learning under a practitioner in my area, and have read so many things, done several seasonal ayurvedic cleanses, yet this put so many things into a simple and understandable way and gave me a much deeper understand and appreciation for it. I highly recommend. It says self care, and that’s definitely true, but this will be my first recommendation for anyone wanting to get into Ayurveda. Beautifully written and easily understood.
I just finished reading this (up to the recipes which I’ll now start testing!) and it is hands down the best ayurveda book I’ve ever read.
I spent a year learning under a practitioner in my area, and have read so many things, done several seasonal ayurvedic cleanses, yet this put so many things into a simple and understandable way and gave me a much deeper understand and appreciation for it. I highly recommend. It says self care, and that’s definitely true, but this will be my first recommendation for anyone wanting to get into Ayurveda. Beautifully written and easily understood.
August 10, 2025
Skip to section 2. You will thank me later. A lot of the homeopathic rituals in here for body cleanse, especially putting oil in ears - I’m asking my doctor before I do that. The wording in this book is weird, I would like to buy it to reference back to, a good one for the book shelf if you want to feel better. It’s not a leisurely read, it’s a reference book. She has other books as well, I look forward to reading through her recipe book and her book on women’s health. There is A LOT of fluff in this book. I would not suggest reading it cover to cover, take what you need from it.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 15, 2025
So good! I’m so impatient getting thru these books lol.
Don’t suppress/force urges (nonforcing)
Diff qualities of mind
Ayurveda is a mindset for paying attention to the body and environment and noticing action-reactions
Acting in line with natural and divine rhythms is healthful being “seated in the self”
Don’t suppress/force urges (nonforcing)
Diff qualities of mind
Ayurveda is a mindset for paying attention to the body and environment and noticing action-reactions
Acting in line with natural and divine rhythms is healthful being “seated in the self”
April 23, 2020
I had never heard of this type of self-care before, so it peaked my interest.
It isn’t a light read. It goes in deep details of Ayurveda. If you’re interested in following this self-care therapy, I’d recommend this book. It is very detailed and accompanied with beautiful photographs.
It isn’t a light read. It goes in deep details of Ayurveda. If you’re interested in following this self-care therapy, I’d recommend this book. It is very detailed and accompanied with beautiful photographs.
July 4, 2020
A decent book for those who have an interest in this type of healing. Some exercises and recipes (food and beauty). It does talk about what Ayurveda is, going through the seasons, food, and some other topics.
October 14, 2020
A great basic guide for anyone looking to get into natural healing and self-care. Having already known a lot of these tips and tricks, I didn't find much new to add but for those who don't know where to begin this is the book for you.
December 28, 2020
4.5/5
A clear concise book with beautiful photographs. It has lot of home remedies recipes given in the end.
A clear concise book with beautiful photographs. It has lot of home remedies recipes given in the end.
September 19, 2021
Want to try the Spicy Dandelion Green Soup, Vegan Ghee, and the Cardamom-Ginger Grape Elixir recipes.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 23, 2024
Good overview on ayurveda with tea recipes, natural beauty products, home remedies, etc.
April 5, 2024
Très complet, beaucoup d’information, recettes simples et variées. Un bon outil de référence pour s’initier à l’ayurveda.
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews