The health of our gut is imperative to the health of our overall well-being. Ayurveda knows this and emphasizes the importance of tending to our digestive fire- or Agni. According to Ayurveda, Agni is our digestive fire and governs our ability to digest, eliminate, and assimilate. Agni is considered the gatekeeper of life in Ayurveda and plays a vital role in maintaining the vitality of our entire body and being. 

The Importance of a Strong Digestive Fire

The overall health of our bodies and minds starts in the gut. When our digestive fire is strong, we are able to properly eliminate toxins and assimilate all of the nutritional value from our food. When Agni is weak, we risk accumulating ama, or toxins, and undigested food in the digestive tract. 

Overactive Agni also can be a detriment to our health, causing us to digest and assimilate our food too quickly so that we do not retain proper nourishment from what we are eating and causing loose stools. A strong yet balanced digestive fire is an indicator of good health and helps us feel vital and energized on a holistic level. 

Signs of Healthy Agni

There are many tell-tale signs of a healthy or unhealthy Agni. It's essential to take note of signs and symptoms that your digestive fire may be out of balance. Here are some signs that you have a strong and well-functioning Agni:

• Normal appetite
• strong taste
• steady weight
• no bloating
• easy and well-formed elimination
• clear and focused mind 
• Good sleep
• strong immunity 

How to Boost Agni 

There are many simple and easy ways we can boost our Agni and nourish a healthy digestive system. Here are some of our favorite tips for digestive health.

1. Start your day with warm water and lemon

Warm water and lemon activate the Agni to set you up for strong digestion all day long. Start your day with a warm mug of water and squeeze 1/4-1/2 a lemon and sip on an empty stomach.

2. Eat warm food 

In the world of Ayurveda, cold food and iced beverages extinguish our digestive fire and can result in poor gut health. Prioritizing eating warm and lightly cooked food helps to nourish our bodies while keeping our digestive fire strong. 

3. Walk after meals

Taking a twenty-minute walk after eating is a fantastic way to boost digestive function and strengthen Agni. Once you have finished a meal, head outdoors for a mindful and light stroll to clear your mind and assist your digestion.

4. Ayurvedic herbs and spices

There are many Ayurvedic herbs and spices that help to boost the digestive fire. Ginger is a powerful spice that strengthens Agni and can help clear ama. You can add fresh ginger to your warm morning lemon water or incorporate the spice into your cooking.

Turmeric is also a powerful spice that can help boost Agni. Our Harda, Turmeric, and Sappan Wood mat makes a fantastic addition to your practice if you're trying to strengthen your inner fire and improve digestive health. This unique mat is dyed with turmeric on both ends and our beloved digestive herb- Harda, in the middle. In addition, the entire mat is infused with a blend of Ayurvedic herbs to help improve your health and digestion as you flow.

Our Agni is the source of our health and vitality. Tending to this precious fire is an imperative part of taking care of our overall well-being. Following these Ayurvedic tips and practices can help you improve your digestion to feel your best mind, body, and spirit.