Can taking amla and black sesame seeds cause cold sensations during the day? - #52666

Hi! I’m an assistant to the Ask Ayurveda doctors. I’ve carefully reviewed your question.

I will explain your symptoms through the Ayurvedic perspective so you understand what is happening in your body as a whole.

Amla, known as Indian gooseberry, is a potent source of Vitamin C and is considered to have a cooling effect on the body. It balances Pitta dosha, which is associated with heat and inflammation. However, if you are naturally sensitive to cold, the cooling nature of amla might intensify your cold sensations.

Black sesame seeds, on the other hand, are warming and nourishing, balancing Vata and Kapha doshas. They are often used to counteract coldness and dryness, which might be beneficial for your cold sensitivity.

The combination of these two could be affecting your internal balance, especially if your Vata dosha is predominant, leading to increased cold sensations. This may also be linked to your existing sensitivity to cold, particularly in your feet during winter.

Ayurveda views symptoms not as isolated issues but as interconnected patterns of imbalance in the body. Your experience of feeling cold could be a sign of Vata aggravation, possibly due to the cooling effect of amla overpowering the warming effect of sesame seeds.

To give doctors a precise and effective treatment plan, your answers to the questions below are essential. Without this information, the recommendations will be more general and less accurate.

Please answer each question as clearly as possible:

1. How long have you been taking amla and black sesame seeds? Please choose from the options: Less than a week, 1-2 weeks, 1 month, or more than a month. 2. How would you describe the intensity of feeling cold? Is it mild, moderate, severe, or extreme? 3. Does the cold feeling occur at specific times of the day? For example, morning, afternoon, evening/night, or all day long? 4. Have you experienced any other symptoms along with feeling cold, such as fatigue, nausea, headache, or no other symptoms? 5. How is your appetite and digestive health since starting these supplements? Is it good, slightly reduced, no appetite, or are there digestive issues like bloating or gas? 6. Are you currently experiencing any stress or emotional changes? Please specify if it is no stress, mild, moderate, or high stress. 7. Have you made any other changes to your diet or lifestyle recently? For example, increased physical activity, changed diet significantly, or started new medications or supplements?

Your detailed responses will help in understanding the situation better and in providing a more tailored Ayurvedic approach.