She’s robust and dark, lusciously bitter, intoxicating. So many of us fall under her spell.

Is Coffee Really Bad?

Ayurveda considers the coffee plant a medicine. In truth, she’s neither “good” nor “bad” — as with all natural ingredients, it’s about context. With qualities like heating, acidic, stimulating and astringent, one thing is clear: coffee isn’t suited for daily use. Too much fire and air can weaken immunity, leading to chronic dehydration and a host of side effects such as digestive upset, anxiety, headaches, hormone disruption, skin issues and irritability.

The Yogic Path for Sustainable Energy

The ancient rishis who passed down our current Ayurvedic knowledge received the information straight from the plants themselves. From this perspective, coffee is truly irreplaceable. For plants, like people, are unique! But while there’s no way to replace a ritual of connecting with coffee’s consciousness, there are many other beautiful practices for stoking a healthy fire within.

Energizing Breath

Harnessing the power of your own breath is one of the most powerful ways to create a swift positive shift. Breathwork can move stagnant energy, reduce tension, support digestion and elevate mood.

Slow, mindful breaths can begin right in bed, easing you back into your body. Kapalabhati, also known as “breath of fire,” offers an immediate “boost.” The rapid intake and exhalation of the practice increases circulation and airflow naturally. You can find steps to practice this breath here.

Grounding Sun Soak

Solar energy is warming and uplifting. Instead of pouring something into a cup, become the cup. Settle comfortably outside to receive the healing light of surya. This is a conscious yet relaxed practice — connecting with the comforting earth below you, feeling supported, as well as nourished and fed like a bud soaking up the sun. After 10 to 20 minutes, you’re ready to flower into the day.

Safe sunning tip: apply natural, reef-safe SPF and avoid the hours around noontime.

Nature Tantra

Tantra is an ancient tradition from modern-day India incorporating yogic practices. The foundation of tantra as a spiritual path is unity consciousness: recognizing the divine in everything. Humans didn’t evolve to sit indoors all day. We’re highly social beings, and our earth community also includes the sun, moon, stars, plants, insects, animals, water bodies and rocks. Instead of walking through outdoor spaces on a mission to get someplace, take a slow “discovery” walk, following your curiosity. Meet the trees, examine their bark, stroke their leaves. Pick up a rock and just hold it. Listen to the birds, observe the march of ants, let the wind pass by. Nature tantra is grounding, centering, confidence-boosting and enlivening.

Solar Plexus Support

The solar plexus, or subtle energetic center located at the naval, is heavily stimulated by coffee. This energetic center, or chakra, is responsible for providing your sense of purpose, identity, creativity and individual will. As the name indicates, it’s heavily associated with the sun and fire energy. In addition to sun soaks, other solar-resonant energies that can invigorate this chakra include: abdominal exercises, motivational mantras, yellow flowers, calcite and citrine gems, lemon, honey and bees. Yes — bees! Spend time with pollinators during your nature tantra, and you’ll feel the buzz.

Adrenal Massage + Movement

Especially if your adrenals are lethargic from coffee burnout, the above tips will give them a nudge to get going and, in turn, give you energy. For healthy adrenal function, sleep is vital, as well as exercise. It might seem counterintuitive, but if you “get up and go” with light movement or walking, your adrenals will get the memo “it’s time to wake up!” Massaging your lower back — where your adrenals reside — can also stimulate them into action. And never underestimate the power of sound, music and spontaneous dance parties.

Let Yourself Live

In essence, whatever feeds you on a deep level — that’s the real craving. What gives you life?

Other Warm Brews

While nothing can replace coffee, there are abundant herbal concoctions to connect with. Just as coffee isn’t recommended for daily use, it’s best to take a seasonal approach with all herbs. Shake it up! Bring some variety into your rituals and make new friends.

• Blends with chicory root are classically marketed as “coffee substitutes” due to chicory’s rich bitter flavor.
• Ginger, peppermint and ginseng are energizing, caffeine-free teas.
• Spiced chai contains a party of plant allies and can be prepared with caffeine-free, tannin-free rooibos, as an alternative to black tea.
• Drinking chocolate (pure cacao) is lower in caffeine and acidity with stunning heart-opening properties.
• Green tea offers a gentler dose of caffeine and is cooling in nature.
• Mushrooms like reishi, cordyceps and lion’s man are known to support energy levels.

…And when you do brew a pot of coffee — a few hacks that can help reduce side effects: don’t sip on an empty stomach — wait until after you’ve had some food, add a dash of cardamom, plus a little healthy fat, e.g. cooked milk, ghee or coconut oil.

Most importantly: when you drink coffee — or any of the above plant allies — connect. Offer gratitude for the people who harvested them, thanks for all their healing blessings and invite them to play. Make the journey as fun for them as it is for you.

Jamila Colozzi
Yoga Teacher, Ayurvedic Counselor, Author + Modern Mystic
jamilacat.com | @jamilacat