39. Ayurveda on Coffee: Who Should Drink It and Who Shouldn’t

Is your morning cup of coffee a life-enhancing ritual—or a daily stressor for your body? In this candid solo episode, Kate O’Donnell breaks down the Ayurvedic perspective on coffee, caffeine, and the signals your body may be sending you about both. From bloat to breakouts, adrenal fatigue to mood swings, Kate explores how the bitter brew impacts digestion, hormones, and emotional well-being—especially during perimenopause and beyond.

Whether you thrive on a daily dose of java or suspect it might be messing with your system, this episode offers thoughtful insight, practical strategies, and a gentle invitation to reconsider your relationship with caffeine. You’ll also discover nourishing alternatives like dandelion root, turmeric lattes, and the Ayurvedic staple triphala—plus how to enjoy the joie de vivre of coffee without compromising your health.

In This Episode, You’ll Learn:

• Why coffee works for some body types—and backfires for others
• Four clear signs coffee might not be working for your system
• The Ayurvedic lens on caffeine, digestion, skin health, and mood
• How perimenopause and adrenal fatigue affect caffeine tolerance
• The pros and cons of protein coffee and when to drink your brew
• Seasonal considerations for coffee consumption
• Herbal alternatives that satisfy the bitter taste (without the burnout)
• How to quit or cut back without painful caffeine withdrawal
• The importance of organic beans and paper filters for safe sipping
• Why pleasure matters just as much as science when it comes to your morning ritual

Mentioned in the Episode:

• Dandy Blend (roasted dandelion + chicory alternative)
• Triphala powder for digestion and morning elimination
• Turmeric golden milk and turmeric lattes
• Organic, naturally decaffeinated coffee
• Claudia Welch’s work on coffee and female reproductive health

Call to Action:

Take a few days to observe how your body responds to coffee. Does it energize and steady you—or throw off your digestion, skin, or mood? Let Kate know your experience over on Instagram @kateodonnellayurveda or by leaving a review and sharing the episode with a friend who’s very into their pour-over.

Listen + Subscribe:

You can listen and subscribe to Everyday Ayurveda with Kate on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you tune into your favorite shows.

Health Disclaimer:

The information shared on Everyday Ayurveda with Kate is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before making changes to your diet, supplements, or wellness routine.

Connect with Kate: https://www.healwithkate.org

Summer Self Care Workshop: https://courses.ayurvedicliving.institute/courses/summer-self-care-workshop  

Summer Bundle:  https://courses.ayurvedicliving.institute/bundles/SummerBundle

Thanks to our Sponsors:

This episode is brought to you by Osi Oils — one of my favorite daily rituals.

These handcrafted, organic oils are rooted in Ayurvedic tradition and thoughtfully formulated to support your skin, your senses, and your dosha. Whether you’re nourishing your face with their gorg