- Written by Dr. N. Govind, Sr. Consultant | UWAY Health
“Doctor saab, ek peg toh chalta hai na?”
I’ve lost count of how many times I’ve heard that sentence. And most of the time, it’s in Malayalam — “වොකടൽ සാබ, ഒറു പെഗ് എടുക്കുന്നത് ശരിയാല്ലെ?”
Same question, different language. But the underlying belief is the same: a little bit won’t hurt.
But then I came across a report on Moneycontrol that made me pause. It said that in FY24, household spending on alcohol and tobacco rose by 15.7%. That’s the highest jump since 2012. And interestingly, during the same period, healthcare spending also jumped—17.4% to be exact.
Now that’s not just coincidence. That’s a paradox.
On one hand, we’re spending more money to harm our health. On the other, we’re spending even more to fix the harm. Something doesn’t sit right, does it?
The Two Bills
Let’s be real. Most of us don’t connect the dots. Friday night drinks and Monday morning acidity pills? Normal.
But here’s the thing: we’re paying two bills. One at the liquor shop, and one at the pharmacy. The first gives us momentary joy. The second tries to repair the aftermath.
And when this becomes routine, we call it lifestyle. But it’s actually a loop.
Moneycontrol’s analysis didn’t just mention alcohol. It showed that discretionary spending is up across the board—restaurants, grooming, and yes, alcohol. But food and essentials? Slower growth. We’re choosing indulgence over nourishment.
The Myth of "Safe Drinking"
I often hear: “But doctor, I only drink socially. Isn’t that okay?”
The answer is not as simple as people think. There’s a widespread myth—that moderate drinking, especially wine, is good for the heart. Many believe it because they’ve read it somewhere, or someone educated told them so.
But context matters. Those studies (mostly Western) don’t apply cleanly to Indian genetics, Indian diets, or Indian stress levels.
From an Ayurveda point of view, alcohol vitiates Pitta and Vata doshas. It heats the system, irritates the mind, and weakens digestion (Agni). And over time, it causes deeper imbalances that affect sleep, immunity, and emotional health.
Isn't Alcohol Used in Ayurveda?
Yes, it is. And that often surprises people.
Some Ayurvedic medicines like Asavas and Arishtas are fermented and contain self-generated alcohol—usually around 5-12%. But this is not for pleasure. It’s a carrier, a Samskara, that helps herbs get absorbed into deeper tissues.
You’re not sipping it from a glass on the rocks. You’re taking 10 ml, with food, under supervision, as part of a treatment plan.
Big difference.
Why Do We Drink Then?
Because it gives temporary relief. For a few hours, it numbs the stress, masks the loneliness, and makes everything feel lighter.
But what it also does is drain Ojas — our vitality. That leaves us more tired, more irritable, and less able to bounce back from daily wear and tear.
It’s a loan with high interest. And the repayment is usually in the form of poor health, disturbed sleep, or emotional volatility.
Can Ayurveda Help Someone Cut Down?
Absolutely. But not by shaming them. Ayurveda doesn’t judge. It meets you where you are.
We start by looking at Nidana (the cause). Is it stress? Is it routine? Is it social pressure?
Then we slowly build new rhythms:
- Calming herbs like Brahmi, Ashwagandha, and Shankhpushpi
- Daily self-massage (Abhyanga) to ground the nervous system
- A structured daily routine (Dinacharya)
- Detox methods like Panchakarma, if needed
When the mind gets steadier, the cravings start dropping. You don’t need willpower to say no—you genuinely don’t feel like it.
Can Ayurveda Help Someone Cut Down?
Absolutely. But not by shaming them. Ayurveda doesn’t judge. It meets you where you are.
We start by looking at Nidana (the cause). Is it stress? Is it routine? Is it social pressure?
Then we slowly build new rhythms:
- Calming herbs like Brahmi, Ashwagandha, and Shankhpushpi
- Daily self-massage (Abhyanga) to ground the nervous system
- A structured daily routine (Dinacharya)
- Detox methods like Panchakarma, if needed
When the mind gets steadier, the cravings start dropping. You don’t need willpower to say no—you genuinely don’t feel like it.
It's Not Just About Willpower
Sometimes people tell me, “Doctor, I just need to be stronger.”
But I tell them, this is not about strength. It’s about rhythm. When your body and mind are out of sync, you reach for quick fixes.
The solution isn’t guilt. It’s guidance.
Simple Things You Can Do Right Now
If you’re someone who’s been thinking about cutting down or taking a break, here are five simple steps:
- Replace the ritual. Use the same glass for warm herbal tea or spiced milk at night.
- Massage your feet before bed. Helps calm the nervous system.
- Take a break for a week. Watch how your sleep and energy improve.
- Write down when the cravings hit. Awareness is powerful.
- Talk to a doctor. Not because you have a problem, but because you deserve better health.
The Bigger Picture
Moneycontrol highlighted something we can’t ignore: India is spending more than ever on both alcohol and healthcare. That’s not just data. That’s a mirror.
At UWAY, we believe the body wants to heal. It just needs the right support.
So the next time someone tells me, “Doctor saab, ek peg toh chalta hai na?”
I smile gently and ask, “Are you drinking for celebration or for escape?”
Because behind every glass, there’s a story. And sometimes, healing begins by simply changing the story.
About Author
DR. N Govind
Dr. N. Govind is a senior Ayurveda doctor at UWAY Health. He helps patients heal from stress, lifestyle disorders, and long-standing imbalances by combining traditional knowledge with modern insight.
