How to Beat the heat Ayurvedically?

Owing to scorching sun which has visited us quite early this year, I am seeing many patients with diseases caused by excessive heat. This post is intended to share a few pointers to take care during the summer.

According to the Ritu/season calendar, we are still in the Vasantha Rith. However, the soaring temperature definitely confirms that it is sensible to follow the ritucharya (seasonal regimen) pertaining to the Greeshma(Summer) ritu.

The following are suggestions imparted for care during summer season.

• Food:

• Foods which are light and easy to digest, slightly sweet, slightly fatty, cool(not to be confused with refrigerated), more liquids than solids are recommended.

• Avoid sour, salty and pungent foods. Among vegetables, consume more gourds like cucumber, ash gourd, ridge gourd, bottle gourd etc.,

• Among fruits, choose water melon, oranges, muskmelon, grapes. Mangoes and jack fruits should not consumed in large amounts.

• Consuming non-veg in thin soup form is indicated. Only non-fatty meat should be chosen.

• Thin buttermilk with a pinch of pepper and sugar is advised.

• Juices of citrus fruits like citron should be made in such a way that, it is sweet, sour and slightly salty. Juice with soaked raisins and dates with little bit of cinnamon and cardamom powder is a good coolant.

• Alcoholic drinks are prohibited during the summer. If consumed, it should be diluted.

• Boiled rice is recommended.

• The appetite is low and digestion is slow in summer. But skipping meals can increase the pitta in the body. Eat light meals and do no skip any meal.

• Lifestyle: