Stay cool with Ayurveda this Summer

Summer season where warmth embraces the earth and nature blooms in its full splendor. It is a time when the sun stretches its golden fingers across the sky, painting it in hues of sapphire and amber. In summer, the world seems to come alive with vibrant energy. Evenings are adorned with the symphony of crickets and the flickering dance of fireflies, painting the dusk in a canvas of enchantment. But summer is more than just warmth and leisure; it's a season of transformation and growth. In ayurveda summer season is known as Greeshma rtu. During this period, the sun's rays are harsh and intense, and the northern winds are unhealthy. The Earth heats up, rivers shrink, the landscape appears parched, and smaller vegetation looks lifeless while trees shed their leaves. The sun's intense heat dries up moisture in the body and surroundings, leading to a decrease in kapha dosha and an accumulation of vata dosha. Despite the heat, vata dosha does not become aggravated. Digestive power and physical strength are at their lowest, necessitating careful attention to diet and lifestyle to maintain health.

Diet in Greeshma

·       Opt for light meals and small portions to maintain stable digestive fire.

·       Consume foods that are sweet, cold, oily, and liquid in nature.

·       Include dairy products like ghee and milk in your diet during this season.

·       Avoid brown rice, red rice, black rice and millets and use white rice.

·       Buffalo milk is particularly recommended during this time.

·       Avoid salty, sour, spicy, and hot foods.

·       Vegetables like tomato and fruits like apricot, peach, plum are common .

·       Enjoy beverages like mango juice or buttermilk seasoned with pepper powder.

·       Prepare a special drink called pancasara panaka from grapes, Madhuka (madhuca indica), kasmari (Gmelina arborea), parushaka (Grewia hirsuta), and sugar.

·       Before bed, consume milk with sugar candy.

·       Avoid curd throughout the summer. Curd strongly aggravates pitta. It causes serious hives, prickly heat, itching/ burning sensation on    skin, and excessive menstrual bleeding. 

·        Limit alcoholic beverages; if consumed, opt for less potent drinks diluted with a higher volume of water.

Lifestyle in Greeshma

·       Resting in a cool environment during the afternoon and under the soothing rays of the moon at night is advised.

·       Applying a paste of sandalwood on the body and bathing with cooling herbal preparations are beneficial practices.

·       Wear lightweight clothing to stay comfortable.

·       While daytime napping is generally discouraged in Ayurveda, it can be permissible during summer.

·       Engage in moderate exercise, focusing on calming and soothing activities while avoiding strenuous workouts.

·       It is recommended to refrain from sexual activity during this season.

By aligning your daily routine with the natural rhythms of the Greeshma season, you can promote resilience, maintain digestive harmony, and prevent seasonal ailments. Thoughtful self-care during this period sets a strong foundation for transitioning smoothly into the upcoming season.