The calendars have been turned, and it has been eagerly welcoming the vibrancy of summer recently. Most people might consider this season to be hectic, but when it comes to the Ayurvedic calendar, the following season amplifies warmth and symphony. I am Dr.Surej, a MD in Ayurveda and a consultant physician.. Currently, I am practising at Ayur Bethaniya, a dedicated Ayurveda Hospital present in Kerala.
As per my experience, the summer season is the holistic period to embody the age-antique data of Ayurveda practices. It is evident that the scorching heat makes this season inconvenient in many ways. But, there are some eminent cooling ayurvedic remedies for a refreshing summer. The following remedies can enhance your summers by keeping your body cool and calming your mind vastly.
As per my experiences with Ayur Bethaniya, you need to understand that Ayurvedic practices are rich in tradition and they can exceptionally boost your overall well-being. In this article, I will suggest some effective cooling ayurvedic remedies that will make your summers glorious. Let’s face this summer with the shield of Ayurveda!
List of Ayurvedic Remedies to Enhance Your Summer Diary
I must tell you, pitta imbalance in your body can be the root cause of many health issues. So, you need to take eminent actions to balance your mind and body. Moreover, it will enlighten your summer experience. If you incorporate Ayurvedic wisdom into your habit, your summer routine will flourish with many benefits.
Most importantly, you will stay comfortable during these hot months. Here, I have shared some effective remedies you can adopt to keep your summers healthy and beneficial. I have curated these remedies based on my vast experience.
1.Keep yourself Hydrated
The scorching waves of heat intensely soak up the moisture from plants, the earth, and our bodies as well. So, you need to add some extra pinch of salt to your food items. The following addition will uplift the sweating mechanism and prevent fatigue. However, it is compulsory for you to have 8 glasses of water per day.
2. Go for Ayurvedic Sunbathing
During the sunrise period, take a ten to fifteen-minute stroll. The magnificent rays will fall on your skin and will help the sadhaka pitta to stimulate effectively. This is known to be a significant principle in Ayurveda and works as a mood lifter. Through this, you can elevate joyfulness and creativity within you. Your body will produce vitamin D which helps in calcium absorption.
3. Daily Moisturize Your Body
As per my experience, many clients have shared this tip as being extremely helpful. This step can be applied after you take a bath. You need to mix some organic components, like unrefined castor oil and coconut oil, in a glass bottle with an airtight lid. You can place the bottle in lukewarm water until the oil melts. Apply the oil to your whole body, through which your skin can be soft, supple, and cool. People who swim should prefer this treatment to safeguard their skin from chlorine water.
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4. Maintain Your Sleep Time Routine
During summer nights, you can go to bed a little later, around 10-11 p.m. Try to sleep on your right side, through which your left nostril will remain open, which corresponds to the ida nadi, i.e., a subtle energy channel that correlates to the moon thus making the body more cool.
5. Execute Aromatherapy
In this process, you need to dab some drops of sandalwood essential oil on your temple region, wrists, throat center, and belly button. As an expert, I must tell you this is a unique practice in Ayurveda that charges your whole aura positively. The sweet fragrance of the essential oil will soothe your pitta.
6. Practice Summer Meditation
As per the past records, yogis have always begun their days with ultimate spiritual practices that include honoring the sun. Some of the evident examples are Surya Namaskara, Surya Trataka, etc. So, we must accept that the sun is the source of our lives. During the summer season, you need to practice meditation as much as possible. This will help in strengthening your chakras. You can recite Gayatri Mantra, which is a Vedic song of sunlight.
7. Learn Breathing Techniques
If you want to experience a calming sensation in your body, you need to practice yoga and breathing techniques during early mornings and late evenings in the summer season. There are several techniques, like Shitali Pranayama, where you have to inhale air and curl your tongue. Then it is Sheetkari Pranayama, in which the air is hissed, and it is done through clenched teeth. These two techniques are efficacious in minimising the body temperature and calming the mind.
8. Try Aloe Vera Remedies
You must have heard about the healing and cooling properties of Aloe vera. If you are facing skin rashes and sunburns during summer, you can just apply fresh Aloe vera gel to it. To keep your body healthy from within, you can have aloe vera juice. This approach will cool down your stomach and improve digestion.
Why You Should Opt for Cooling Foods in Summer?
I must say, Ayurveda always emphasises the significance of having foods that precisely balance the body's internal heat during the summer months. The following principle amplifies how certain food items can impact your overall well-being and health. Here, I am listing out some prominent food items through which you can heal your Pitta Dosha.
- Go For Seasonal Fruits: You can have seasonal fruits like watermelon, as this is extremely beneficial during the summer season. The following fruits are extremely delicious, and apart from that, they hold high water content and cooling elements. So, seasonal fruits are the ideal choice for calming your pitta dosha and keeping your body hydrated. It will mitigate the impacts of excessive heat.
- Opt for cooling vegetables: To encourage your body's natural cooling mechanisms, you must include green and leafy vegetables like celery, cucumber, etc. The following vegetables are extremely hydrating and include antioxidants and nutrients. So, this vegetable type can be a soulful addition to the summer diet. These vegetables can be extremely delicious when you have them in the form of smoothies, salads, and chilled soups.
Summer Beverage
Chincha Panaka, an Ayurvedic Summer Beverage widely used in many of the southern states of India, is primarily made from tamarind. Let me tell you how to make this and its benefits.
What you need?
- Ripe tamarind pulp - 50-75 gms can be adjusted to taste
- Jaggery - 100-150 gms can be adjusted to taste
- Water 1 liter
- Salt (Rock Salt) - to taste
- Spices
- Cardamom powder- 1 tsp
- Dry ginger powder - ½ tsp
- Black pepper powder - A pinch
- Cumin seed powder - 1 tsp
How to make your Chincha Panaka?
- Soak the tramarind pulp in water to soften it, and then later the pulp is squeezed. This mixture is further strained to remove seeds and fibers.
- Jaggery is dissolved in water, and the tamarind extract is combined with the sweetened water
- The spice powders and the pinch of salt is added and the whole mixture is stirred well.
- This drink is chilled or kept in a mud pot, before serving.
Benefits
Chincha Panaka offers several potential health benefits, largely attributed to its ingredients:
Digestive Aid:
- Ginger and black pepper can aid digestion.
- Tamarind can also have a mild laxative effect.
Cooling Properties:
- It's a traditional summer drink, believed to have cooling properties.
- It helps to rehydrate the body.
Rich in Antioxidants:
- Tamarind contains antioxidants, which can help protect against cell damage.
Source of Vitamins and Minerals:
- Tamarind provides some vitamins and minerals, including vitamin C and iron.
Electrolyte balance:
- The drink can help replenish electrolytes lost through sweating.
Contraindications
While Chincha Panaka is generally safe, certain individuals should exercise caution:
- Acidity:Tamarind is acidic, so people with severe acid reflux or gastritis might experience discomfort.
- Blood Sugar Levels: If prepared with sugar or jaggery, it can significantly raise blood sugar levels, so diabetics should consume it in moderation or use sugar substitutes.
- Allergies:Individuals with tamarind allergies should avoid this drink.
- Medication Interactions:Tamarind may interact with certain medications, so it's advisable to consult a healthcare professional if you're on medication.
It's always best to consume Chincha Panaka in moderation as part of a balanced diet.
Conclusion
The above-listed cooling ayurvedic remedies for a refreshing summer can be highly effective for you. Being an Ayurvedic doctor, these beneficial remedies have worked eminently for my patients. However, if you want to diagnose your health and unveil more such Ayurvedic remedies, you can rely on Ayur Bethaniya Hospital.
It explores holistic wellness through the eminent practices of Ayurveda. Here, the experts try to achieve overall well-being by precisely harmonising your body, mind, and soul. Other effective inclusions involve Panchakarma, yoga & meditation, ayurvedic treatments, etc.
So, contact us today and schedule an appointment to heal your body this summer.
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