The heat of the summer saps away our strength & energy and leaves us dehydrated. The ancient scriptures from India advice the following Ayurvedic regimen that should be followed to regain our vitality and avoid dehydration.
What to avoid during summer months:
 |
Strenuous exercises |
|
Going out in afternoons when the heat is at its peak |
|
Pungent, sour and salty foods |
|
Foods that produce heat within
the body |
|
Wine (if necessary take it
well diluted) |
Wine if taken in summer months can cause weight loss, flabbiness of the body, acidity, fainting and occasionally can lead to, delirium & delusion in some people.
Types of food and drinks to be taken:
|
Drinks |
|
Fruit juices |
|
Tender coconut water |
|
Panaka |
Preparing Panka:
|
Mix 30 gm of jaggery in 1 liter of water. |
|
Then add a pinch of powdered dry ginger, cardamom & cinnamon to it & mix it well. |
This preparation is called panaka it is very soothing cooling nourishing, tasty & it quenches one’s thirst.
|
Mantha
|
Preparing Mantha:
Take equal quantities of dried grapes, dates & figs.
Soak it in the water for an hour. Then put it in mixer & churn it well.
This preparation is called mantha and it is also very soothing, has a cooling effect and is rich in nourishment. It makes one feel relaxed and cools the system down.
Raga (Diluted syrup) of following herbs are prescribed:
|
Ananta (Hemidesmus indicus) |
|
Kamala (Lotus) |
|
Gulabhi (rose) |
|
Rasala (Mango) |
|
Draksha (Grapes) |
|
Chandana (Sandal) |
|
Ushira |
|
Jambhira (Lemon) |
The above are some of the herbs and fruits that can be used during summer. These can be made into syrup and diluted with water to be served when needed.
Preparing Saktu:
|
Dry roast barley & channa dhal. |
|
Make it fine powder. |
|
Boil it by mixing with water. Then add jaggery, cardamom & milk |
Serve it after it cools down
All the above cool & fragrant drinks are to be taken more to help the body to cool down during the summer months. Ideally storage should be done in a new mud pot & taken cold.
Recommended food items that should be consumed:
Foods that generally cools the body and are sweet. These include Rice, buffalo’s Milk & Ghee
Recommended activities during the summer months:
|
Use perfumes with fragrance of sandal regularly. |
|
Wear thin and light clothes. Try to find your dwellings near a water body like - lakes or river and go for walks in the evening near these areas to soothe your system. , Take bath with cold water. |
|
Stay indoor in house made of bamboo. |
|
Have a nap in the afternoon. |
|
During the e nights spend time on terraces and spend time with friends or relatives singing, chatting & playing. |
|
Light fragrant incense around the house. |
| |
