An Ayurvedic guide to monsoons for a balanced body and mind

When monsoon follows a scorching summer, it brings that much-needed relief for many. However, for Rajeshwari Ammal, who has rheumatoid arthritis, the rain is a harbinger of pain. The 68-year-old retired banker from Pune says, “It has been 10 years now. I have learnt that there is no cure for rheumatoid arthritis. However, I try to manage the pain based on the doctor’s recommendation.”

During monsoons, Ammal makes it a point to consciously maintain a healthy diet and practise pranayama. She eats ayurvedic monsoon porridge once a day and evades walking in open spaces such as parks and gardens. Additionally, she avoids using an air conditioner in this season.

These conscious changes in her routine help her acclimatise to the seasonal change. It manages her stability and aids her in coping with the challenges posed by rheumatoid arthritis.

Ayurvedic views on monsoon

“The practice of a seasonal regimen helps maintain an individual’s innate strength throughout different weather conditions. It also helps prevent the occurrence of seasonal diseases,” says Dr Sreelekshmi S, assistant professor, Department of Swasthavritta, Santhigiri Ayurveda Medical College, Palakkad, Kerala.

According to experts, one needs extra care during the seasonal change and throughout the monsoon season. Dr Sreelekshmi further explains that the moisture content in the body increases with the coldness outside, which produces low digestive fire. This leads to improper digestion and accumulation of pitta (fire energy) in the body. There are increased chances of developing gut-related ailments due to this.

Diet for monsoon

“During monsoon, one should opt for a light, nourishing, and warm diet as the agni (digestive fire) tends to be weak,” says Dr Nithin Boban, ayurveda expert, Sharada Ayurveda College, Mangaluru. He further suggests including red rice, seasoned meat soup, and milk products as part of one’s daily diet in this season.

As far as consuming meat is concerned, poultry is advised over red meat or fish for better digestion. Always have a small piece of ginger and rock salt before your meal throughout the season, Dr Sreelekshmi recommends.

Ghee, honey and fermented foods

Experts advise consuming sour and salty foods with sufficient ghee and honey, which are easily digestible. Seasonal fruits and steamed seasonal veggies, barley, lightly seasoned pumpkin, moong dal and a small quantity of grapes make for a balanced diet during the showers.

Ayurvedic experts also recommend honey during this season, due to its astringent taste, which help with kapha dosha (water element). A study published in the African Journal of Microbiology Research says -honey collected in the rainy season has more anti-fungal and antioxidant properties than that collected during the dry season.

Read more- Heating honey: a sweet mistake you should avoid.

Seasonal fruits and vegetables

Eating seasonal fruits and vegetables is one of the best ways to meet seasonal nutritional needs and improve immunity. Dr Sreelekshmi recommends bottle gourd, snake gourd and okra for vegetables, and plum, papaya, pomegranate, java plum, blueberry, mulberry, and peach for fruits.

Lifestyle measures

Immunity-boosting therapies such as abhyanga (ayurvedic massage), ayurvedic pouch therapy, udwarthana (dry powder massage) can be beneficial during the monsoon. “Try to keep your body warm, and your feet dry. Follow steam inhalation once daily,” advises Dr Boban.

Exercises during monsoon

Monsoon is no reason to be sedentary. Regular exercise positively improves physical, mental, and emotional well-being. Experts say that light exercise and yoga are recommended to stay active. Creating and following a simple exercise routine at home will help avoid health complications.

Skin care during monsoon

Skin tends to dry up due to dehydration during the rainy season. Dr Boban suggests drinking at least 7-8 glasses of water a day to avoid dehydration and keep skin free from flaky dryness. Drinking healthy juices such as beetroot, carrot, cucumber, wheatgrass, mint and lemon juice is a great way to getting the required nutrients and staying hydrated at the same time.

Monsoon is a time when the pores of your skin get clogged and can cause acne, inflammation and dullness. Ayurvedic ubtan (facepack or bodypack of herbs like turmeric, aloe vera, sandalwood, saffron, and neem) remove blemishes, and exfoliate and rejuvenate the skin.

Ayurvedic monsoon recipes

• Herbal infused tea: Drink aromatic herbal tea prepared with herbs like basil, peppermint, ginger, or turmeric. These herbal concoctions offer both refreshments and health benefits during the seasonal change.
• Kada/kashayam (herbal decoction): known for its immune-boosting properties is a blend of herbs and spices like turmeric, peppercorns, lemongrass, clove, and ginger, all complemented by sweetness from jaggery or honey. It is a home remedy for sore throat, cough, cold, and infections.
• Karkidaka kanji (medicinal rice gruel): This dish contains herbal rice cooked in a decoction, combined with aromatic spices, coconut milk, a mix of herbs, and fenugreek. It offers a wholesome and comforting meal during the monsoon season.

Precautions

• Avoid cold water and beverages. They can cause imbalance in your bodily energy.
• Avoid napping during the day as it might increase kapha and pitta in the body.
• Avoid excessive and strenuous physical exercise, as it could lead to excessive pitta.