Seasonal Guide: Summer

We have been experiencing severe heat with a fair amount of humidity for past few weeks in Texas. Some very general guidelines based on principles of Ayurveda can help us all to better cope up with this extreme weather.As happens in the nature, the heat pumps out the water content of the body. Hence plenty of fluids are necessary to the body. Those can be taken in the form of plain water, fruit juices (better if made fresh at home). A simple combination of water, salt and sugar provides a good alternative to a ready made energy drink. Again is it important to take just enough fluids and not too much more that your body needs. Too much fluid can hamper the digestive power and subsequently the appetite. It is a good idea to process water with a few grains of cumin and coriander seeds by boiling these together. The processed water works really well to satisfy the thirst and keep the skin cooler. If you are peeing 7-8 times a day (or the no of times you would normally do in spring/fall) and you are not seeing dark yellowing coloration of urine, you are probably drinking enough. Eating fresh vegetable such as cabbage, tomatoes, or fresh fruits such as apple, orange, peach, nectarine, watermelon, cantaloupe also helps to keep the water content of the body maintained.

Ayurveda recommends eating less spicy, less hot food during summer. Food that is easy to digest is advisable. One should eat fresh fruits, and vegetable, mild and milk derivatives such as buttermilk, butter. Food items such as carrots, squash, cucumber, cabbage should be consumed. Alcohol intake should be kept to minimum in this weather.

We all know to keep ourselves off the sun whenever possible during summer time. I am sure most of us know about use of sunscreen to protect the skin. If you still need to go out during the day and if you are prone to sun-burns, here is an easy solution. Take a cotton pad and soak it in milk. Apply that pad over your eyes or sun-burned skin. You can also use this as a protective measure before you go out for water activities. This helps keep it cool and moist, reduces the burning sensation and later helps rejuvenation of the harmed skin cells.  


For more information and services, visit Ojal Ayurveda