Ayurveda literally means “science of life”. This is an ancient and timeless science of holistic health/well-being. This methodology is based on the functioning of the five universal elements, namely: Space/Ether, Air/Wind, Fire, Water, and Earth. Since this whole science is based on the functioning of the five universal elements, which prevail everywhere in the universe, this is a Universal science. That means it can be useful for all human beings around the world, not restricted to only Indians.
These five elements are combined in different proportions and are put into three categories called Vata (combination of Space and Air), Pitta (combination of Fire, Air, and Water), and Kapha (combination of Water and Earth). These three categories are called Tri-Dosha in Sanskrit. Dosha literally means faults/weaknesses/drawbacks. We all are the combination of all three doshas. The predominant dosha determines our basic Prakruti (mind-body constitution).
In Ayurveda, some specific guidelines are given based on the different timings during the day, called “Dinacharya” (din means a day and charya means one’s daily habits – diet & lifestyle), and also according to different seasons in the year, called “Ritucharya” (ritu means season and charya means one’s activities/behavior/lifestyle).
If we follow these simple guidelines, they not only can help us to recover faster from the current sickness but also can help to prevent several illnesses which we might have the tendency of experiencing in the future.
Since we are in the summer season now. So, I will share with you some information and guidelines which can be beneficial if implemented in our day-to-day lives.
Beat the Heat with Ayurveda
Ayurveda says that in the summer season, we become easily affected by the effect of excess heat in the environment.
One generally experiences some common symptoms caused by the hot weather, and also some specific symptoms, based on his/her personal combination of Doshas.
According to Ayurveda, in summer, Pitta (fire element) is aggravated, Vata (air element) is accumulated within one’s body and Kapha (water & earth elements) – particularly the water element – is released from the body in the form of sweat.
Due to Pitta aggravation, one may feel a burning sensation in the eyes, rashes on the skin, hyperacidity, bleeding from the nose, bleeding while passing urine and stool, sun/heat stroke, etc.
Due to Vata accumulation within the body which is caused by the excessive release of water in the form of perspiration and dehydration, one may experience headache, dizziness, nausea, sleeping disorders, lack of motivation, low enthusiasm, etc.
So the question is: how does one address and overcome these issues, commonly caused and seen in the summer season?
At present, we are experiencing the heat of the summer season in the northern hemisphere.
Generally, one feels quite affected and bothered by the heat, particularly those individuals who have Pitta (fire element) as their predominant dosha/element. Excess heat can cause headaches, migraines, dehydration, UTI, indigestion, loss of appetite, acidity, heart burns, hypertension, etc.
I am sharing here with you a unique health drink from Ayurveda which is very simple and easy to make. At the same time, it can help to correct and to prevent many health issues caused by excess heat in summer.
Recipe:
- Take about 10 ~ 15 grams (about 1.5 tablespoons) of barley grains or powder and boil it in about 500 ml water, on a medium flame, till the quantity of water is reduced to about 250 ml.
- Strain the water, add ¼ teaspoon green cardamom seed powder, and cool it down to room temperature.
- Then add a tablespoon of pure honey to it and drink it during the day, especially before going out in the hot sun.
Note: If you want to drink this barley water after sunset, then drink it whilst it is still warm, and instead of honey, add a little rock sugar to it. According to Ayurveda, honey should never be mixed with any hot beverage/food, in order to avoid a toxic effect.
Those who are having diabetes can skip honey/rock sugar and have this drink without adding either of them.
Here are some beneficial effects of this simple drink when specific ingredients are added to it, as per the individual’s requirements:
- It pacifies headaches/migraine caused by heat.
- It can help to prevent sunstroke.
- It can help to normalize/regulate blood pressure.
- It can help to correct urinary tract infections (UTIs).
- This unique drink can even help to remove kidney stones.
- This drink can also help to resolve cholesterol-related issues.
- If taken in the evening, it can help to induce good sleep.
- It can also help to reduce bad-quality fat from one’s body.
- It can also help to reduce excessive bleeding during menses – if ¼ teaspoon cumin seed powder is added to it, and even nose bleeds if ¼ teaspoon coriander seed powder is added to this drink before consuming it.
- This drink can help to reduce the burning sensation in the eyes if a ¼ teaspoon of cumin seed powder is added to this drink before consuming it.
- For indigestion, acidity, heartburns, etc. – mix ¼ teaspoon cumin seed powder, and ¼ teaspoon black salt, in warm barley water, or mix black salt with honey in room temperature barley water.
Other Do’s in Summer:
- Massage your body regularly with white sesame oil in the early morning, 45 minutes before shower, to prevent inflammation and joint pains caused by Vata accumulation.
- Massage your scalp at night before going to bed with a little virgin coconut oil to prevent headaches/migraine caused due to dehydration and Vata imbalance.
- Regular massage will also help to improve and maintain the health of your skin.
Dont’s:
- Do not drink water or take a cold shower immediately when entering a shaded/enclosed area (home or office) after being outside in the hot sun.
- This can cause a sudden shock within your body and can disturb both Vata & Pitta doshas, leading to further aggravation/imbalances within one’s system.
Enjoy good health in summer with these simple and highly beneficial Ayurvedic recipes/home remedies!
By- Dr. Vinod Sharma
