The month of Shravana to Bhadrapada (Mid July to Mid September) marks the start of the Dakshinayan or Southern Solstice. As per Ayurved, this season is called Varsha Ritu or as we call it today as Monsoon Season.

Ayurved says that Vata is pacified and pitta is accumulated during Varsha Ritu. Continuous rains, humid atmosphere, and low temperatures result in aggravation of Vata which was already formed during the dry summers. Pitta also gets accumulated because of acidic atmospheric conditions.

As per Ayurved, Agni or the digestive fire is responsible for all digestion and metabolic activities of the body. During Monsoons, this digestive fire weakens, creating various digestive problems. A proper diet that balances the affected dosha’s and stimulates the digestive Agni should be followed.

In Monsoons, there is high humidity in the air. Therefore, we breathe in more moisture. So our digestive enzymes get diluted. This results in weak digestion.

The body’s immune system is highly vulnerable during this season, thus proper care should be taken to avoid general sickness, blood, or skin-related problems. There is a high risk of Waterborne diseases like dysentery, malaria, etc. There is a risk of other virus or bacteria-related diseases as well.

So how can we Take care of our Health in Monsoons?

Here is a list of precautions that can be followed to celebrate monsoons without fear:

Healthy FOOD Habits during Monsoon.

1. What should be avoided: Do not consume sour, spicy, and salty food items. Things like Curd, Buttermilk, Pickles, Tomatoes, Lemon, and Fermented foods should be strictly avoided.
2. Avoid eating green leafy vegetables like Spinach, Cabbage, Amaranth, etc.
3. Maximize intake of gourd, bitter gourd, yam, cluster beans, pumpkin, brinjal, garlic, etc.
4. Maximize use of spices like Ajwain, Hing, Sua dana(Dill seeds), Dry Ginger, Rock Salt, garlic, Sesame Oil.
5. It is advisable to fast during these times. That is why most religions have fasting periods during this season.
6. What is the best thing to consume– A good combination which reduces the effect of Pitta is eating Milk with Sugar. Items like Kheer, Milk Poha can prove extremely beneficial.
7. Mouth Freshener: Here’s a simple recipe for mouth freshener which can be eaten to reduce the effect of Pitta.
   You will need-
   1. One spoon of fennel seeds
   2. One spoon dried coriander seeds
   3. One spoon grounded sugar
   4. ½ spoon Yashtimadhu Churna
   5. ½ Spoon Amla PowderProcedure- Roast fennel seeds and coriander seeds and grind them to powder. Mix all the ingredients and store them in a container. Consume it 4-5 times a day.
8. Ginger: Ginger is the Miraculous Monsoon Root. It is an excellent antioxidant that naturally boosts the immune system. It has antibacterial and antiviral properties which help to combat many diseases and viruses.
   1. It helps avoid mucus formation.
   2. It is very beneficial in igniting the weak digestive fire.
   3. If someone does not feel the urge to eat, they should eat dry ginger slices 2-3 hours before their meals.
   4. If someone is suffering from a cold, they should boil water with dry ginger and sip it throughout the day.
   5. Those who have low immunity levels should consume a mix of dry ginger, jaggery, and ghee every day throughout the monsoon season.
   6. While making tea, one should always add dry ginger as fresh ginger and milk combination is not recommended in Ayurved.
9. Aarogya Jal: During Monsoons, there is a high chance of diseases transmitted through water. Therefore it is necessary to make the water beneficial for drinking.
   1. How to prepare the water? Fill the desired vessel of water. Boil it until it becomes ½ or ¼ in quantity. Cool it down and drink that water throughout the day. You can also add 2-3 pieces of dry ginger as per your liking.
10. Avoid Junk food, cold beverages, fermented foods, foods made out of Maida, and stick to eating only seasonal fruits.

We hope you got a deep insight into how to take care of your health during the monsoon season. Share these useful Ayurvedic insights with your friends and help them live healthy lives.

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