Monsoon Diet
Seasons in Ayurveda are called ‘ritus’. The ritus are Varsha (monsoon), Sharad (autumn), Hemantha (winter), Shishira (late winter), Grishma (summer), and Vasanta (spring). Shishira, Vasantha, and Grishmaritus are called the Adana Kala. Varsha, Sharad, and Hemantharitus are called Visarga Kala.
In other words during the Visargakala, the sun is facing towards the south with its intensity attuned by time, course, cloud, wind, and rain. The moon will have unobstructed strength and nature’s temperature will be cooled by the heavenly waters. Amla (sour), lavana (salt) and madhura (sweet), rasas/taste increase in a progressive order with consequent promotion of strength in the body. Human beings experience weakness at the beginning and the end of the season. They will have medium strength in mid-term and maximum strength in the end and beginning of the periods, Visarga and Adana, respectively.
Ritucharya (seasonal regimen) is explained in the ayurvedic classics and if these seasonal regimens are followed in a proper way then a person will enjoy strength, complexion, and healthy life. Now that we are welcoming the first showers of rain after the scorching summer, let us know more about the monsoon or Varsharitu.
The body will have weakened during the Adana period. The digestion which will have become poor will be further disturbed by the disorders of Vata and the other doshas during the Varsharitu. The aggravation of Vata and the other doshas during Varsharitu is due to earth vapours, the humidity of the clouds, and the amla (sour) paka of the water. The diseases associated with the monsoon are malaria, jaundice, and gastrointestinal infection like typhoid and cholera. Viral infections like cold and cough also make their presence known during this season.
The puddles of water formed due to rain become the breeding place for mosquitoes. Using a mosquito net over the bed is a better way of avoiding the mosquitoes. To keep the house free of mosquitoes one can fumigate the house with the smoke of dried neem leaves in the evening for about 1 to 3 minutes. Precaution has to be taken to prevent dampness around the house. Fumigation has to be avoided around asthmatic patients. Moderate living is recommended during this season. One should avoid cold drinks, day sleep, dew, river water, physical exercise, and the sun during this season. Using food and drinks mixed with honey is beneficial.
During the rainy season, a diet having a predominance of Amla (sour), Lavana (salty), and Snigdha (fatty) articles should be taken for rectification of Vata. Consuming old barley, wheat, and rice along with wild meats and prepared soups is beneficial in order to protect the Agni (digestion) of the individual. Drinks such as wine and other fermented liquor mixed with honey and a little quantity of rainwater or water from a well or tank which is boiled and cooled may be used. Anointing of the body is advisable. One has to take a bath, use fragrances and garlands and wear light and clean clothes. It is advised to reside in a place that is free from humidity.
ALWAYS REMEMBER
- Do not allow water to get accumulated around your premises
- Always keep your surroundings dry and clean
- Dry your feet and webs with a soft dry cloth whenever they are wet
- Avoid eating uncooked foods and salads.
- Eat only light and easily digestible food
HOME REMEDIES FOR MONSOON DISORDERS
- Cough – Take a pinch of powdered long pepper (Piper longum) and a pinch of rock salt along with warm water. This will give relief from cough.
- Cold – Freshly prepared radish juice is helpful
– Fresh ginger juice half teaspoon can be taken - Diarrhoea – Add a little ginger juice and a pinch of salt to pomegranate juice. This increases the digestive power and then the diarrhoea stops.
- Indigestion – Two long peppers can be powdered and fried in ghee and this can be mixed in rice ganji with a pinch of salt. This is helpful in relieving indigestion and ache.
SOME TIPS
The rainy season is the time when Vata is vitiated and conditions like diarrhoea can happen easily. There are many light dishes that help agni to work well and digest food properly. Liquid gruels of rice with pepper and turmeric are very good.
One good practice is to use 5 gm of the paste of Centella Asiatica (Brahmi) to clear the bowels. Doing it twice every year during the monsoon is very good to avoid any stomach-related diseases.
The copyright of this article is owned by Ramaiah Indic Speciality Ayurveda
Prof (Dr) G G Gangadharan
RISA is a rare Ayurveda-based integrative health care center that brings together the best that traditional medicine (Ayurveda) and modern medicine (Allopathy) have to offer. It is attached to the 700-bed Ramaiah Memorial Hospital located within the campus.. Read More