The summer season is here, with the rapid increase in temperature, it has become important to keep balance in our body and keep it cool. Exposure to direct sunlight and heat may cause excess skin irritation and rashes, also leading to allergies and acne.
Continuous sun exposure also leads to dehydration and even heat stroke. Also, having unhealthy lifestyle and eating junk food can lead to increased risk of heat in the body, which triggers the “Pitta Dosh” within.
According to Ayurveda, it is ‘Pitta’ or the body heat that allows body metabolism to work normally. When ‘pitta dosh’ occurs, the body heat becomes very high. This increase in body heat is sudden and results in disruption of normal metabolism and chemical imbalance in the body.
Hence, including cooling herbs and spices in our meals will fight hot temperature and balance the pitta (heat) in our bodies.
One can include the following ancient herbs in various diet plans to beat down the heat this summer:
1. Mint:
Mint is one of the common and easily available herbs that can help you stay cool in summer. It can be used in multiple recipes and has a fresh and strong flavor, which is very refreshing. It can be used in various detox recipes too to get rid of the toxins in the body.
2. Amla:
The antioxidants and vitamins found in amla berries offer several health benefits. High concentrations of vitamin C in amla helps the body recover from various illness. It also has a cooling effect on our digestive system. It also has other health benefits like controlling diabetes, keeping eyes healthy, boosting immunity and also improving memory.
3. Manjistha:
Also known as Rubia Cordifolia, this is one the most treasured Ayurvedic herbs known for its cooling effect on blood and removing toxins from the body. Though this herb is a bitter astringent, it has a long list of benefits and uses. It is a potent antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and anti-microbial herb, trusted since generations in the Indian Ayurveda.
4. Tulsi:
Also known as Holy Basil, it acts as a detoxifying and cleansing agent in a human body. It dates to 3000 years and is historically used as medicine due to its widespread therapeutic power. It keeps the body cool during extreme heat and is mostly used as an herbal tea on a regular basis. It is also known for its anti-stress properties worldwide.
5. Sandalwood:
It leaves a cooling effect on our body. This herb can be turned into a paste to apply on skin. It will help us fight skin issues as well as keep us cool.
6. Mulethi:
It is commonly used to treat symptoms of dry cough and sore throat. It is also called Liquorice. This herb can keep us cool during the summer season. One can simply chew a stick to reap the benefits.
Apart from including these herbs in the diet, one can also try these natural home remedies from our Ayushakti kitchen, to reduce pitta(heat):
Ingredients:
-
Raisins soaked overnight 20
-
Cumin Seed Powder ½ Tsp.
-
Coriander Seed Powder ½ Tsp.
-
Fennel Seed Powder 1 Tsp.
-
Turmeric Powder ½ Tsp
Method:
Squeeze the juice out of soaked raisins and add the other ingredients. Drink it twice a day.
For body rashes due to heat, follow this simple one-step home remedy:
Apply Kokum oil or fresh Kokum water on the infected area.
Do try these easy tips and solutions to remain cool this summer!
About Author:
Dr. Smita Naram, Co-Founder, Ayushakti
https://www.ayushakti.com/