Ayurvedic Tips to Keep You Cool this Summer

Scared of summer heat, skin eruptions, sweat and thirst? Overcome all summer problems with these cool solutions offered by Ayurveda. Get acquainted with the wisdom of ancient sages and beat the summer heat before it beats you.

After the relaxing spring climate, we are experiencing a gradual increase in heat signifying the onset of grishm ritu - the summer season. From here on, the temperature will keep on rising till it reaches the sweltering stage. So, when things heat up outside, are you prepared to stay in balance this summer? Apart from switching on your fans, coolers and ACs, what are your options to stay calm, composed and cool?

Technology might help you to stay cool inside your home or office but you will eventually have to face the heat outside. According to Ayurveda, the ancient science of natural health, when things are heating up outside, the key to balance is to find ways to cool down inside - physically, mentally and emotionally.

Summer brings it with a host of symptoms like excessive body heat, dehydration, sweating, skin rashes, sunburns, acne, diarrhea, and of course irritation, lethargy and short fuses. We provide below a few easy tips to maintain optimum balance of mind and body in summer and enjoy its positive aspects. Cooling baths

A cooling bath is the best way to start a 'cool' day. This is the first thing that you do in the morning, so make the best of it. Bathe with cold water. Take fresh or dried leaves of mint and boil for half an hour. Strain the liquid and let it cool down. After taking your bath, apply this liquid on your entire body, especially those parts where you experience more perspiration. Mint has cooling, refreshing and astringent effects on the skin and is also helpful in relaxing your mind.

Alternately, you can use rose petals or rose essence oil in your bath. If you are using rose petals, let it soak overnight in your bath tub or water. Rose has refreshing and cooling effects on the body and the mind. It also helps to exfoliate your skin, leaving it soft, supple and radiant, while protecting your skin from sunburns.

With an invigorating, refreshing and cooling bath, you are ready to face the sweltering heat of summer with a smile.

Cooling beverages

Before we start, you are forewarned, don't reach for that chilled bottled juice or carbonated beverage to cool down in summer. It will not only impair your digestion but will also harm your immunity system. Also chilled or ice-cold drinks are harmful because they disrupt digestion by dousing the jatharagni or digestive fire. Fresh fruit juices and nectars, blended and stored at room temperature, are recommended. Grape juice, water melon shakes, lassi, bel sharbat and aam panna are refreshing and healthy choices in summer. You should also drink a lot of cool pure water to replenish body moisture lost to heat during summer. Keeping your body hydrated is vital during this season.

Cooling diet

A cooling Ayurvedic diet in summer includes a lot of fruits and vegetables that are sweet, juicy, bitter and astringent in nature. Among fruits melons, pears, cherries, mangoes and grapes are beneficial. Also, vegetables such as broccoli, zucchini and asparagus have cooling effects. Use cucumber in your salads. Avoid spicy and sour foods in summer. Use cooling spices such as mint, fennel, anise and cardamom in your preparations. You should also avoid food with heating properties such as tomatoes, hot peppers, radishes, onions, garlic and spinach.

Cooling exercises

Swimming is a healthy and wonderful exercise for summer - it's not only cooling and soothing for the body but also helps in toning and strengthening body muscles. Morning walks in the park and evening strolls are both relaxing for the body and mind during this season. Also, in Ayurveda, Shitli Pranayama is recommended for instilling coolness, brightness and peacefulness in the body and mind

Cooling lifestyle

Stress and overwork aggravates the symptoms and overheating effects of summer. Working on deadline-oriented activities, lack of time for oneself, work pressure, and long commutes are more stressful during the heat of summer. You should plan out your work and learn some time management tips to complete your tasks on time, so that you can spend enough time with your family and friends. Learn to balance work with leisure. Enjoy fun and leisurely activities in weekends and take some time to enjoy and appreciate life. Plan a vacation to a cool and serene hill station. Devote some time to meditation to relax your mind and keep stress at bay.

Protect yourself from the sun

Lastly, you should protect yourself from the sun and refrain from outdoor activities during the hottest part of the day. To protect yourself from sunburns use a good sunscreen. Use Jiva Cucumber Water to hydrate the skin and experience a cooling effect when you face the scorching heat of summer.

Eat juicy fruits such as melons and pear or drink a glass of lemon water to keep your body cool from within. Remember to drink lots of water to keep your body adequately rehydrated. Wear sunglasses to protect your eyes from the harsh rays of the sun.

According to Ayurveda, summer is considered to be a pitta predominant season where the energetic principles of fire and water are the strongest. Pitta dosha is driven and aggravated by solar force. Ayurveda considers this a time of dehydration that occur both inside and outside the body. Following Ayurvedic principles based on pitta pacification measures to balance what is predominant in the environment during summer will help you to enjoy this season in the best of health and spirit.