Beat the Heat with Ayurveda!

As summer approaches, we say goodbye to spring Kaph and welcome summer Vaat. But, is the excruciating summer heat wearing you down? Don’t worry, the ancient science of Ayurveda has got your back!

The summer season is usually filled with woes like heat waves, skin burning, dehydration, sweating, etc. For some, it’s a lovely time after cold winters, but some can’t wait for it to end! One of the fundamental principles of Ayurveda is that our habits, routines, and dietary choices should flow with the seasons. A summer seasonal routine aims to promote diet and lifestyle practices that will help you avoid overabsorption of summer qualities while still allowing you to enjoy the special gifts that summer has to offer.

Let’s dive in and explore how Ayurveda can help soothe the summer!

Table of Contents:

1. Herbs to consume to turn down the heat.
2. Ayurvedic skincare for summers.
3. Ayurvedic Haircare for summers.
4. Reduce body heat naturally with Ayurveda.
5. Homemade drinks you can try to cool the summer heat.

Herbs to consume to turn down the heat:

Amla (Indian Gooseberry):

Amla is packed with antioxidants and vitamins that endow several health benefits. The high concentrations of Vitamin C in Amla aid the body to recover from various illnesses such as heat boils, rashes, and acne. It has a cooling effect on our digestive system and nourishes our body with the richness of iron, potassium, and fibre.

Lemongrass:

Infamously known to reduce stress and relieve bloating, lemongrass is a rich antioxidant that helps in detoxifying and cleansing the body from within. It contains compounds that have a cooling effect on the body, which helps to treat digestive problems like bloating, constipation, and indigestion. One can savour lemongrass tea after dinner.

Mint:

The aromatic herb Pudina is one of the most common and refreshing herbs one can find on the market. It is one of the best consumed during summers, which helps in digestion and decreases heat in the body. It is a potent source of antioxidants, which helps to relieve nausea and headaches and ease depression and fatigue. A refreshing peppermint tea curbs sweating and reduces body temperature.

Manjistha:

Manjistha is a bitter, sweet, and astringent root named after its very red colour. It is one of the most prized for its blood-cooling properties and ability to remove toxins from the body. It is infused with antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-microbial properties, which makes it a potent herb with several benefits!

Tulsi:

"The Holy Basil" Tulsi is a well-known herb known worldwide for its therapeutic benefits! Its detoxifying and cleansing agents keep the body cool during extreme heat. Tulsi also helps the body cope with stress, promotes mental clarity, and supports rejuvenation. It is renowned for its support of the lungs, removing kapha buildup and promoting healthy, uncongested breathing. 

Sandalwood:

Sandalwood oil or paste (produced by combining water with a powder of the heartwood) provides a relaxing, cooling impact on the body and mind when applied externally. It is known to alleviate fever and burns while also preventing excessive sweating. It helps to balance the body after overexposure to the sun by reducing Pitta dosha.

Mulethi:

Mulethi is an excellent component for relieving congestion in the upper respiratory tract caused by dehydration during the summer. When it comes to getting rid of the flu or throat irritations, it works wonders. Mulethi is used in many commercial items, including toothpaste, tea, cough syrups, and more. Its benefits can be obtained simply by chewing on its stick.

Brahmi:

Brahmi, also known as gota kola, offers a long list of health benefits. It's been shown to help with cognitive performance by improving brain lymphatic drainage. It's also one of the most effective herbs for maintaining a youthful appearance and promoting a healthy digestive lining. Brahmi is an adaptogen, which means it helps the body deal with stress and emotional ups and downs. Even though Brahmi is primarily a cooling herb that can be used to combat the summer heat, it can be used by people of all body types at any time of year.

Ayurvedic skincare for summers:

Summertime can have daunting effects on the skin – rashes, boils, irritation, etc. can wear it out. According to Ayurveda, a body massage with herbal oils can not only relax your body but also preserve skin health.

For example, before bathing during the summer, you can gently massage your body with cooling & nourishing coconut oil. To add to its benefits, you can also put a few drops of lavender, rosemary, or peppermint essential oils. Later, you can take a bath with herbal body cleanser with healing herbs like lemon, neem, mint, etc. and lukewarm water after one hour of relaxing Abhyanga.

In the summers, your skin is prone to having dead skin and clogged pores due to excessive sweating and pollution. To combat this, exfoliate dead skin and deal with pore build-up once or twice a week with a mixture of sandalwood, orange peel, and other cooling ingredients like ubtan.

To soothe and soften your acne-prone skin during the summer, you can try sprinkling some herbal rose water as a natural toner on your face. It will not only hydrate your skin but will also give you a refreshed appearance! Next, to keep your skin bouncy and moisturised all day long, you can give an aloe-vera based moisturiser a try! It is an ideal and potent herb for your skin during the summer season.

Finally, we can’t stress enough this point – make sure you use sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30 on your skin, especially during summer! Whether you’re at home or going out, this is an extremely important step to protect your skin from the hazards of UV rays.