Ayurveda, the age old science of life, prescribes
specific regimens regarding diet and behaviour to acclimatize to the seasonal
and climatic changes. Currently the Varsha Ritu (Monsoon) is on, a time
when disease threats are high. Dr K Murali, son of Vaidyabhooshanam Raghavan
Thirumulpad and former Superintendent of Government Ayurveda College,
Tripunithura, Kerala, shares a few tips on the course of actions to be
followed:-
1) Consume only warm
food and that too only after you feel hungry. Avoid having stale food and those
difficult to digest.
2) Boil water with dry
ginger and coriander seed and drink the same when thirsty.
3) Avoid sleeping
during daytime as it hampers digestion and slows down the metabolism.
4) This is a season of
communicable diseases. Special care should be taken to keep the surrounding dry
and clean and not to allow water to get accumulated around. Wastes should be
properly disposed and should not be dumped on open places.
5) Avoid walking in dirty or dampened water. Keep
your feet dry. Minimise instances of going out and use vehicles rather than
walking through wet surfaces. Avoid getting wet, even in light rains. The aerosols
may contain dangerous pathogens during this season.
6) Fumigative disinfectant Aparajitha Dhooma
Choornam should be used inside your house. It’s effective in cleansing the
air of microbial presence.
7) Bath in hot water only, especially the elders.
Similarly, upon returning from outside, make sure to wash your feet and hands using
hot water and soap.
8)
It’s important to do light exercises daily even if you feel tired and sleepy.
The in-take of a special gruel called ‘Oushada
Kanji’, made of various therapeutic herbs, is crucial to the diet this
season. In Ayurveda, food has an important role. In fact, the ancient texts on
the subject say, “food is medicine when consumed properly”. There are various
recipes to make the gruel with the ingredients mainly consisting of Navara
rice, fenugreek seeds, dried ginger, crushed pepper, jeera, turmeric powder,
garlic, carom seeds and coconut milk. Once can choose the ingredients and
quantity based on the individual’s specific nature and needs. For instance, adding
a lot of coconut milk and jaggery won’t be good for diabetes patients.
