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.