Ayurveda Tips for these few Rainy Days
Dry summer is the season that naturally increases Pitta (fire and water elements) with more impact on the fire element of Pitta (heat, sharpness of the sunrays) and Vata (air and ether elements) with more dryness and roughness. Body struggles to keep its inner temperature to a cool 35-36°C when outside temperature can rise well above.
However in these past few days the sudden rain falls brought coolness in the air having a direct incident on the water element of Pitta that then ferments and shows signs of acidity, inflammation of joints, bloating or strong body odour and some bitterness, impatience, frustration, anger in the mind.
Vata gets cold and makes the joints more painful, digestion and bowel movements irregular and mind might be imbibed with anxious thoughts, worries or lack of concentration, disturbed sleep at night at Vata time (between 2am to 6am).
We can help ourselves with the following recommendations while the weather remains cool and humid.
With the food
- Eat only when hungry and eat the appropriate amount (both hands joined together is the size of the stomach).
- Take a warm, cooked meal with any spices to improve the digestion (eg: ginger, turmeric, black pepper, cumin, coriander, cinnamon, ajwain, basil, garlic etc).
- Eat green leafy vegetables, take light dishes made of mung dal, vegetable soups… all pulses and dal are good when cooked with spices (all spices are good apart from red powder-chilli powder).
- For non-vegetarian, eat white meat or small fishes.
- Drink warm water all day long (especially when there’s a sore throat).
- Dinner should be light and taken 2 hours before going to bed.
- Give energy to the body with cereals and grains such as: amaranth, barley, cooked oats, granola, rice.
- Honey is the best sweetener.
- Ghee used for cooking and Sesame and Olive oils for dressings.
- Chew some neem or Tulsi leaves.
Some immunity enhancers
- Giloy/Guduchi (Tinospora cordifolia), a very good immune regulator; 1tsp of powder morning and evening in warm water.
- Amalaki (amla): full of vitamin C; consumed fresh if available or in powder.
- Turmeric: Anti-inflammatory, can be used for gargling with warm water and a pinch of salt.
- Tulsi (Ocimum tenuiflorum/sactum): for the lungs, fresh leaves in warm water.
- Ashwagandha (Whitania somnifera): immune regulator and calming the nervous system; 1tsp morning and evening in milk or warm water.
- Ginger – Turmeric – Black pepper powders (Be No1): improves digestion and energy, ½ tsp with warm water or lemon juice + honey once or twice a day.
- Tulsi – Cinnamon – Amla – Ginger – Turmeric – Black pepper powders (Be No3): as prevention or in case of cold, cough, flu, feverish state, body ache, ½ tsp with a sip of warm water or lemon juice + honey once a day if it’s preventive, 3 times a day before food if there are symptoms.
- Saffron, aloe vera, licorice herbal infusions.
- Chyavanprash Avaleha: 1 tsp in the morning with breakfast.
In the activities, help Pitta and Vata to be centred and grounded
- Be grounded in the heart or abdomen with Yoga, Pranayama, Meditation, observing the breathing movements in the abdomen, Yoga Nidra, Body Awareness, Qi-Gong, Tai Chi…
- Regular exercise, 30 minutes daily.
- Gardening, cultivating, weeding, cooking.
- Keep warm, take warm showers, cover your neck from chilled breeze.
- Gargling with salty water if sore throat.
- Oil pulling with 1 Tbsp of sesame or coconut oil, keep in the mouth for some time, spit it out and rinse the mouth with warm water (can be done early morning or at bedtime after brushing the teeth).
- Nasya: pour 2 drops of sesame oil or Anu Tailam in each nostril once a day.
- Fragrances: sandalwood, rose, jasmine.
Dr. Berangere
Dr. Berengere also known as “Dr. Be” is a Vaidya – a practitioner of Ayurvedic medicine. She is giving consultations at Santé.
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