Ayurveda For Monsoon to Stay Healthy

The monsoon season is a refreshing break from the summer heat, bringing earthy aromas and the soothing sound of rain. But, it also presents health risks due to conditions that promote diseases, particularly those transmitted by mosquitoes and contaminated water.

During this time, we can become vulnerable to illnesses like the common flu, viral fevers, colds, coughs, sore throats, and more severe conditions like Malaria, Dengue, Cholera, Typhoid, and Hepatitis A. These health issues can affect our enjoyment of the season and weaken our immune system. To fully enjoy the rainy season, staying alert and taking necessary precautions to safeguard our health is essential.

According to Ayurveda, the monsoon season can accumulate doshas—specifically Vata and Pitta—in the body, resulting in various seasonal illnesses. Vata, the predominant dosha during this time, is part of qualities like dryness, lightness, mobility, and coldness. The increased wind and moisture of the monsoon can intensify these Vata characteristics, potentially causing digestive issues, joint pain, anxiety, and sleep disturbances. 

Adopting a nutrient-rich diet and implementing lifestyle changes that help balance these doshas is crucial for maintaining good health during the rainy season. By following Ayurvedic principles in your daily routine, you can protect yourself from the adverse effects of the monsoon and strengthen your immune system. Keep reading for practical Ayurvedic tips on staying healthy during this time.

What can you eat during the monsoon season, according to Ayurveda?

Unfortunately, the monsoon season brings a variety of illnesses and allergies, making it essential to maintain a healthy diet to strengthen the body’s immune system. Ayurveda emphasizes the importance of adjusting one’s diet and lifestyle to accommodate seasonal changes. To combat the health issues that arise during this time, especially the aggravating effects of Vata, it’s important to make mindful food choices during Varsha Ritu.

Here is a list to include in your diet and lifestyle to stay healthy throughout the monsoon season.

Diet: 

1. Choose steamed foods over fried or deep-fried options. Focus on consuming warm, cooked, light and easily digestible foods. 
2. Focus on sweet, salty, and sour flavours in your food.
3. Opt for fresh foods and avoid refrigerated items
4.  Incorporate foods made from paddy, barley, and wheat into your diet.
5. Since the digestive fire may weaken, consider adding ginger, asafoetida, pepper, and other digestion-enhancing herbs to your meals. You can also consume a small piece of ginger with a pinch of rock salt (sadhana Lavan) to enhance your digestive fire.
6.  Enjoy seasonal vegetables and fruits for optimal health, but avoid undercooked or raw foods like salads during this time.
7. Avoid eating fish and seafood, and limit the consumption of non-vegetarian items like meat, pork, and beef, as waterborne diseases are higher during this season.
8. Avoid leafy vegetables during the rainy season, as they aggravate Vata dosha. 
9.  Include cow’s ghee in your meals for added nourishment.
10. Limit or avoid meat consumption, particularly red meat, which is harder to digest. If you eat meat, prepare it in a curry rather than frying it.

Hydration: 

1. Stay hydrated. Do not neglect your daily water intake, as the monsoon can increase fluid loss through urine. Drink lukewarm, boiled, and cooled water, and consider adding a bit of honey for added health benefits. 
2. Avoid cold, chilled, or fizzy drinks completely. Instead, choose room-temperature water or herbal infusions to maintain balance.
3. Vegetable soups are an excellent choice—they are light, warm, and easy to digest.
4. Steer clear of curd; opt for buttermilk instead.

Lifestyle Changes:  

1. Avoid excessive exercise during the monsoon season, as it can increase Vata dosha. Instead, focus on mild stretching exercises to keep flexibility and balance.
2. Refrain from napping during the day, slowing your metabolism and disrupting your body’s natural rhythm.
3. Avoiding air conditioning and damp environments is advisable, as they can aggravate Vata and cause discomfort.
4. Maintain cleanliness and dryness to support your overall health and well-being during the rainy season.
5. Always wear appropriate footwear when walking outdoors to protect your feet from moisture and potential infections.
6. Limit sexual activity during this time, as it can further increase Vata and disrupt your balance.
7. Practising Dhoopana, or fumigation, can help protect you from vector-borne diseases. This Ayurvedic disinfection method utilizes herbal smoke, and you can find Dhooma choornas like Aparajita dhooma choorna in the market for this purpose.
8. The monsoon season is an excellent time to consider Panchakarma therapies and rejuvenation treatments, which help cleanse and restore balance to the body.
9. Engaging in Abhyanga, or oil massage, followed by a bath in lukewarm water, is highly beneficial. This practice nourishes the skin and promotes relaxation while soothing Vata dosha.

Herbal Remedies for Varsha Ritu:

Ayurveda’s holistic approach offers a range of medicinal herbs that shield us from various illnesses and infections during the onset of the monsoon season. These herbs are valued for their ability to nourish, support, and safely enhance the immune system. Incorporating these herbal supplements into your diet can significantly support your health and help you thrive during the rainy season. The herbs include–

1. Ashwagandha: This powerful herb is renowned for its rejuvenating properties and helps strengthen the body’s defences against monsoon illnesses. Classified as an adaptogen in Ayurvedic texts, Ashwagandha supports stress adaptation and overall vitality. Incorporating it into your daily routine during Varsha Ritu can enhance your immune role and resilience against seasonal ailments.
2. Garlic: Regular consumption of garlic is beneficial during the monsoon season, as it alleviates symptoms of colds and flu. Its medicinal solid properties boost the immune system and protect against infections, making it essential for staying healthy in the damp conditions of Varsha Ritu. Whether raw or cooked, adding garlic can significantly improve your well-being.
3. Triphala: This herbal blend of amla, bibhitaki, and haritaki is highly valued in Ayurveda for its health benefits. Triphala aids digestion, detoxification, and waste elimination. During Varsha Ritu, when the digestive fire is weak, incorporating Triphala helps restore balance and supports digestive health.
4. Ginger: Known for its warming properties, ginger stimulates digestion and improves circulation. It can be easily added to teas, soups, or meals, making it ideal for the rainy season. Ginger helps digest heavier foods and combats the chill of Varsha Ritu, maintaining the body’s warmth.
5. Tulsi (Holy Basil): Tulsi is an excellent herb for the monsoon season due to its immune-boosting and adaptogenic qualities. It strengthens the immune system, helping the body resist seasonal illnesses and allergies. Including Tulsi in your daily routine promotes overall health and aligns with Ayurvedic principles of balance during Varsha Ritu.

Varsha Ritu marks a period of renewal and transformation as nature transitions in preparation for the upcoming season. To keep harmony with this changing environment, it is essential to align our lifestyle, dietary choices, and daily routines with the principles of Ayurveda.

The Bottom Line: 

Incorporating warm and nourishing foods into our meals, engaging in grounding exercises, and utilizing herbs that promote digestion and bolster immunity are vital to a healthy and fulfilling monsoon season. Ayurveda emphasizes that maintaining internal equilibrium is crucial for achieving optimal well-being, allowing us to thrive during this transformative time. By embracing these practices, we can support our physical and mental health while fostering a deep connection with the rhythms of nature.