Ayurveda Health Tips for Monsoon: Embrace Nature’s Herbs for Wellness

by with 104 Comments Ayurveda

Introduction

Monsoon is a beautiful season that brings relief from scorching summer heat, but it also ushers in a range of health challenges. In Ayurveda, the ancient system of natural medicine, the monsoon season is considered a time of susceptibility to various ailments due to imbalances in the body’s doshas (Vata, Pitta, and Kapha). To stay healthy and enjoy the rainy season to its fullest, Ayurveda offers a wealth of tips and remedies, many of which involve the use of natural herbs. In this article, we will explore Ayurvedic health tips for the monsoon season, focusing on the benefits of using natural herbs to boost immunity, prevent diseases, and maintain overall well-being.

  • Strengthen Your Immunity with Tulsi (Holy Basil)

Tulsi, also known as holy basil, is a revered herb in Ayurveda for its immune-boosting properties. Consuming Tulsi leaves or Tulsi tea daily during the monsoon can help strengthen your immune system, making it more resilient to seasonal infections. Tulsi is known for its antibacterial, antiviral, and antifungal properties, which can protect you from common monsoon illnesses like colds and flu.

  • Digestive Aid: Ginger and Mint

The monsoon season often brings digestive issues due to changes in humidity and temperature. Ginger and mint are two potent herbs that can aid digestion. Ginger tea or a concoction of fresh ginger, honey, and lemon can help alleviate digestive discomfort. Mint leaves, either consumed raw or as a part of herbal teas, can soothe an upset stomach.

  • Ayurvedic Herbal Tea for Immunity

Prepare a herbal tea using a combination of immunity-boosting herbs like Tulsi, Ashwagandha, and Amla (Indian gooseberry). This herbal infusion not only strengthens your immune system but also provides essential antioxidants to combat free radicals and support overall health. Drinking this tea daily can be a wonderful monsoon ritual.

  • Stay Hydrated with Herbal Infusions

Proper hydration is essential during the monsoon season, and Ayurveda suggests infusing your water with herbs and spices. Adding ingredients like cumin seeds (jeera), coriander seeds (dhaniya), and fennel seeds (saunf) to your water not only enhances flavor but also aids digestion and prevents waterborne diseases.

  • Triphala for Detoxification

Triphala is an Ayurvedic herbal formulation which consist of three fruits: Amalaki (Indian gooseberry), Bibhitaki, and Haritaki. It acts as a natural detoxifier, helping to eliminate toxins from the body. Regular consumption of Triphala can support healthy digestion, enhance nutrient absorption, and improve overall well-being during the monsoon season.

  • Neem: Nature’s Antibiotic

Neem is often referred to as “nature’s antibiotic” due to its potent antibacterial and antiviral properties. Consuming neem leaves or using neem oil for oil pulling can help protect you from monsoon-related infections. Neem is also beneficial for maintaining healthy skin during this humid season.

  • Ayurvedic Oil Massage

Ayurvedic oil massages, or Abhyanga, are highly recommended during the monsoon season. Choose warming oils like sesame oil or coconut oil infused with Ayurvedic herbs to nourish and protect your skin. Regular massages not only improve circulation but also prevent joint pains and stiffness associated with damp weather.

  • Aloe Vera for Skin Care

Aloe vera is a natural skin healer and can be especially useful during the monsoon to combat skin issues like fungal infections, rashes, and acne. Apply fresh aloe vera gel to your skin to soothe irritations and maintain a healthy, glowing complexion.

  • Trikatu for Metabolism

Trikatu, a combination of black pepper, long pepper, and ginger, is known to enhance metabolism and digestion. Incorporate Trikatu in your diet to prevent sluggishness and promote efficient digestion, which is crucial during the monsoon season.

  • Stay Dry with Ayurvedic Lifestyle Practices

In Ayurveda, it’s recommended to avoid getting wet in the rain, as it can disturb your body’s dosha balance. Instead, carry an umbrella or wear rain gear to stay dry. Also, make an effort to keep your living spaces clean and dry to prevent mold and fungal growth.

Monsoon can be a challenging season for health, but Ayurveda offers a treasure trove of natural remedies and herbs to help you stay well. By incorporating these Ayurvedic health tips into your daily routine, you can boost your immunity, improve digestion, and protect your overall well-being during this rainy season. Remember that Ayurveda is a holistic approach to health, so it’s essential to consider your unique constitution and consult an Ayurvedic practitioner for personalized guidance. Embrace the healing power of nature’s herbs and experience a healthy, happy monsoon season.

Remedies to prevent cough and cold during season change -Happy Summers

by with One Comment Ayurveda

Time to welcome the Summers ……. but with this change of season there is a very common problem which most children , adults and old age people suffer from that is cough and cold . Here in this blog we will find out some of the common herbs which you can use to prevent this problem . First and foremost during this change of season you have to take care of your throat and nasal passage as these are the route from where germs enter your body . 
Tips to take care of your throat and nose :

  • Put 2 drops of sesame oil or cow’s ghee in both nostrils at bedtime everyday 
  • After having a meal gargle with warm  Turmeric water , 2-3 times a day 
  • Avoid cold , sour and fried food .

Herbs to prevent cough and cold 

1. Tulsi Holy basil is available in each Indian home and people worship Tulsi  . Most of us are not aware of the benefits we get from Tulsi . In ancient science this is the most sacred plant .Tulsi nourishes body , mind and spirit.

Botanical name – Ocimum tenuiflorum

Tulsi in Sanskrit means “one that is incomparable”. 

Rasa( taste) – pungent

Virya (energetic effect) – heating

Vipaka (Post digestive effect) – Pungent

Tulsi balances kapha in the lungs and vata in the head and nerves, it also soothes vata in the digestive tract. It helps to manage Meda Dhatu ( fatty tissue ) and thus helps in controlling weight .

How to consume Tulsi 

Take 4-5 leaves of Tulsi Leaves and boil in 150 ml of water for 2-3 min, then take this water 2-3 times a day . You can also add black pepper and cinnamon to this infusion.

Contraindication- during pregnancy as it leads to uterine contractions

2. Licorice (Mulethi) 
Licorice (Yashtimadhu) is used in Ayurveda in the management of respiratory disorders. It is also used in the treatment of chronic acidity and acidity .It also boosts immunity . Licorice water is used to relieve pain in the sore throat . It helps in pacifying Vata and Pitta. 
Botanica name – Glycyrrhiza glabra
Rasa- Madhura ( Sweet)Virya – Sheet (Cold )Vipaka – Madhura ( Sweet)
How to Consume  Mulethi 
Take 2-4 grns of Mulethi Powder and add 1 tsp organic honey  , take this 2 times a day .
Contraindication – Patient suffering from hypertension must avoid high doses of Mulethi .

3. Black Pepper ( Kali Mirch) 
Botanical Name –  Piper Nigrum 
Rasa- Katu ( Pungent) Virya –  Ushna ( heating) Vipaka – Katu (Pungent) 
It helps in balancing Vata and Kapha dosha in the body . It is also beneficial in digestive disorders like flatulence , gas and bloating . It is beneficial in respiratory problems . Black pepper can be used in the form of powder and a docotion can be made with black peppercorns .

How to consume Black Pepper 1. Take 3-4 black peppercorns and boil in 150 ml of water . You can also add cloves and ginger in the decoction.2. Take 2 gms of black pepper powder with  1 tsp honey or lukewarm water , twice in a day .Contraindication- during pregnancy

4. Chyawanprash
In ancient times this preparation was taken by a Chywan Rishi to rejuvenate his physical strength . That is the reason why it is called Chyawanprash . It is a combination of more than 25 herbs which all are rich in  natural minerals like  iron, magnesium, potassium, calcium, sodium and zinc . Most important ingredient of Chyawanprash is Amla.
It helps to boost immunity  and can be taken by all age groups . It also rejuvenates skin, hair and all tissues of the body . It improves fertility and provides strength to the body .

How to consume Chyawanprash 
Take 5 gms ( 1 tsp) of Chyawanprash with lukewarm milk or water once or twice in a day .

5. Honey  Honey is a natural sweetener derived from the nectar of flowers by bees . It has antiseptic and antibacterial properties. It helps to boost immunity . In children honey can be used during milk cough and cold . One thing that you always have to remember –  Do not put honey in any hot food or beverage as honey loses its property when it comes in contact with heat . 

How to consume honey 
Take 5 gms of honey once or twice in a day .

Happy Summers

If you have any question, please write in comments.