Kerala’s tropical climate affects our health in different ways because of the high humidity, heavy monsoon rain, and warm temperatures. Ayurveda recommends shifting daily health habits with the seasons called Ritucharya, or an ayurvedic seasonal routine. Ayurveda helps with seasonal health problems by helping to bring balance through adjustments in your diet, lifestyle, and with the use of herbs to practice daily routines in harmony with the nature around us.
SNA Oushadhasala and other traditional Ayurvedic institutions offer Kerala climate specific herbal formulations to help with immunity, digestion, and general health.
Understanding Ayurveda for the Climate of Kerala
The three doshas (Vata, Pitta, and Kapha) will fall out of balance with the changing seasons. Each of the three main seasonal patterns in Kerala will bring out a different predominant dosha, in which the seasons will then affect human health.
- Summer (Grishma) – Due to extreme high temperatures, the human body will overheat and experience extreme dehydration.
- Monsoon (Varsha) – Digestion will weaken, and with the increase in humidity and rainfall, there will be an increase of Vata imbalance.
- Post-Monsoon/Winter (Hemanta) – Digestion is strong, however, there may be a build up of excess Kapha.
The practice of Ayurveda for the climate of Kerela will allow the body to adapt naturally and will help with health for the entire duration of the year.
Ayurvedic Advice for the Summer Season
The hot temperatures in Kerala in addition to the lengthy duration of summer will bring a rise in the Pitta dosha, and will create heat related issues in human health, including extreme dehydration, exhaustion, irritation of the skin, and an increase of heat in the human body.
Health Advice for Each Season
- Drink lots of cooling drinks like tender coconut water and buttermilk.
- Add cooling foods to your diet. Examples are cucumber, watermelon, rice, and leafy vegetables.
- Stay away from foods that are spicy, oily and fried. Such foods will increase your body heat.
- During the hottest hours of the day, try to take it easy and make sure to drink enough water.
Ayurvedic Product for the Summer Season
One of the best Ayurvedic products for this time of the year is SNA Daahashamani from SNA Oushadhasala.
This herbal product is used to treat summer's too much thirst, excessive body heat and dehydration. It also helps to keep the heat of the body and the amount of fluids in the body to the optimum, and is very good for the hot and humid regions of our country, like Kerala.
Care for the Monsoon Season in Ayurveda
The digestive system is normally weak and the balance of Vata increases, which can result in the digestive system getting disturbed, the body feeling weak, and the person becoming more prone to diseases.
What Ayurveda advises for each season
- Eat food that has just been made and is hot.
- Use certain spices when cooking to help with digestion. Spices like ginger, cumin and pepper.
- Do not eat foods that are raw. Do not eat foods that are old. Make sure the water you drink is clean.
- Do some light exercises and yoga at home.
- Support from Ayurveda During the Rainy Season
During the transitions between the seasons, herbal products like Dashamoolaarishtam help maintain strength and immunity.
Another one of these useful preparations is Jeerakaarishtam which helps with digestion and keeps the balance of digestion during the rainy season.
Post Monsoon & Winter Wellness
Once the monsoon ends, one’s energy and digestion improve. It is a great time to restore vitality by nourishing the body.
Recommended Practices
- Incorporate nourishing food like grains, pulses and ghee into your meals.
- Don’t forget to exercise, and incorporate yoga into your workouts.
- Do oil massage daily (Abhyanga) for the health of your joints and muscles.
- Take the help of herbal tonics to strengthen your immunity and overall health.
Ayurvedic Formulations for Vitality
A herbal tonic, Aamalakaasavam, is great for expanding your immunity and digestion.
If you also need some help with your mental health and cognition, you may need to look into Saaraswataarishtam.
Daily Ayurvedic Practices for Health Throughout the Year
Aside from the changes required for each season, Ayurveda also suggests daily practices to promote health for long periods of time.
- Rise early and repeat the same set of activities daily.
- Sit and meditate and include some breathing exercises.
- Make regular body massage with herbal oil one of your habits.
- Consume the food that is fresh and seasonal, and is appropriate to the current climate.
All of the practices mentioned above will create a strong foundation for healthy ayurvedic seasonal practices.
Conclusion
The distinct climatic regions of Kerala necessitate that health be approached holistically. Following the seasonal health guidelines of Ayurveda coupled with balancing supportive herbal formulations will assist in sustaining the digestive health, immunity, and overall health.
As one of the oldest Ayurvedic institutions, SNA Oushadhasala has been providing herbal medicines that help humans live in sync with nature.
