Why do we suffer from pain and fever in the Monsoons?
Monsoon Season
“Varsha Ritu” or the rainy season is of the highest importance in Ayurveda. This season makes the Vata and Pitta doshas less effective. As a result, there is a marked increase in joint pains such as Rheumatism, Sciatica, Osteoarthritis, Frozen shoulder etc (due to the ineffectiveness of Vata) and indigestion (due to the ineffectiveness of Pitta). Immunity also tends to be at its lowest, causing a proliferation of infectious diseases such as viral fever, cold and cough, malaria, cholera, typhoid and Hepatitis A.
In order to protect your Vata and Pitta doshas from getting affected, I recommend a few simple steps to follow during this season:
- Drink clean, boiled water
- Take care of stagnant water to avoid mosquitoes and use mosquito repellents if needed
- Try to eat out as seldom as possible
- Keep food safe in airtight containers
- Eat fresh and hot food
Further, following certain diet recommendations would enhance the functioning of the two doshas in this season:
J Eat: Brown rice, Wheat preparations, Oats, Roasted cereals, Cornflakes, Black gram, Kidney beans, Bottle gourd, Ginger, Garlic, Onion, Buttermilk etc
L Avoid: Millets, Maize, Leafy vegetables, Cauliflower, Arbi, Fish, Spicy, Bitter and Astringent food.
It is very important to have a good chyavanprash with you. Apart from being the quintessential Ayurvedic multi-vitamin, it is also a great immunity booster. Unfortunately, the market is full of tasty sugar syrups masquerading as the real item. In reality, a good chyavanprash is a thick paste that is not too sweet and has a rich taste of Amla(Indian gooseberry). Here is a link to Sarada’s Chavanprash.
If you’re not a fan of Chavanaprash, try Sarada’s immunity booster Immunowin.
There is good news! This is the best time for Panchakarma
Panchakarma treatment has a special significance at this time. As the body is tender, it is more receptive to treatments. Panchakarma treatment helps remove the accumulated toxins from the body (normalizing the agni, the seat of one’s digestion) and leads to a younger, fitter, happier, healthier you. Kerala Ayurvedic treatments like Pizhichil, Elakizhi, Thailadhara etc help greatly in this season to alleviate the increased aches and pains. Read more about Panchakarma Ayurvedic Therapy here.