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Have fruits with high water content. Make desi ghee a part of your diet, says Ameve Sharma.
Given the soaring summer temperature, 'in a serious relationship with air conditioners' would seem like an apt state-of-mind.
The cool cuddle of air-conditioners and air-coolers -- no matter how inviting it appears to be -- is not something one can enjoy everywhere.
When the cause (heat) is seasonal, recourse has to be natural.
One needs to generate that soothing influence inside the body naturally to combat the heat and remain hydrated, fresh and full of energy.
From Ayurveda's perspective, summer is known as pitta season which increases the body temperature, disrupts the normal digestion process and inflicts various other symptoms on the body such as irritation, rashes, etc.
Thankfully, Mother Nature has generously blessed us with innumerable fruits, herbs, spices which keep body temperature under control in this harsh weather.
Here are a few natural ways to keep your body cool and skin hydrated.
1. Have fruits with higher water content
Fruits like watermelon and cucumber should be consumed regularly during summer.
A few slices of red watermelon which contains 91.45 per cent water, antioxidants, vitamin A, vitamin B6 and vitamin C will rehydrate and re-energise your body.
Similarly, cucumber also brings that much-needed cool to the body and mind in the midst of sweltering summer.
2. Make desi ghee a part of your summer diet
Contrary to popular misconception, consuming desi ghee during summer is good for health.
Ghee made from A2 milk, i.e. milk that comes from non-genetically modified cows, is extremely nutritious.
It also helps in maintaining the desired water-level in the body and keeps it cool.
If the familiar greasiness of ghee has vanished from your chapattis recently, it’s about time to bring that back and respect its presence.
3. Keep your skin healthy and hydrated with aloe vera
The hot weather in summer can make your skin dry and dull, as the rising temperature squeezes out fluids from your body in the form of sweat.
Aloe vera can repair the dry skin with its cooling and medicinal properties.
The main component of aloe vera is water.
It has also got essential nutrients, minerals and vitamins. You can count on aloe vera gel to rehydrate your skin.
4. Seek healing touches of herbs
Herbs can also offer you relief from the spell of sweltering heat.
For example, mint is quite effective in curing indigestion.
It also opens up the pores of the skin to excess energy from the body to keep it cool.
Another extremely beneficial herb is coriander. Apart from enhancing appetite, it acts as a potent relaxant and anxiety-reliever.
Amala or Indian gooseberry, loaded with vitamin C, is another extremely beneficial herb to fight dryness of skin during summer.
5. Have a moderate dose of wild raw honey
Wild raw honey improves digestive health, cures indigestion and strengthens the immune system.
It cleanses the skin of harmful fungus or bacteria.
The antioxidants add glow to the face.
Having wild raw honey with juices or green tea during summer is not a bad idea.
The core idea behind staying cool during summer or creating an internal cooling system is to balance out the heat with some judicious choices in consumption habit.
Your approach has to be holistic and natural to be summer-ready and ditch the enticements of air-conditioners.
Ameve Sharma is founder, Kapiva Ayurveda, a wellness company.