fitnesstime365Varsha Ritucharya: Ayurvedic Guide for Monsoon Health
The monsoon season, known as Varsha Ritu in Ayurveda, spans the months of Shravan and Bhadrapada (July to September). After the scorching summer heat, the rains bring relief, but they also bring challenges for our health. Humidity, dampness, sudden temperature changes, and contaminated water can disturb the balance of doshas, especially Vata and Pitta, and weaken digestion (Agni). To maintain balance and immunity during this time, Ayurveda prescribes a specific seasonal regimen called Varsha Ritucharya.
Why Varsha Ritucharya is Important
During Varsha Ritu, the digestive fire (Agni) becomes weak due to moisture in the environment. Vatadosha gets aggravated by cold and dampness, while Pitta dosha accumulates. This imbalance can lead to indigestion, acidity, joint pains, water-borne diseases, skin infections, and respiratory problems. Following Varsha Ritucharya helps prevent these seasonal ailments and keeps the body healthy and energetic.
What to Eat During Varsha Ritu
Warm, light, and easily digestible foods:
Eat freshly cooked warm meals. Light soups, thin dals, khichdi, and rice gruels (kanji) help digestion and keep the gut calm.
Use spices wisely:
Include digestive spices like ginger, black pepper, cumin, coriander, and asafoetida (hing). These spices stimulate Agni and prevent gas and bloating.P
Prefer sour and salty tastes:
Sour and salty foods help pacify aggravated Vata and enhance digestion. Buttermilk with a pinch of rock salt and roasted cumin is excellent.
Opt for aged grains:
Use old rice, barley, wheat, and millets that are light and easy to digest.
Eat moderate amounts of ghee:
A small quantity of cow’s ghee lubricates joints, improves digestion, and balances Vata.
Seasonal vegetables:
Eat vegetables like bottle gourd (lauki), pumpkin, ridge gourd, and bitter gourd. Bitter and astringent vegetables help detoxify the body.
Drink warm herbal water:
Boil water with dry ginger, cumin seeds, or tulsi leaves. Warm water aids digestion and removes toxins.
What to Avoid During Varsha Ritu
🚫Avoid raw and uncooked food:
Raw salads, leafy greens from outside, and sprouts are harder to digest and may carry germs.
🚫Say no to cold and refrigerated items:
Cold drinks, ice creams, and chilled water weaken the digestive fire further.
🚫Avoid heavy and oily foods:
Deep-fried snacks, stale food, curd at night, red meat, and heavy desserts should be avoided as they cause Ama (toxins).
🚫Limit excessive pulses:
Heavy pulses like rajma, chana, or black gram can increase Vata and cause bloating.
🚫Stay away from contaminated water:
Always drink boiled or filtered water to avoid infections.
Daily Routine for Varsha Ritu
- Wake up early:
Get up before sunrise to align with nature’s rhythm. Fresh air in the early morning helps control Vata. - Abhyanga (oil massage):
Do a warm oil massage daily with sesame or medicated oil to calm Vata and improve blood circulation. It also protects the skin from fungal infections. - Bath:
Take a warm water bath after massage. Use herbal powders like neem or sandalwood to prevent skin infections. - Dress dry and clean:
Wear clean, dry clothes. Damp clothes can cause fungal infections. Keep surroundings dry to avoid mold and insects. - Gentle exercise:
Do light yoga, stretching, and pranayama like AnulomVilom to boost immunity and improve lung capacity. Avoid overexertion. - Meals:
Eat freshly cooked meals at regular times. Have a moderate breakfast, light lunch, and an early dinner. Add herbal teas like tulsi or ginger tea. - Rest:
Avoid sleeping during the day as it increases Kapha and causes sluggishness. If needed, take a short nap only. - Herbal support:
Use simple home remedies like honey with warm water for digestion. Herbs like Guduchi (Giloy) and Tulsi strengthen immunity. - Fumigation:
Burn neem leaves, camphor, or cow dung cakes to purify air and prevent mosquitoes and germs. - Mental health:
Monsoon can bring dullness and laziness. Listen to uplifting music, chant mantras, or read to keep the mind positive.
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