Time to turn to traditional practices to beat the heat wave

A few days ago, on its part, the AYUSH (Ayurveda Unani Siddha and Homeopathy) department released a set of advisories, mostly comprising tried and tested Indian practices, passed down through generations

Hyderabad: As the business end of the summer approaches, people in the State would do well to follow some of the traditional beliefs and practices, including a midday nap during the hottest part of the day, that have helped them beat the repressive heat of May for ages.

A few days ago, on its part, the AYUSH (Ayurveda Unani Siddha and Homeopathy) department released a set of advisories, mostly comprising tried and tested Indian practices, passed down through generations.

So, instead of the often prescribed Oral Rehydration Solution (ORS), which is a standard recommendation by modern physicians, natural cooling ingredients like khus Khus, commonly known in Telugu as Vatti Veru, an aromatic grass for cooling mats and even cool drinks, could be beneficial.

The Ayush department has urged people to consume a lot of cooling water infusions like Sariva (Sugandhi) to prepare refreshing herbal drinks like Sharbat for hydration and cooling effect from within the body.

Traditional Indian medicine practitioners also advised people to use Jeera (Jeelakarra) and Coriander seeds (Dhaniyalu) that go a long way in reducing the body heat.

Some of the other commonly occurring Indian food materials that the AYUSH department had advised for people to beat heat wave include consuming Sattu (Satu Pindi), the powder from roasted barley, jaggery, falsa (Indian blackberry), commonly known as Janapandu in Telugu.

Ayurveda doctors also urge people to consume a lot of hydrating fruits and vegetables. They suggest fruits and vegetables that contain high water content, such as grapes, cucumber, watermelon, water chestnut, muskmelon, mango, and sugarcane juice. Bael sharbat is also an excellent option to beat the heat.

Beat this year’s heat the Indian way:

• Drinking water with cooling ingredients like khus khus, sariva, jeera, and dhanyaka to reduce body heat

• Enjoy Sattu-based refreshments, which is the coarse powder made from roasted barley/ Bengal gram) mixed with jaggery or rock salt for a cooling and refreshing treat

• Apply Cooling Pastes: Use pastes made from aromatic medicinal plants like sandalwood and vetiver on your skin to help cool down during hot weather

• Eat Cooling Snacks: Include foods like falsa (Indian blackberry), munakka (raisins), laja (parched paddy), and petha (candied ash gourd) in your diet for their cooling properties

• Bael sharbat is an excellent option to beat the heat

• Drink a lot of milk and sugar to stay hydrated and maintain energy

• Take a midday nap by resting during the hottest part of the day can help reduce the risk of heat-related illnesses and keep your energy levels up

• Incorporate naturally cooling drinks such as coconut water, lemon juice, or fruit-based drinks. These help to lower body temperature and keep you refreshed

• Before leaving the house, opt for light, easy-to-digest meals. Avoid heavy or oily foods, as they can increase body heat.