Summer, a season known for heat waves and scorching sun causing the Pitha dosha of the body to increase causing reasons for uneasiness due to the abrupt heat flows. High atmospheric temperature causes dehydration of body due to over sweating and it comes difficult to deal with heat causing exhaustion following head ache, fatigue, difficulty in breathing, nausea, vomiting and even loss of consciousness.
Causes :
- Reduced intake of water
- Exposure to direct sun for a long period
- Tight clothing or putting on many clothes
- Too much coffee, spicy foods
- Alcohol
- Neurological problems
- Cardiovascular diseases
Natural way to beat Summer or prevent Heat Stroke/ Heat Exhaustion
Drinking water : At least 3-4 litres of water should be consumed. Avoid artificial drinks, flavoured icy-drinks, soda and cold artificial beverages. As these drinks are loaded with artificial sweeteners disrupts digestion and produces toxins.
Lemonade : Drinking lemonade twice daily reduces body heat, boost immunity and helps to control appetite. It also detoxifies body, cools the body.It can be replaced with coffee to beat off summer heat!
Tender coconut water : Excellent remedy for heat exhaustion. Maintains electrolyte balance and helps to replenish the body. Also improves circulation and prevent heat!
Buttermilk : Excellent to curb off Heat stroke symptoms.It can be made a part of daily diet for best results.Can be added with ginger and green chillies and curry leaves for better flavour. It is a rich source of Vitamin B12 and so is believed to help fight anaemia and stress. It is better than curd and safe to consume daily as it is fat-free and best to cool off body! Well, before you reach for that bottle of cold drink, soda or antacid, try a glass of buttermilk.
Mango : Raw mango are roasted and pulp taken is juiced along with pepper, cumin seeds and black salt. Helps to fight heat stoke. Also rich in Vitamin C and antioxidant. To prevent heat, consume daily twice for best results. Ripe mangoes are also good to beat off summer. It is rich in vitamins, minerals and fibres.
Coriander and Mint : Consume as juice or chutney with food as a daily regimen. Natural coolant and rich in antioxidants.coriander leaves are rich in Vitamin C, Vitamin K and protein. They also contain small amounts of calcium, phosphorous, potassium, thiamine, niacin and carotene. Mint is a great appetizer or palate cleanser, and it promotes digestion. It also soothes stomachs in cases of indigestion or inflammation.
Massage head with unrefined coconut oil : Excellent coolant. cools off body, keeps heat at bay.Massage regularly scalp with coconut oil for best results.It also relieves burning sensation and useful in relieving hair fall and premature greying of hair.
Jeera water : Water boiled in jeera or cumin seeds is one of traditional secrets to prevent heat exhaustion. In Kerala, this has been a part of daily regimen since ages. It helps in cooling body,removes burning sensation and protects skin from sun damage. The anti-ageing vitamins like A, C and E in the jeera works as antioxidants fighting the ageing process. Jeera water to replenish the skin and restrict the problem of premature ageing too.
Amla or Nellikkai : This green and extremely sour tasting fruit works as an excellent coolant. Therefore, eating a raw Amla in the summer season keeps the body cool. Amla juice contains 20 times more vitamin C than orange juice which improves the tannins, required to shield heat and light. It also reverses the ageing effects caused by harsh UV sun rays, which can lead to skin cancers.
Aloe vera : Aloe vera is always known for its cooling properties. Aloe juice can be taken internally. The gel can also be applied externally to cool the skin and prevent sun damage.
Melons and cucumbers : Watermelon is made up of 90 percent water, which helps to provide well-hydration in the heat. In addition, watermelon contains loads of vitamins A and C, has no fat and is packed with lycopene, an antioxidant which may aid in the prevention of cancer and cardiovascular disease. Cucumbers are packed with nutrients like Vitamin K, Vitamin C, Magnesium, Riboflavin, B-6, Folate, Pantothenic acid, Calcium, Iron, Phosphorus, Zinc and Silica These are the also best hydrating food for summers, so enjoy this treat.
Sandalwood paste : Pure sandal wood paste can be applied all over the body to lower down the temperature of the body. Excessive heat and sweating during summer season often result in itchy and painful prickly heat. The cooling astringent property of sandalwood helps in cooling the skin and curing prickly heat naturally. It also has Anti- ageing, Anti- tanning and Anti-acne properties.
Siddha medicines like Nannari manapagu, Eladi choornam, Thriphala choornam, Nellikkai leghyam, Sirungi parpam, Kungiliya parpam etc are some remedies for heat exhaustion. Along with rest and these remedies it is mandatory to take rest. Avoid alcohol, coffee, fatty, fried or junk foods. As ‘prevention is better than cure’, follow these tips, maintain a healthy lifestyle. Beat the summer heat and and Stay cool. Take care! Stay Healthy!