As monsoon is slowly spreading its wings across India, people are welcoming the much-awaited respite from the searing summer heat. A change in season, however, calls for some modifications in daily routine to ensure you stay healthy and disease-free.

From warm and soothing teas, soup of pulses, oil massages to hair care routine, here are some useful Ayurvedic tips during rainy season suggested by Dr Archana Sukumaran, Ayurveda Doctor (BAMS) at Kerala Ayurveda Ltd.

During this period, the body ‌gains strength gradually as it ascends from the monsoons to the winters. To prevent monsoon illnesses, here are Ayurveda tips you can incorporate in your routine.

Herbs to remove disease-causing bacteria and fungi

Fumigate your homes and clothes to remove harmful fungi or bacteria that may have lodged because of remnant dampness. Although a particular formulation for fumigation is not mentioned, herbs like Guggulu (Commiphora mukul), Agaru (Aquilaria agallocha), and Chandana (Santalum alba), etc which have Krimighna (Anti-microbial) properties are most preferred.

Diet for monsoon

Despite the gradual increase of body strength, the Agni (Digestive fire) remains considerably weak to digest heavy meals. A light, nourishing diet is encouraged during the monsoons.

– Old cereals, the red variety of rice with seasoned meat soup, are advised. While consuming meat, Acharya has emphasised the importance of poultry instead of red meat or fish for this purpose.

– On days of heavy torrential downpour, the food shall be notably sour and salty, drizzled with a sufficient quantity of ghee and honey, which is easily digestible.

– The company of warm soothing teas, like cinnamon-infused and ginger-infused tea, is a great drink that normalises both the digestive fire and warming simultaneously.

– Dasamoolarishta, a herbal wine preparation, is a powerful blend of carminative herbs that give long-lasting relief from symptoms of abdominal gas- belching, bloating, and indigestion, common during monsoons.

– Soup of pulses, especially green gram, in the company of old wine is advised for those who have a good digestive fire.

How to tackle hair issues

Humidity might lead to a lot of hair problems like itchiness, dryness, and dandruff. Dr Archana recommends Neelibringadi Keram, a luxurious blend of coconut oil and precious Ayurvedic herbs like Indigo or Neeli; false daisy also called Bringaraj, winter cherry, or karnasphota; and gooseberry, commonly called Amla.

Monsoon also brings about cold, cough, and respiratory problems.

– Boost your immunity with Chyavanprash, to nourish a robust immune response, build better strength and gain longevity.

– In case you have a cold, try using Karpooradi Thailam – a warming chest and body rub oil to soothe down and clear your congestion. Simply rub the oil over your chest and do steam inhalation, to enjoy uninterrupted breathing. It is suitable even for kids.

– Agasthya Rasayanam is a delicious jam preparation that will help ease all kinds of cough, mucus accumulation, and chest congestion.