As the monsoon season descends upon us, it brings with it a refreshing respite from the scorching heat of summer. However, the damp and humid conditions during this time can also make us more susceptible to illnesses and infections. In Ayurveda, boosting immunity is considered vital for maintaining overall health and well-being. By incorporating Ayurvedic principles into our lifestyles, we can boost our immune system and go through the monsoon season with greater resilience.
Keeping this in mind, we will look at six Ayurvedic tips that harness the power of natural remedies and practices to enhance immunity during the monsoon, ensuring a healthy and vibrant season ahead. These simple tips will help boost our immunity in the rainy season.
Balance Your Diet
During the monsoon, it is essential to consume a well-balanced diet that supports the immune system. Emphasise warm and cooked foods, such as soups, stews, and steamed vegetables, which are easier to digest. Incorporate immune-boosting herbs and spices like turmeric, ginger, garlic, and black pepper into your meals. Avoid excessive intake of cold, raw, and heavy foods as they can impair digestion and weaken immunity.
Stay Hydrated with Warm Liquids
Recipe - Rajshri Food
Drinking warm liquids throughout the day is highly beneficial during the monsoon. Sip on herbal teas, ginger-infused water, or warm soups to aid digestion, eliminate toxins, and maintain hydration. Avoid or minimise cold beverages, as they can dampen your digestive fire (agni) and weaken immunity.
Support Digestive Health
A robust digestive system is key to a strong immune system. Opt for light and easily digestible foods to prevent digestive issues. Include probiotic-rich foods like yogurt, buttermilk, and fermented vegetables to promote healthy gut flora. Chew your food thoroughly and avoid overeating to aid digestion. Additionally, incorporating spices like cumin, coriander, and fennel in your meals can enhance digestion and absorption of nutrients.
Practice Dinacharya
Follow a daily routine (dinacharya) that aligns with Ayurvedic principles. Wake up early and engage in gentle exercise or yoga to improve circulation and strengthen the body. Perform self-massage (abhyanga) using warm herbal oils to nourish the skin, improve immunity, and promote relaxation. Maintain proper sleep hygiene by going to bed early and ensuring adequate rest.
Boost Immunity with Herbal Remedies
Ayurveda offers a wide range of herbal remedies to strengthen the immune system during the monsoon. Ayurvedic herbs like ashwagandha, guduchi, amalaki, and tulsi possess potent immune-enhancing properties. Consult an Ayurvedic practitioner to determine the appropriate herbs and formulations that suit your unique constitution and needs.
Include Seasonal Fruits and Vegetables
During the monsoon season, nature provides us with an abundance of fresh, seasonal fruits and vegetables that can contribute to a strong immune system. Incorporate a variety of colourful fruits such as pomegranates, apples, oranges, and papayas into your diet. These fruits are rich in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that help strengthen immunity. Additionally, opt for seasonal vegetables like bitter gourd, bottle gourd, and fenugreek, which are known for their immune-boosting properties.