The “pitter patter of rain” season is here with cool breezes and a lush green landscape. Along comes weakened digestion and lower immunity that makes the body more prone to seasonal illnesses.
You must have noticed frequent colds, dropped energy, or digestive discomfort, which is very common during this season. This is where Ayurveda proves to be a savior. Ayurveda prescribes specific dietary and lifestyle changes during Varsha Ritu to protect the body, enhance immunity, and keep energy levels high.
In this article, we will uncover the secret ayurvedic diet for monsoon health, foods to avoid, alignment of your meals with nature, and more.
Understanding the Varsha Ritu (Monsoon Season)
In Ayurveda, the year is divided into six ritus or seasons. Varsha Ritu is typically from mid-July to mid-September in India. During this time, the environment is dominated by moisture and dampness.
In fact water sources get contaminated, the air is humid, and there is less sunlight. It affects the body and the mind, leading to fatigue, poor digestion, and a weakened immune system.
Dosha Imbalance During Monsoon
Trodoshas, which are Vata, Pitta, and Kapha are the bioenergetic forces that govern our health. Each season influences these doshas in a different way leading to an imbalance.
In Varsha Ritu, Vata is aggravated because of increased wind, dryness, and irregular routines. Also, Pitta becomes unstable and agni (digestive fire) weakens, which makes digestion slow and irregular.
Hence, this combination creates an environment within the body that is more susceptible to colds, joint pain, infections, indigestion, fatigue, skin problems and more.
Ayurvedic Diet to Boost Immunity During Monsoon
“Diet” plays the most crucial role in building immunity during the rainy season to keep health concerns at bay. Ayurveda recommends warm, nourishing, and easy-to-digest meals that balance Vata and Pitta.
1. Moong Daal Khichdi with Ghee: One of the most divine and soulful meals to have throughout the year is Khichdi with ghee. It is a comforting and nourishing meal that supports digestion and immunity. Also, it is light and helps flush out toxins.
2. Seasonal Vegetable Soups: Prepare a warm soup bowl using ridge gourd, bottle gourd, ash gourd, carrots, and beets. Spice with ginger, cumin, and coriander to ignite the digestive fire.
3. Steamed Rice with Buttermilk: Fermented buttermilk (Takra) helps restore gut health and improves nutrient absorption. Adding roasted cumin and fresh coriander leaves to buttermilk make it monsoon season friendly.
4. Light Grains: Instead of having millets or corn, add barley, rice, and wheat during rains. They are easier on the stomach and help balance the imbalanced Vata.
5. Warm Herbal Teas: Preparing herbal teas using ginger, tulsi, cardamom, fennel, turmeric, or ajwain not only boost immunity but also reduce bloating by releasing trapped gas.
Foods to Avoid During Monsoon Season
Ayurveda clearly states that certain foods should be avoided during the monsoon as they irritate or disturb digestion and lower immunity.
1. Raw Salads and Leafy Greens: Due to excess moisture in the air, raw or cold vegetables can promote bacteria growth causing stomach infections. Instead, steam or saute the veggies lightly in cold-pressed virgin coconut oil or cow’s ghee.
2. Cold and Refrigerated Foods: Foods straight from the refrigerated can suppress Agni and increase Kapha, which can lead to heaviness and slow digestion.
3. Excessively Sour or Fermented Foods: While mildly fermented foods like fresh buttermilk are okay, avoid sour curd, vinegar-based items, and stale fermented foods like leftover dosa better, idlis, kefir, kombucha, are more.
4. Bakery Items and White Breads: Although these assortments of breads taste delicious, they are often processed, dry, and low in prana (life energy), and block the digestive channels.
5. Heavy, Oily, Fried Foods: Don’t we all crave for fried pakoras, samosas, jalebis and more the minute it starts to rain? However, they burden the digestive system and increase Kapha, making the body more prone to infections, indigestion, bloating, and congestion.
Ayurvedic Herbs to Include in Your Diet
If you are taking care of your diet during monsoon season to boost immunity and healthy gut, including ayurvedic herbs is a good choice. They can be taken in food, teas, or as supplements too.
1. Guduchi (Giloy): Consuming this herb strengthens immunity and detoxifies the body. If you can’t consume it as a Kadha, then have it as a tablet.
2. Ashwagandha: Known to be a very powerful herb, Ashwagandha helps the body to adapt to stress and enhance the energy levels. You can mix a pinch in warm milk before bed, which keeps you warm and nourished throughout the night.
3. Amalaki (Amla): Rich in Vitamin C, it supports digestion and skin health. Hence, have it either as fresh juice or in chyawanprash.
4. Triphala: A blend of three fruits, Triphala aids digestion, detox, and bowel health. Consume it with warm water at night.
5. Turmeric: The most effective herb to boost immunity and promote gut health is Turmeric, which is a natural anti-inflammatory and immune booster. For better absorption, add a pinch of black turmeric in milk or soups.
Ayurvedic Lifestyle During Monsoon to Boost Immunity
Now that diet is completely taken care off, your lifestyle also needs subtle changes during monsoon to maintain balance and health.
- Wake up early and practice light yoga or stretching exercises, which keeps Vata under control and improves circulation.
- Self massaging or Abhyangam should be practiced. You can use warm sesame oil or medicated oils to nourish joints, calm nerves, and boost lymphatic flow.
- Stay dry and avoid damp clothes or wet hair, as these aggravate Vata and can lead to stiffness or colds.
- Prefer not to sleep during the day time, unless you are unwell. Day sleep during the monsoon increases Kapha and reduces digestive strength.
- Avoid cold water and sip warm water or infused herbal teas throughout the day.
Karkidaka Chikitsa at Vaidyaratnam Vrindavan Ayurveda Chikitsalayam
Monsoon season is considered the best time for Karkidaka Chikitsa, a classical Ayurvedic rejuvenation and detoxification therapy during this season in Kerala. At Vaidyaratnam Vrindavan Ayurveda Chikitsalayam, this protocol combines the following:
Authentic Panchakarma Therapies | Dosha-specific Internal Medicines | Customised Prescribed Sattvic Meals | Daily Yoga, Physiotherapy, and Meditation | In-House Gaushala | Worship Time | Rich Flora & Fauna | Spread Across 25 Acres
Why Monsoon?
Karkidaka chikitsa is the best time for any ayurvedic treatment to give best results as the pores in the body are open and more responsive to the therapy. Karkidaka chikitsa deeply cleanses the system, improves digestion, strengthens immunity, and prepares the body for the rest of the year.
This treatment is especially recommended for:
- Joint pain and stiffness
- Chronic fatigue
- Skin disorders
- Stress, anxiety, and low immunity
Hence, don’t ignore these symptoms and make the most from this season to rejuvenate and detox completely. Listen to your body as it shows signs and tries to communicate. By aligning with Ayurvedic principles of seasonal living, you not only protect yourself from infections and digestive issues but also build strong, lasting immunity.
Always eat warm, digestible meals and avoid heavy and cold foods. By leading an ayurvedic lifestyle you will feel strength, clarity, and inner balance this rainy season.
