As temperatures soar during summer, it is not just sunburns and sweat we need to worry about. Our internal balance could be affected too. According to Ayurveda, an ancient system of natural healing, summer is the season of pitta dosha, a bio-energy composed of fire and water elements. When this dosha becomes aggravated, it can lead to symptoms like skin rashes, acidity, indigestion, irritability, and even emotional outbursts.

But the food we eat can play a powerful role in restoring balance. Ayurvedic wisdom offers simple dietary choices to help cool the body and soothe the mind—without necessarily relying on cold drinks or air conditioning. Here is what you should know.

Choose Cooling Over Cold

Ayurveda teaches that cooling foods are always cold in temperature—they have a cooling energy, explains Lauren Gernady of the Kripalu School of Ayurveda. Think cucumbers, melons, and leafy greens—not necessarily chilled but naturally pacifying to pitta.

Hydrate The Ayurvedic Way

Staying well-hydrated is key, but plain water isn't your only option. Coconut water with a squeeze of lime is highly recommended by Ayurvedic practitioner Larissa Hall Carlson. This refreshing drink helps replenish electrolytes and balances internal heat.

Leafy Greens And Seasonal Fruits

Foods with bitter and astringent tastes help regulate pitta. Leafy greens such as spinach, kale, watercress, and arugula are ideal. Seasonal fruits like watermelon, cantaloupe, and berries also help calm the body’s heat while offering essential hydration and nutrients.

Avoid Heat-Generating Foods

To stay in balance, experts advise avoiding pitta-aggravating foods like fried, oily, overly salty, spicy dishes, and processed or canned items. Even common kitchen staples like onions and garlic can stir up pitta, says Erin Casperson, former Dean of the Kripalu School of Ayurveda.

Herbs That Heal And Cool

Adding fresh herbs to your meals is another easy way to stay cool. Mint, cilantro, and basil not only bring refreshing flavor but also carry anti-inflammatory and detoxifying properties. “These herbs contain volatile oils and flavones, which are powerful phytonutrients,” notes nutritionist Annie B. Kay. A homemade cilantro-mint chutney is a delicious way to incorporate these into your diet.

Think Twice Before Reaching For Iced Coffee

While iced coffee may seem like the perfect summer pick-me-up, it could do more harm than good. “Caffeine is both stimulating and dehydrating,” warns Hilary Garivaltis, Executive Director of the National Ayurvedic Medical Association. She recommends switching to herbal teas instead. And if you must have your drink on ice, allow it to sit a bit—too much cold can dampen digestion, a key concern in Ayurveda.

DIY Cooling Spice Blend

To enhance your meals while keeping your inner thermostat in check. You can try this Ayurvedic spice mix for the same.

3 tbsp cumin seeds

3 tbsp coriander seeds

2 tbsp fennel seeds

2 tbsp ground turmeric

Dry-roast the whole seeds over medium-low heat until fragrant, then add turmeric and roast for 30 seconds. Let cool, grind, and store in an airtight jar. Sprinkle over fruit, yoghurt, or veggies.

Anxiety is not easy to deal with, especially when the topic is such a taboo. As per the latest data which is available on the World Health Organization (WHO) from 2017, it was estimated that almost 38 million Indians suffer form anxiety.

The National Mental Health Survey (NHMS) is the last comprehensive Mental Health Assessment conducted in India in 2015-16. It estimated that around 40 million people in India suffer from anxiety-related disorders.

While SSRI or Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors are available to treat anxiety, some may refrain from it and try to look for alternative. But can anxiety ways really help manage anxiety?

Anxiety can also induce insomnia, it could also come often in the form of nightmares, making it worse to cope with. So, is there really any alternative?

According to Dr Savitha HP, professor and head of department Manasaroga, at Shri Dharmasthal Manjunatheshwara College of Ayurveda and Hospital, "Anxiety and insomnia are the common medical conditions widespread globally leading to decline in physical and mental health affecting quality of life. Ayurveda, ancient Indian system of holistic healing offers time tested remedies for life which is the integration of four pillars namely, Sharira (body), Indriya (senses), Satva (mind), and Atma (soul)."

How Does Ayurveda Explain It?

Anxiety and sleeplessness often stem from an imbalance among the four key pillars of health, triggered by the aggravation of Vata dosha and disturbances in the mind’s Rajas and Tamas gunas. According to Ayurveda, quality sleep—along with a proper diet and balanced lifestyle—is essential for maintaining overall health and longevity. Ayurvedic remedies help calm the overactive nervous system by reducing sympathetic overdrive, balancing neurotransmitter activity, and enhancing parasympathetic response, thereby encouraging relaxation and restful sleep.

What Can Be Done?

Dr Savitha explains, Dinacharya (daily regime) and Ratricharya (night regime) are vital in maintaining body’s natural rhythms. These regimes stabilize the circadian cycle including sleep-wake patten which is directly related to regulation of melatonin and cortisol.

"Practices such as consuming warm and light meals, drinking medicated milk, performing foot massage, practicing mudras and engaging in calming meditation poses reduce stress levels and naturally promote melatonin secretion which supports emotional well-being and facilitates restful sleep."

Another concept is of Ritucharya or seasonal regimens, which align the body routines with seasonal changes and help the body to adapt to seasonal shifts.

Available Therapies

Doctor also explains that Panchakarma therapies like Shirodhara (continuous stream of medicated oil poured over forehead), Abhyanga (oil massage), and Shiro-pichu (application of oil-soaked cotton on head) deeply relax the nervous system through the transdermal activity of selected medicines.

Speaking on the benefits, the doctor say, "Shirodhara is beneficial to modulate the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis, reduce cortisol levels, and enhance dopamine and serotonin activity. This process is helpful in maintaining emotional stability and undisturbed sleep."

Common herbs such as Ashwagandha, Brahmi, Jatamansi, Shaavari, Mandukaparni, Guduchi, Yashtimadhu and Shankhapushpi act as adaptogens and nootropics. These herbs protect neurons, regulate stress hormones thereby reducing anxiety and enhancing higher brain functions like memory, attention and concentration.

Doctor also explains that Satvavajaya Chikitsa, or Ayurvedic psychotherapy, targets the psychological roots of anxiety and insomnia. Through practices such as self-inquiry, emotional regulation, mantra chanting, and counseling, it helps reframe negative thinking, calm the mind, and promote emotional stability. Complementing this is Daivavyapashraya Chikitsa, which uses spiritual practices and faith-based healing to foster inner peace through connection and surrender.

"By healing the nervous system, regulating brain function, and aligning the body (Sharira), mind (Manas), and soul (Atma), it offers a natural and sustainable path to overcoming anxiety and insomnia."

Note: The views and practices mentioned in this article are based on inputs from qualified professionals and practitioners. They are intended for informational purposes only and should not be considered as medical advice.

Ayurveda, one of the world's oldest healing systems, has many herbs that have been used for centuries to promote a healthy smile. There are ayurvedic herbs that might just be the secret ingredient to improving your dental health.

Ancient Indian wisdom offers a holistic approach to wellness, and that includes taking care of your teeth and gums. If you're curious about natural ways to boost your oral hygiene, then you can try remedies you will have available at home.

Cloves are a popular spice that adds a warm, sweet flavor to many dishes, from baked goods to meats and drinks. But beyond their culinary use, some people also use the dried flower buds, leaves, stems, and oil from clove trees for health purposes, especially in traditional Chinese medicine and Ayurvedic medicine.

The unique scent of cloves comes from a chemical called eugenol, which is especially strong in clove oil. This eugenol may have properties that help fight inflammation and bacteria. While adding small amounts of cloves to food is generally safe, there isn't enough scientific proof yet to say they work as medicine.

Why Should You Add Cloves To Your Diet

A single teaspoon of ground cloves is very low in calories, with only about 6. While the amount may be small, it contains carbohydrates, along with minerals like calcium, manganese, magnesium, and potassium, plus a tiny bit of sodium and some Vitamin K. While adding cloves to your diet is a healthier option than processed foods, keep in mind that scientific research on their long-term health benefits is still limited, and more studies are needed to fully understand their potential.

Easing Dental Pain and Preventing Gum Disease

Cloves look promising for healthy teeth and gums. Some studies show a special mouthwash with cloves might reduce bad mouth germs. Also, an older study found clove oil gel could numb gums, which is helpful for dental work. Just be careful not to put pure clove oil directly on your gums, as it can sting.

Lowering Blood Sugar

Early studies suggest a part of cloves called eugenol might help lower blood sugar. But if you have diabetes and use insulin, be very, very careful. Taking clove supplements with your medicine could drop your blood sugar too low, which is dangerous.

Protecting Against Cancer

Some lab tests show that parts of cloves might have cancer-fighting powers. But these tests used huge amounts that are unsafe for people. We need more studies to see if eating a little bit of cloves as part of a healthy diet actually helps protect against cancer.

Relieving Itchy Skin

One study found that clove oil was better at calming itchy skin than some other common remedies. But be careful: putting clove oil directly on your skin can sometimes cause a burning feeling or irritation for some people.

Improving Breathing

Cloves might be a natural way to help with breathing. If you breathe in steam from cloves boiled in water, it can help clear a stuffy nose when you have a cold. Also, some old traditions suggest chewing cloves to ease sore throats and coughs.

Hair oiling is an old practice that involves spreading or massaging natural oils through your hair to boost its shine, moisture, and overall health. This beauty routine comes from Ayurvedic medicine and Indian traditions and has recently become popular in natural hair care. The idea is that it helps strengthen hair and provides essential vitamins.

When you look into it, you'll find different ways to do it. Some suggest putting oil directly on your scalp, while others recommend applying it to the ends of your hair to keep them hydrated and hide split ends.

Should You Oil Your Scalp?

There's a lot of advice about hair oiling, and many tips suggest applying oil directly to your scalp. Some believe this can improve scalp health when done correctly. According to the Cleveland Clinic, 2021 study, for instance, found that coconut oil had a positive effect on the scalp. Another study even suggested it could prevent dandruff.

However, some experts advise against putting oil directly on your scalp. It could potentially increase your risk of seborrheic dermatitis, which is a type of dandruff. Generally, it's best to avoid oiling your scalp.

Benefits of Oiling Your Hair

Just like our skin, our hair needs a good balance of natural oils to stay healthy. Supporters of hair oiling believe its main goal is to hydrate your hair and give it back any vitamins or minerals it might lose from frequent washing.

Adds moisture and shine

Hydration is key to silky hair. Studies show oils can significantly boost hair's moisture. For example, a 2021 study found that coconut oil strengthens hair fibers. This is especially helpful for hair damaged by heat or styling, as oiling can replenish moisture and make it smooth.

Improves the look of split ends

If you can't get to the salon, applying a little natural oil to the ends of your hair can temporarily make split ends look better and add some moisture. Remember, though, this is just a quick fix, not a permanent solution.

May protect from sun damage

The sun's UV rays can also damage your hair, making it dry or frizzy. Research suggests that almond oil might create a protective layer against these rays due to its moisturizing properties.

Types of Oils and How to Use Them

Hair oiling might be most beneficial for people with dry, coarse, or tightly curled hair, as these hair types can really soak up the moisture. However, if you have fine, straight hair, oiling might weigh it down too much. Also, if you're prone to dandruff, it's best to avoid all types of oils on your hair.

When choosing oils, it's generally recommended to use natural oils to avoid added chemicals that could irritate your hair. Some popular natural oils include:

• Argan oil
• Coconut oil
• Sesame oil
• Almond oil

When you apply the oil, remember that a little goes a long way. It's best to apply oil to dry hair, focusing on the ends and spreading it evenly from the middle to the tips. You can leave it in for about 20 minutes to an hour, then wash it out. Try doing this once a week. When trying new hair routines, it's always good to start slowly. Since every person's hair is different, even natural oils can give varied results.