Tanning, dryness, and sunburn—when summer hits hard, your skin often takes the biggest blow. Whether it's sunburn from a day outdoors or stubborn tanning after just a few minutes in the sun, the effects can linger and frustrate. Most people rush to grab chemical-based lotions and quick-fix products. While these might offer temporary relief, they often come at the cost of long-term skin health and may even cause damage over time.

But what if the solution isn’t on the store shelves but in your kitchen? Ayurveda has long relied on herbs that calm the body, balance the Pitta dosha (which governs heat), and protect the skin from sun damage, inflammation, and dryness. Pitta is described as hot, sharp, oily, and penetrating. When fiery Pitta flares up–we burn up and burn out. That's why reducing body heat with Ayurveda starts with reducing Pitta dosha.

Signs of Pitta Imbalance

Pitta heat manifests in many ways, including:

• Inflammation
• Skin conditions
• Migraines
• Acid reflux
• Loose stools
• Nausea
• Constipation
• Body odor
• Excessive sweating
• Unpleasant menstrual cycles
• Burnout and fatigue
• Mental heat (think short-fuses and irritability)

3 Ayurvedic Herbs Hold Solution To These Problems

Struggling with sunburn and dark spots? Liquorice, or Mulethi, is your skin’s natural ally against harsh summer damage. This powerful Ayurvedic herb is known for its cooling, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant properties. It helps balance the Pitta dosha, which governs heat in the body and is often responsible for summer skin issues like tanning, rashes, and irritation.

Liquorice works on multiple levels—topically, it soothes inflamed skin and fades pigmentation, while internally, it supports hormonal balance and detoxification. The presence of glabridin, a natural compound found in liquorice root, helps inhibit the enzyme that causes skin darkening, making it highly effective for lightening sun-induced spots and hyperpigmentation.

You can apply liquorice powder mixed with rose water as a face mask or sip it as a herbal infusion. Regular use not only restores your skin’s glow but also builds resistance against further sun damage, making it a must-have for your summer skincare arsenal.

2. Sariva (Anantmool): The Detoxifying Soother

Sariva, also known as Anantmool, is a revered herb in Ayurveda for its profound detoxifying, cooling, and rejuvenating effects on the body and skin. Especially effective in summer, Sariva helps purify the blood, calm inflammation, and cool down the internal system, which is crucial when Pitta dosha is aggravated by heat and humidity.

This herb is a saviour for those suffering from acne, rashes, or frequent skin breakouts, as it helps eliminate toxins from the bloodstream that often manifest as skin problems. Sariva also has a naturally sweet and earthy aroma that promotes calmness and relaxation—benefits that extend to the skin by reducing stress-induced flare-ups.

You can consume Sariva in powdered or decoction form or apply it as a paste on affected areas. It also pairs well with other herbs like neem and turmeric for enhanced results. With regular use, it leaves your skin noticeably clearer, calmer, and visibly refreshed.

3. Vetiver (Ushira): Nature’s Skin Cooler

Vetiver, or Ushira, is a hidden gem in Ayurvedic skincare and an excellent remedy for heat-related skin problems. Often referred to as "khus" in India, Vetiver is packed with cooling, anti-inflammatory, and hydrating properties that make it ideal for summer wellness. It helps reduce excessive body heat, soothes sunburn, and fights skin irritation caused by overexposure to the sun.

Vetiver is also a natural astringent that tightens the skin and prevents breakouts, while its hydrating effect tackles summer dryness and flakiness. Whether used in the form of face mists, bath soaks, or herbal teas, Vetiver provides a calming and grounding effect on both skin and mind.

Its essential oil is often used in aromatherapy to ease anxiety and balance emotional heat, which indirectly supports skin health. Integrating Vetiver into your daily routine helps maintain your body’s internal cool, making your skin feel nourished, balanced, and visibly rejuvenated even in peak summer.

Homeopathy is a powerful medium for global health, said Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) Prataprao Jadhav while reaffirming the government's commitment towards holistic well-being and natural healing, on the occasion of World Homeopathy Day 2026 today.

World Homeopathy Day is observed every year on April 10 to commemorate the birth anniversary of Dr. Hahnemann, the founder of Homeopathy. The theme this year is “Homoeopathy for Sustainable Health”.

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“World Homeopathy Day is not just a celebration of a system of medicine, but a golden opportunity to reflect on our journey so far and look towards the future with a purposeful vision,” Jadhav said.

The Minister described "homeopathy as a powerful medium for global health. Let us all together take steps towards a healthy and sustainable future".

“Today, on #WorldHomeopathyDay, we reaffirm our commitment to holistic well-being and natural healing,” he added.

World Homeopathy Day: Origin and Significance

Homeopathy, derived from the Greek words Homois (similar) and Pathos (suffering), is a system of medicine that treats diseases using remedies which produce effects similar to the symptoms experienced by the patient.

This approach was formalized in 1796 by Samuel Hahnemann, the founder of Homeopathy.

Hahnemann was a German physician who founded homoeopathy in the late 18th century. His seminal work, Organon of Medicine, continues to guide Homoeopathy practice worldwide, and his birth anniversary on April 10 is observed as World Homoeopathy Day.

He established its foundational theories, the first one being “like cures like”, which holds that substances capable of producing symptoms in a healthy individual can, in carefully prepared forms, treat similar symptoms in a sick individual.

The second theory, known as the “law of minimum dose,” emphasizes the use of highly diluted remedies to stimulate the body’s self-healing mechanisms while minimizing side effects.

Also read: India Launches New Yoga Protocols To Fight Diabetes, High BP, Asthma

Homoeopathy In India

Homoeopathy was introduced in India in the early 19th century, marking the beginning of its gradual expansion. Around 1810, John Martin Honigberger, a disciple of Samuel Hahnemann, began practicing in India.

“Though the roots of homeopathy may lie in Germany, its heart and future reside in India,” said Dr. Tarakeshwar Jain, Chairperson of the National Commission for Homoeopathy. He explained that homeopathy in India is reaching new heights for 'sustainable health.'

According to the government data, India accounts for one of the largest homoeopathic workforces in the world.

Here's a look at the homoeopathy landscape in India:

Homeopathy For Epidemic Preparedness

Homeopathic medicines are prepared from natural sources such as plants, minerals, and animal substances through dilution and succussion, and are administered in forms like tablets, globules, and liquids. A key feature is its individualized approach, where treatment is based on a patient’s overall physical and mental condition rather than just the disease.

“Homeopathy is a system rooted in individuality, compassion, and the body’s natural healing ability,” said Dr. Preetha Kizhakkutil, Advisor (H.), Ministry of Ayush.

She also noted its importance in public health, chronic disease management, and preventive care, stressing the need to improve accessibility, awareness, quality education, ethical practice, and research, while encouraging collaboration to strengthen Homoeopathy as a people-centric and sustainable healthcare system.

As per the government, homoeopathy has also emerged as a complementary tool in epidemic preparedness, using preventive, promotive, and adjuvant strategies.

The Central Council for Research in Homoeopathy (CCRH) has been conducting epidemic-related research and medical relief through its 33 institutes/units across India.

“When thousands of patients seek hope in homeopathy institutions every day, it proves the unwavering faith the people of India have in this system to solve their health problems,” Jadhav said.

He called for “balancing tradition, science and innovation” to enhance the “relevance and strength of homeopathy on the global health landscape”.

Amid the growing burden of Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs), India’s Union Ayush Ministry has launched yoga protocols that will target vulnerable groups with diabetes, high blood pressure, and asthma.

The “Yoga Protocol for Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs) and Target Groups” is a significant push towards reshaping the country’s healthcare narrative from treatment to prevention, PTI reported.

NCDs such as diabetes, hypertension, cardiovascular ailments, chronic respiratory conditions, and mental health disorders are increasing significantly in the country. These also account for about 60 percent of all deaths in the country, signaling a clear need to focus on preventing the lifestyle-driven illnesses.

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Prataprao Jadhav, Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Ayush, noted that prevention of these conditions is important for the better health of the nation, and yoga is India’s answer to the rising burden of lifestyle diseases.

“Through these evidence-based protocols, we are empowering every citizen to take charge of their own health and well-being in a simple, accessible, and sustainable manner. By integrating yoga into daily life, we aim to shift the focus from illness to wellness, reducing long-term healthcare pressures,” he said.

“This initiative reflects our commitment to building a healthier nation through holistic, preventive, and people-centric approaches rooted in India’s rich traditional knowledge,” the minister added.

What Are The Protocols?

It is part of the Yoga Mahotsav 2026, launched earlier this month by Union Ayush Minister Prataprao Jadhav, developed by the World Health Organization (WHO).

The protocols are designed as structured, evidence-based modules that integrate Yogic practices into daily life in a simple, accessible, and scalable manner.

The initiative has specific yoga interventions curated for major health conditions such as:

• diabetes — improving metabolic balance and glycemic control;
• hypertension — calming the nervous system and regulating blood pressure;
• bronchial asthma — strengthening respiratory capacity and improving lung function
• emotional well-being — breathing and meditation aimed at reducing stress, anxiety, and depression.

Further, it includes

• playful yoga modules for young children
• mental health-focused routines for adolescents,
• mobility-enhancing practices for the elderly
• specialized guidelines for women and pregnant mothers.

Yoga 365

The Ministry of Ayush has also launched Yoga 365 — a nationwide campaign to make yoga an integral part of citizens' daily lives — that goes beyond the International Day of Yoga (IDY), marked annually on June 21 worldwide.

According to the National Sample Survey (NSS), awareness of traditional systems like yoga stands at 95 percent in rural India and 96 percent in urban India.

The NSS also found that in around 1.1 crore households in rural India and around 1.4 crore households in urban India, at least one household member regularly practices yoga.

The Yoga 365 campaign aims to

• mobilize communities through mission-mode outreach,
• promote behavior change,
• integrate yoga into diverse spaces—from schools and offices to neighborhood groups and digital platforms.

The Morarji Desai National Institute of Yoga, under the Ministry of Ayush, has also signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the wellness platform Habuild to offer free daily online yoga sessions.

India’s Ministry of Ayush has launched a clinical study to probe Ayurveda’s potential as an add-on therapy for modern tuberculosis (TB) treatment.

The study is part of a partnership between the Central Council for Research in Ayurvedic Sciences (CCRAS), the Ministry of Ayush, and the Department of Biotechnology (DBT), under the Ministry of Science & Technology.

The research titled “Clinical Study on Ayurveda as an Adjunct Therapy for Tuberculosis” will enrol 1,250 newly diagnosed TB patients across eight institutions, including AIIMS, JIPMER, and NEIGRIHMS.

The 24-month study will focus on body weight, nutritional outcomes, disease progression, and assess the efficacy, safety, and tolerability of an Ayurveda regimen as an adjunct to standard Anti-Tuberculosis Treatment (ATT), along with nutritional support.

By combining Ayurveda with science, the study aims to address TB-associated cachexia, strengthen patient outcomes, and contribute meaningfully to India’s goal of TB elimination. It will also target challenges such as drug resistance, undernutrition, and long-term health impacts of TB.

“The treatment of tuberculosis is not only about eliminating the infection, but about making the patient completely healthy. With this approach, we are moving towards a new perspective where Ayurveda and other Ayush systems are not only supportive in treatment but also play an important role in improving recovery, nutrition, and the quality of life of patients,” said Prataprao Jadhav, Minister of State (Independent Charge) of the Ministry of Ayush, during the launch as part of World Tuberculosis Day 2026 celebrations at Delhi’s Vigyan Bhawan.

Also read: India Launches Second Intensified 100-day TB Mukt Bharat Campaign

India's Progress Against TB

In 2024, India notified 26.18 lakh TB cases — the highest so far. TB notification has remained a key area of concern. A total of 67, 933 gram panchayats have achieved the TB-free status, according to the Ministry.

Key achievements from 2015 to 2024 include:

• a 21 percent reduction in TB incidence — from 237 to 187 per lakh population
• a 25 percent decline in TB mortality — from 28 to 21 per lakh population
• treatment coverage increased — to 92 percent from 53 percent in 2015
• sharp decline in undetected cases — from >10 lakhs annually to <1 lakh
• treatment success rate increased — 90 percent, which is higher than the global rate of 88 percent.

• Over 3,000 handheld AI-enabled X-ray units deployed
• NAAT laboratories scaled up to over 9,800
• TB services integrated across 1.8 lakh Ayushman Arogya Mandirs
• Nikshay Poshan Yojana has transferred over Rs 4,590 crore to 1.39 crore TB patients since 2018
• Ni-kshay Mitra initiative participation increased to over 7.16 lakh citizens.