Primary goal of Ayurveda has always been towards maintaining the health of the every individual, however, if the person still gets unwell, Ayurveda warrants the different types of treatments to treat it. To achieve the health of a person it is recommended to follow a balanced-healthy diet and lifestyle, which has been mentioned in Ayurveda for all seasons in a very particular and detailed manner.

Ongoing is the famous monsoon season of India. This season brings freshness in the environment and also cools down the soaring temperatures achieved during summer season. With all of these good things, it also brings some ailments of its own. Varsha rutu (rainy season) presents with the dangers of water borne diseases and various orthopedic issues relating to Vata dosh mentioned in Ayurveda. 

According to Ayurveda, the varsha rutu (rainy season) falls in the Uttarayan (Northern / summer solstice) and the general body strength of an individual is weaker compared to Dakhshinayan (Southern / winter solstice). One must follow a specifically designed diet and lifestyle in Varsha rutu (rainy season) as the chances of having digestive problems is great during this season. Ayurveda describes aggravation (vitiation) of Vata dosh and accumulation of Pitta dosh in Varsha rutu. This is the major cause of various diseases occurring during the rainy season. Therefore food and lifestyle should be such that would help in balancing Vata and Pitta. 

Diet in Varsha rutu (rainy season):

Environment during monsoon is humid which results in low digestion and the metabolism. Keeping this in mind one needs to make following changes in his diet:

  • Have light and fresh foods prepared from barley, rice, moong dal, or wheat.
  • Consume sour, salt and unctuous food to pacify the aggravated vata in varsha rutu.
  • One should drink little quantity of mild alcoholic preparation along with honey.
  • Include cow’s ghee in daily diet.
  • Have a small piece of ginger with rock salt before every meal.
  • If the days are cooler due to heavy rains, you can take a diet that is sour, salty and slightly oily.
  • Water should be boiled and cooled, mixed with little honey, if possible.
  • Add spices like ginger, green gram in your daily diet.
  • Eat warm food and avoid eating uncooked foods and salads.
  • Avoid drinking excess of fluids consuming stale food.
  • Avoid green leafy vegetables during monsoon.
  • Avoid curd, red meat or any foodstuff which is heavy and takes significant time to digest.
  • Consuming ‘Hirda’ or “Harde” with rock salt in monsoon season for added benefits.

Life style in Varsha Rutu (rainy season):

Only proper diet may not give desired results until it is supported by a healthy lifestyle. Following are the recommended changes that one should make in one’s lifestyle in rainy season:

  • Avoid sleeping during daytime as it hampers digestion and causes imbalance of doshas.
  • Always keep the surrounding dry and clean; do not allow water to get accumulated and create stagnant water source.
  • Keep body warm as viruses attack immediately when body temperature goes down; use warm clothes whenever possible.
  • Avoid air-conditioned places when hairs area wet and clothes are damp. 
  • One should avoid day sleep, excessive exercise and sexual intercourse.
  • Keep your feet dry. Avoid walking in muddy water during rainy season.
  • Avoid getting wet in the rains & if you do so, change the wet clothes as soon as possible to avoid infections as immunity is low during this season.
  • Try to dry clothes with fumes of loban and dry neem leaves.
  • Panchkarma processes like Basti can prove miraculous during this season.
  • Use perfumes and scented agarbatti as it can enhance the mood in this season. 

When any person wants to modify lifestyle and diet to suit a particular season, the change must be gradual over a period of 15 days. If the changes are brought about drastically the body may not be able to cope with them and this could lead to problems.