Staying Healthy in Summer

Staying Healthy in Summer – Milk-Free Milkshake to Keep You Cool in Summer. When summer arrives, many people suffer from issues like weakness, insomnia, acidity, and headaches. However, by maintaining a proper daily routine, we can prevent these problems.

1. Morning Drink: At night, boil water in a pot and add two teaspoons of coriander seed powder and one teaspoon of ginger root powder. Once it boils, turn off the heat. In the morning, drink a glass of this water on an empty stomach. This helps keep the body cool throughout the day.

2. Abhyanga (Self-Massage): Many people experience burning sensations in the eyes, throat, stomach, hands, and feet during summer. To combat this, massage your body with coconut oil (a cooling oil) in the morning. This also reduces headaches and fatigue.

3. Pranayama & Mudra: Practicing cooling pranayama techniques like Sheetali, Sheetkari, and Anulom Vilom is highly beneficial. Additionally, Varuna Mudra (joining the tip of the thumb and little finger) helps lower body temperature.

4. Diet & Hydration: Consume cooling foods and liquids such as:
• Milk, butter, basil, bitter gourd
• Bottle gourd, fenugreek, amla (gooseberry)
• Raisins, dates, sapota, custard apple, melon
These foods help reduce body heat and weakness.

5. Avoiding Digestive Issues
• Reduce salty, sour, and spicy foods.
• Limit excessive sun exposure.
• Avoid alcohol, gutka, and smoking, as they worsen health in summer.

6. Energy Tonic for All Ages: Summer heat often causes weakness. A date milkshake (blending soft black dates with milk) is highly beneficial, especially when consumed at noon. This is excellent for elderly people and young children.

7. Decoction for Stomach Ulcers: Boil 1 tablespoon of Jeshtamadhu powder in 1 glass of milk + 3 glasses of water on low heat. Strain and drink it 1 hour before meals (morning or afternoon). Jeshtamadhu’s cooling and healing properties help with ulcers, sore throat, and insomnia.

8. Juice for Skin Protection: Many people experience burning or inflamed skin in summer. Drinking Durva grass(Garike hullu) juice on an empty stomach helps reduce:
• Skin inflammation
• Summer-related skin diseases
• Skin darkening

9. Sitting in Moon light: Before bedtime, sitting in Moon light helps cool the body and mind, promoting better sleep.

10. Sleep Routine: Apply coconut oil to the scalp and feet before sleeping. Early to bed and early to rise is the best practice. People with low body weight, high physical exertion, or poor sleep can benefit from a short afternoon nap.

11. Natural Summer Therapies
• Summer is the best time for natural treatments like:
• Mud therapy, water therapy, fruit fasting
• Panchakarma (vomiting, purgation)
Cleansing the body during summer ensures good health for the entire year.

Staying Healthy in Summer: Milk-Free Milkshake to Keep You Cool in Summer

Today, let’s learn how to make a special milkshake that helps beat the summer heat while reducing fatigue. Not only does this drink refresh you instantly, but it also helps regulate body temperature. Here’s how to prepare it:
• Prepare Coconut Milk: Grate and strain fresh coconut to extract its milk.
• Blend the Fruits: Grind muskmelon, sapota, mango, custard apple, wood apple, and three to four dates into a smooth mixture.
• Mix Ingredients: Combine the fruit blend with the coconut milk.
• Add Flavors & Spices: Stir in a quarter teaspoon of sogade root powder (Indian Sarsaparilla root powder) and a pinch of cardamom powder.
• Serve & Enjoy: Drink this nourishing shake to energize your body while keeping cool.

Health Benefits of Key Ingredients
1. Coconut
Coconut is a superb daily food with cooling properties. It boosts energy, aids digestion, and enhances both physical and mental vitality. In Ayurveda, it is called “Hridaya” (heart-friendly) because it strengthens the heart without causing heart disease. It is especially beneficial for:
• Pitta vruddhi (increase of pitta) in the body
• People with body inflammation or excess bile
• Those recovering from wounds
• Bleeding-related problems
• Individuals suffering from weakness or blood-related disorders (Dhatukshaya)

2. Muskmelon
Ayurveda refers to muskmelon as “Koshtha Shuddhikara” (intestinal cleanser). According to Bhava Prakash, it has Vrishya properties, meaning it enhances vitality. Rich in copper, iron, phosphorus, and vitamins (A, B1, B2, C), it helps with:
• Constipation relief
• Combating summer weakness
• Hydration and detoxification

3. Mango
A ripe, sweet mango balances Vata dosha, relieves constipation, and nourishes the body. Eating mangoes in summer helps:
• Reduce fatigue and thirst
• Boost strength

4. Wood apple
This fruit prevents heat-induced ailments like excessive thirst, headaches, and stomach aches and acidity. If unavailable, you can skip it in the shake.

5. Sapota
There is no doubt that this fruit is very nutritious. It is rich in antioxidants. It also has cooling properties and increases the body’s energy.

6. Custard Apple (Sitaphala)
An ideal summer fruit, it:
• Cools the stomach
• Helps with acidity and ulcers
• Balances Vata and bile (Pitta)
• Increases energy
• Supports diabetes management and gut health

7. Dates
Dates combat weakness, stress, and age-related heart issues. Despite common misconceptions, Ayurveda confirms they are cooling. Choose dark, soft, and naturally sweet varieties for maximum benefits.

This milkshake is a natural summer elixir—nutritious, cooling, and suitable for all ages. Enjoy it regularly to stay refreshed and energized!

Also Read : Staying Healthy in Summer – Dr Venkatramana Hegde articles