Best herbal waters to drink in monsoon season: Doctor explains

The gloomy, rain-drenched month of Karkidakam was once associated with hardship and seasonal illnesses. Today, however, a new generation has reclaimed this traditional monsoon period as the ultimate time for self-care, holistic wellness, and seasonal rejuvenation. With a few mindful adjustments to your daily routine, diet, and hygiene, you can transform this monsoon season into a deeply restorative experience. Dr V Arunkumar of the District Ayurveda Hospital, Kottayam, explains. 

The restorative power of oil massages
Karkidakam is the perfect season for a traditional Ayurvedic oil massage (Abhyanga) at home. The damp weather can often cause sluggish blood circulation, muscle stiffness, joint aches, and general physical fatigue. A warm oil bath is highly effective in easing these discomforts and strengthening the body's natural defences. Depending on your body type, you can use Dhanwantharam Thailam or high-quality coconut oil. Gently massage the oil into your skin, leave it to absorb for about half an hour, and rinse off with lukewarm water. Remember to use cool water for your head and warm water for the body. To remove excess oil, replace chemical soaps with green gram powder, which naturally exfoliates and promotes skin health.

Sip on warm, herbal infusions
Digestion tends to slow down during the wet months, making hydration crucial. Instead of cold water, opt for warm water boiled with traditional herbs. Infusing your drinking water with dry ginger (chukku) and coriander seeds is excellent for boosting digestion. Alternatively, a warm brew made of tulsi leaves, ginger, and a pinch of black pepper serves as a powerful natural shield against seasonal colds. Cumin-infused water or water boiled with a pinch of carom seeds (ayamoothakam) are also brilliant thirst-quenchers that aid metabolism. Ayurvedic tonics like Draksharishtam can also be highly beneficial during this time.

Light, nourishing meals for a sluggish metabolism
While monsoon cravings might tempt you toward fried and spicy foods, your digestive system requires light, easily digestible, and nutrient-dense meals. Focus on a balanced diet rich in leafy vegetables, green gram, wheat, and traditional red rice varieties like Njavara. Incorporating healthy fats like ghee and a touch of honey can also aid wellness. To fire up your digestive system, you can consume 10 grams of Ashtachoorna powder mixed with warm water before your meals. Ensure all meals are freshly prepared and served warm, completely avoiding stale or processed junk foods.

Mindful daily habits and hygiene
Your lifestyle during Karkidakam should prioritise cleanliness and rest. Avoid the temptation to sleep during the daytime, and make sure you do not stay up late at night, as both habits can disrupt the balance of your Kapha and Pitta doshas. High humidity levels make fungal infections common, so ensure you only wear thoroughly dried, clean garments. Never walk barefoot outdoors, and always wash your hands and feet thoroughly upon returning home. To keep disease-carrying pests like mosquitoes at bay, prevent any stagnant water around your home and fumigate your living spaces with neem leaves, frankincense, or sandalwood.

Gentle exercise over heavy workouts
While it might be tempting to step up your fitness routine indoors during the rains, heavy weightlifting or exhausting gym workouts should be avoided. The body undergoes a natural transition during the monsoon, and excessive physical exertion can do more harm than good. Stick to light, moderate exercises, or spend time practising gentle yoga and pranayama (breathing exercises) to keep your physical and mental state in harmony.

The magic of Karkidaka kanji
No monsoon wellness routine is complete without the famous Karkidaka kanji, a medicinal rice gruel that is incredibly easy to prepare at home. This comforting dish relies on a simple, proportional blend of four key ingredients: rice, fenugreek, cumin, and carom seeds. Use half the quantity of fenugreek relative to rice, half the quantity of cumin to fenugreek, and half the quantity of carom seeds to cumin. Boil these together until soft, and stir in fresh coconut milk before serving. While recipes may vary across regions, this soothing bowl of porridge remains a cornerstone of monsoon immunity.

As the searing summer heat fades, the body enters a phase where it is highly receptive to healing and nourishment. Karkidakam treatments are designed to help you recharge your physical and mental batteries, laying a healthy foundation for the year ahead. Pair your physical rejuvenation with brief periods of daily meditation to dissolve work stress and find inner calm.