Let’s look at the recommended diet to be consumed during this evergreen spring season. During this time, it is better to consume foods that are easy to digest. We must include more bitter, spicy, Turat (sour, taste of Amla is Turat) foods in our diet. This reduces “Pitta Prakop”(outbreak of Kapha) during this period.
Milk and buttermilk should be consumed in this season. Milk must be boiled or heated before consuming. This reduces the “Kapha” enhancing property. It also becomes easy to digest and reduces the loss of strength in this season. Asafoetida, Cumin and Chaat masala can be added to buttermilk. Curd is “Kapha” enhancing and should be avoided. Also, it is preferable to use more of oil than pure ghee.
We should consume meat in low quantities during this season. Since the meat of Goat, Sheep and Chicken is relatively easy to digest, these can be included in the diet. It is better to consume Mutton and Chicken soup, rather than meat. Spices such as Asafoetida and Cumin should be added to it. Fish and Crab should not be consumed during this period. Like non vegetarian food, desserts and sweets must also be consumed in limited quantity.
As the heat in the environment increases, we tend to crave cool foods. However, in the beginning of Vasant Rutu, we must avoid having cool water directly from the fridge or from earthen pot, ice and ice cream. When we suddenly start consuming these cool foods, it adds to the “Kapha” which is already increased in the body. Hence the possibility of catching diseases such as cold, cough and fever increases.
Food items stored in the fridge must not be consumed directly. It should be kept outside for some time before consuming. Avoid sitting directly under the blow of the fan or air conditioner as this might lead to the outbreak of “Kapha”. Minimum use of air conditioners is recommended. Since small children tend to catch a cold and cough easily, care must be taken regarding the usage of fans and air conditioners.
In this season, the afternoons are very hot. However, the mornings are pleasantly cool. Hence, waking up early in the morning gives us the energy required for the entire day’s work. It is advisable to wake up early and exercise. The exercise must be slightly less rigorous than in winter. More exercise can leave us very tired during this period. After exercise, we should take a warm bath. After bath, apply Chandan, Keshar Lep (coating). Use different types of perfumes, scents, and deodorants. The fragrance from these perfumes refreshes the mind. It also prevents mental fatigue caused by the sun’s heat. This heat from the sun makes us feel lethargic. We lack the enthusiasm to go about our work. Nevertheless, sleeping in the afternoons must be avoided, as this increases the diseases caused by “Kapha”. It also impacts digestion. All these guidelines are essential in order to maintain our good health. Otherwise, the chances of catching various diseases increases.
Dr Mayuresh Aagte