Beating the Summer Heat

            by Sheela Rani Chunkath

Chennai is sizzling. Delhi is burning. Most people don't look forward to this period of the year at all. I however I am assiduously on the lookout for the advent of Agni Nakshatram. This is the time when the sun journeys through the third and fourth quarter of the Bharani Nakshatra, the four quarters of the star Krittika and the first quarter of the Rohini star. This period is also known as Kartari or Katthiri. This year it falls between May 4 to May 28. It is a period of intense heat. According to Ritucharya given in Ayurveda, this is the time when you can enjoy those long cold drinks and Kulfi ice creams without getting a sinus headache, a throat pain or a bad cold. I cannot drink a cold glass of lime juice in September, but come May and I can indulge in cold nannari sharbat and tandai.

Basically ayurveda lays down a set of guidelines that need to be followed during each season. During the hot summer period, one needs to take it really easy and concentrate on keeping oneself cool. I find that many start a new exercise regimen for themselves and their children as they have holidays. Summer is the time to exercise lightly and to eat lightly.

In Tamil Nadu, during the Agni Nakshatram period, celebrations are held in the temples of Lord Muruga. Our Siddhars and acharyas have been clever in bringing the knowledge of herbs to the common people. Abhishekam of Lord Muruga during this period is done with Vetiver (Vetiveria zizanoides). This is one of the most cooling herbs that one can use during this period. Buy some Vetiver roots and put it in a mud pot with water and keep drinking it instead of regular water. This Khatri period is considered inauspicious and people avoid performing long journey during this time. This is in keeping with what is advocated in the Ritucharya as it is better to avoid exposing oneself to the heat. It is also known as Adana kala or the period of extraction when the sun extracts all the moisture from the earth, the air and even from our bodies. This is definitely not the time to run a marathon or eat food that is very spicy and hot. Eating lightly and perhaps to half one's stomach capacity will help you get through the summer with less repercussions.

Chandanama or sandalwood paste can be liberally applied and is one of the most soothing herbs in the world. No wonder Veerappan and his gang were so fond of it. The spice you can use liberally is coriander. Cut out the chilly and bring in the coriander powder. Organic coriander seeds can also be soaked in water, filtered and used to wash the eyes. Mind you it is the seeds and not the powder which is to be used. Wine and alcohol is best avoided during this season. Cold milk will best nourish and cool you during the hot summer months.

So pick up your favourite book, play some cool music, have a tall glass of aam panna, put your feet up and take it easy when the sun is at its burning best.

--- The writer is retired Additional Chief Secretary, Government of Tamil Nadu. She can be reached at Sheelarani.arogyamantra@gmail. com. Earlier articles can be accessed at http://arogyamantra.blogspot.com/