Sharad Ritu, or autumn, occurs from mid-September to mid-November (Ashwin and Kartik months in the Hindu calendar). This season signifies the transition from monsoon to winter, during which the Pitta dosha tends to become aggravated due to the lingering heat from summer and the residual humidity from the rainy season. To maintain balance and health, Ayurveda recommends specific dietary and lifestyle practices tailored to this season.
Characteristics of Sharad Ritu:
- Environmental Changes: The weather becomes cooler and drier after the monsoon.
- Digestive Fire: The digestive fire (Agni) is moderate, requiring careful dietary choices to prevent imbalances.
Dietary Recommendations for Sharad Ritu:
To pacify Pitta, a cooling & light diet is essential in this Sharad Ritu.
Do’s:
- Cooling Foods: Incorporate naturally cooling, sweet, bitter, and astringent foods.
- Cereals and Grains: Wheat, rice, barley, and oats.
- Vegetables: Bitter gourd, ridge gourd, pumpkin, bottle gourd, and ash gourd.
- Fruits: Pomegranates, apples, grapes, melons, indian gooseberry (amala) and dates.
- Dairy Products: Moderate amounts of milk, ghee, and buttermilk.
- Herbs and Spices: Use cooling spices like coriander, cumin, fennel, and cardamom.
- Legumes: Moong dal and lentils for lightness and easy digestion.
- Sweet and Bitter Foods: Include natural sweeteners like old jaggery and honey, along with leafy greens like amaranthus leaves, patol-patra (parval leaves) for their Pitta-calming properties.
- Hydration: Drink plenty of water infused with cooling herbs, tender coconut water, and fresh fruit juices.
Don’ts:
- Avoid Pungent, Sour, and Salty Foods: Spicy, sour, and salty foods can aggravate Pitta.
- Limit Oily and Fried Foods: Heavy, oily foods can increase body heat.
- Minimize Fermented Foods: Reduce intake of yogurt and other fermented items, especially at night.
- Avoid Hot Beverages: Steer clear of very hot drinks like strong tea and coffee
Lifestyle Recommendations for Sharad Ritu:
In addition to dietary changes, specific lifestyle practices can help maintain balance.
Do’s:
- Cooling Oils for Massage: Use coconut or sandalwood oil for body massages to cool the body and improve skin texture.
- Bathing Rituals: Take cool baths with herbal infusions of sandalwood and rose petals.
- Moderate Exercise: Engage in gentle activities like yoga and walking, avoiding strenuous workouts.
- Appropriate Clothing: Wear light, breathable fabrics and use natural fragrances to stay cool.
- Night Rituals: Sleep under the moonlight to calm the mind and reduce Pitta.
Don’ts:
- Limit Sun Exposure: Avoid direct sunlight, especially during midday.
- Avoid Overeating: Large meals can burden digestion and aggravate Pitta.
- Steer Clear of Alcohol and Smoking: Both can increase internal heat and dryness.
- Manage Stress: Practice relaxation techniques to prevent emotional stress from aggravating Pitta.
Additional Rituals for Sharad Ritu:
- Virechana (Purgation Therapy): Recommended at the start of the season to detoxify and expel excess Pitta.
- Rakta-mokshan (Blood letting) : Blood-letting processes like Jalauka vidhi or siravedh vidhi is highly recommended in this season for purification of blood and pitta.
- Gandusha (Oil Pulling): Use cooling oils for oral health and toxin removal.
- Nasya (Nasal Therapy): Administer nasal drops of medicated oils to clear excess heat.
Conclusion:
Balancing health during Sharad Ritu involves cooling and pacifying the Pitta dosha through a light, fresh diet and a mindful lifestyle. By adhering to these seasonal guidelines, individuals can maintain vitality and mental peace throughout the autumn season.
Disclaimer: Before beginning any Ayurvedic treatment plan, it is imperative to speak with a licensed Ayurvedic practitioner. This is because personalized suggestions may differ depending on your constitution (dosha), underlying medical concerns, and general lifestyle.
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Thanks
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