Shishir/Hemant Ritu

Ayurveda divides the year in 6 different seasons based on the shifting of sunrise direction or movement of earth. Namely Varsha Ritu, Sharad, Hemant, Shishir, Basant and Grishma and ayurveda have defined the ways of eating and general lifestyle tips. When I am writing this article, it is Shishir Ritu. It starts with “Makar Sankranti” or around 14^th of Jan. From this day the sunrise starts to shift towards north and air starts getting drier. Hemant is first half of winters and differs from Shishir only by extent of dryness in the air.

In Shishir/Hemant the “Jatharagni” or digestive fire is confined inside the body and gets powerful. Humans are capable of eating and digesting more in these seasons. If not fed well, the body will get weaker and “Vatta”or gas will get aggravated.

What to eat and drink in these seasons to control “Vatta”:

·       Sweet, acidic and salty dishes.

·       Flesh of fatty animals and birds (Did someone say ayurveda is for vegetarians?)

·       Should have wine made from jaggery after non-veg (OMG ayurveda is awesome)

·       Milk, Curd, Mawa (Whole dry milk) etc.

·       Pudding made with cane juice, semi solid jaggery etc.

·       Fatty and oily food

·       Newly harvested rice

Below is the "Shloka" from Charak Samhita (Sutrasthanam -06)

Simple Lifestyle tips:

·       Use hot water for bath

·       “Abhyang” or oil massage on body and head

·       Keep in underground,closed and warm places

·       Heavy clothing while traveling or in general

·       Sex per your desire

Don’ts

Do not eat small meals or food which aggravates “Vatta” or gas in the body. Avoid pungent, bitter and astringent food.

<script async src="https://pagead2.googlesyndication.com/pagead/js/adsbygoogle.js?client=ca-pub-7204440794189180"

     crossorigin="anonymous"></script>