Vedic Lifestyle: 3 Traditional and Medicinal Drinks to Keep Your Body Cool This Summer

As the sun's intensity rises, turning away from modern carbonated soft drinks or ice-cold refrigerated water and embracing our Vedic lifestyle and Ayurveda is the wisest choice we can make. According to Ayurveda, the summer season aggravates the 'Pitta Dosha' (heat element) in the body. To keep it balanced and cool the body naturally, our ancestors devised three incredible traditional beverages.

These drinks not only regulate your body temperature but also keep your digestive fire (Jatharagni) functioning perfectly:

1. Elixir from the Earthen Pot: 'Bel Ka Sharbat' (Wood Apple Nectar)

In Ayurveda, Bel (Bilva) is considered the ultimate remedy for stomach-related ailments. This fruit, highly revered by Lord Shiva, is nothing short of a boon for the summer months.

• Benefits: It is rich in fiber and immediately calms the body's internal heat. It is incredibly effective in protecting against heatstrokes (Loo).

• Preparation: Mash the pulp of a ripe wood apple in water and strain it. Add a pinch of roasted cumin powder, black salt, and unrefined rock sugar (Mishri—use the thread variety instead of refined white sugar) to taste.

2. The Seasonal Digestive: 'Vedic Chaas or Mattha' (The Ayurvedic Takra)

Consuming buttermilk after lunch is considered equivalent to drinking 'Amrit' (nectar) in Ayurveda. Instead of plain water, sipping on spiced buttermilk hydrates the body instantly.

• Benefits: It keeps the stomach cool, pacifies Pitta, and cures summer indigestion.

• Preparation: Churn fresh yogurt and remove the butter (or take thin buttermilk). Mix in finely crushed mint leaves, fresh coriander, roasted cumin powder, a pinch of asafoetida (Heeng), and rock salt (Saindha Namak). Drinking it from an earthen clay cup (Kulhad) doubles its medicinal benefits.

3. Aromatic Cooling: 'Chandan and Khas ka Sharbat' (Sandalwood & Vetiver Cooler)

In Ayurveda, Sandalwood (Chandan) and Vetiver (Khas) are classified as supreme cooling agents. Since ancient times, these were used in the palaces of kings and emperors to beat the scorching summer heat.

• Benefits: This drink not only cools the physical body but also provides relief from excessive sweating and anxiety. It calms the mind and enhances mental clarity.

• Preparation: A syrup is prepared by boiling vetiver roots or pure sandalwood extract in water and sweetening it with rock sugar. This concentrate is then mixed with chilled water or water from an earthen pot.

The Core Principle of Vedic Living (The Divine India Health Tip):

According to Ayurveda, one should avoid consuming too much ice or highly refrigerated drinks during summer, as they slow down our metabolism and digestive process. Instead, always use water from a clay pot (Matka), which naturally balances the pH level of water and provides perfect, natural cooling.