Your guide to monsoon wellness and self-care, the Ayurvedic way

The monsoon season is almost in full swing, and while the weather is all lovely and breezy, your body might be gearing up to go on a wild rollercoaster ride. One moment you’re sipping on chai and munching on pakoras; the next, you’re battling a surprise cold, an upset stomach, or a mysterious skin rash.

But don’t worry—Ayurveda has your back. Here are five time-tested Ayurvedic tips to help you stay balanced and healthy through the rainy season.

Keep your head warm

According to Ayurveda, the head is the primary seat of Vata—the dosha associated with air and space. During monsoon, Vata tends to become aggravated due to the damp and cool weather. This imbalance can show up as cold, cough, headaches, migraines, or dizziness.

To prevent this, avoid walking around with wet hair or sitting directly under a fan after a shower. Cover your head in cooler environments, and dry your hair promptly if it gets wet.

Exercise between 6–10 am or 6–10 pm

We know—it’s hard enough to commit to exercise, let alone worry about when to do it. But according to Ayurvedic rhythms, the periods from 6 to 10 AM and 6 to 10 PM are dominated by Kapha dosha, which is heavy, sluggish, and slow-moving by nature.

Exercising during these times helps counterbalance those Kapha traits and can improve metabolism, prevent water retention, and boost energy levels. Even light activity like brisk walking or yoga can help regulate your internal rhythms during this damp season.

Start your day with warm turmeric milk

Turmeric milk—or haldi doodh—isn’t just a home remedy your nani swears by. In Ayurveda, turmeric is prized for its anti-inflammatory properties and is said to support Ojas, the essence of vitality and immunity. Combined with warm milk and a pinch of black pepper (to increase curcumin absorption), this comforting drink can help regulate digestion, reduce bloating, and flush out excess mucus.

Bonus: it’s also a natural mood stabiliser—perfect for combating those monsoon blues.

Add ginger, pepper, and garlic to your meals

Monsoons tend to weaken the digestive fire, or agni, making it harder for your body to process heavy or damp foods. Spices like ginger, black pepper, and garlic are considered heating and digestive-friendly in Ayurveda. They help stimulate agni, clear out excess Kapha from the sinuses, and protect against seasonal colds and throat infections.

Try adding them to your tea, soups, or stir-fries to keep your system warm and resilient.

Go easy on non-veg cravings

Sure, hot butter chicken on a rainy evening is tempting—but Ayurveda recommends going light on meat, fish, and eggs during monsoon. These foods are considered ‘Snigdha’ (greasy) and ‘Guru’ (heavy), which can overwhelm the digestive system when it's already sluggish in this season.

Poor digestion can lead to toxin (ama) buildup and aggravate Pitta dosha, often linked to skin flare-ups, swelling, and acne. Plus, high humidity increases the risk of contamination if animal products aren’t handled carefully. Ayurveda isn't anti-protein—it just suggests seasonal moderation. Try lighter, plant-based proteins till the sun’s back out.

Monsoon may be the season of chai dates, long drives, and dreamy wedding mood boards—but it’s also a time to slow down and nurture yourself. Whether you’re about to get married soon or are simply building habits for a healthier, happier life with your partner, these Ayurvedic tips can help you stay balanced, radiant, and ready for love (and rain).

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