Caring for Kids During Monsoon: An Ayurvedic Guide

Caring for Kids During Monsoon: An Ayurvedic Guide

xThe monsoon season, or Varsha Ritu in Ayurveda, is a time when the body's digestive fire (Agni) tends to weaken, and Vata and Pitta doshas can become aggravated. This makes children more susceptible to infections and imbalances. Ayurvedic wisdom focuses on strengthening immunity (Ojas) and maintaining digestive health to keep kids well during this period.

Here's how to care for kids in monsoon from an Ayurvedic perspective:

1. Dietary Adjustments for Weakened Agni

 

  • Warm, Light, and Easily Digestible Foods: Prioritise freshly cooked, warm, and light meals. Soups, ganji, khichdi, upma and well-cooked vegetables are excellent choices.

 

  • Avoid Raw and Cold Foods: Raw salads, leafy vegetables, cold drinks (including refrigerated water), ice cream, and curd (yogurt) can further dampen Agni and increase  Vata & Kapha, leading to congestion and sluggishness. How to fix it?Warm water, perhaps with a pinch of ginger, is ideal for hydration.

 

  • Incorporate Digestive Spices: Use spices like ginger, turmeric, cumin, coriander, black pepper, and asafoetida (hing) in cooking. These stimulate digestion, help reduce ama (toxins), and boost immunity. A small piece of ginger with rock salt before meals can aid digestion.

 

  • Opt for Seasonal Fruits & Vegetables: Ensure fruits and vegetables are thoroughly washed. Choose seasonal options like apples, pomegranates, amla (indian gooseberry) and certain gourds (bitter gourd, snake gourd) which have cleansing properties. Avoid leafy greens from outside as they can harbor germs.

 

  • Limit Heavy and Oily Foods: Deep-fried snacks like samosa, pakoras, bhajjis, processed foods like cheese, bakery items and heavy non-vegetarian meals can be difficult to digest during monsoon and should be minimised.

 



2. Boosting Immunity (Ojas)

  • Herbal Support: Incorporate Ayurvedic herbs known for their immune-boosting properties.

 

  • Tulsi (Holy Basil): Can be given as a tea or decoction to help with colds, coughs, and general immunity.

 

  • Giloy (Guduchi): Renowned for its immune-modulating and antipyretic (fever-reducing) effects.

 

  • Turmeric: Its anti-inflammatory and antiseptic properties are beneficial. Warm milk with a pinch of turmeric can be given before bedtime.

 

  • Suvarna Prashan: An ancient practice involving the administration of purified gold ash, specific herbs, ghee, and honey. It's considered a powerful immunity booster and brain tonic for children, often given on specific lunar days (Pushya Nakshatra). Consult an Ayurvedic practitioner for this.

 

  • Ginger juice & Honey: For children over 2 years, a paste of honey and ginger juice can help with coughs and colds.

 

3. Lifestyle Practices (Dinacharya)

 

  • Regular Oil Massage (Abhyanga): A daily full-body massage with warm sesame oil, coconut oil or our handcrafted Balya oil can be very beneficial. It nourishes the skin, improves circulation, calms Vata, and strengthens the immune system. For infants, a gentle daily Abhyanga is crucial.
  • Adequate Rest: Ensure children get sufficient sleep to allow their bodies to repair and rejuvenate, which is vital for a strong immune system.

  • Maintain Excellent Hygiene:  

    • Regular Warm Baths: Encourage daily baths with warm water and ayurvedic soaps, perhaps adding neem leaves, aloevera or turmeric for their antiseptic properties, especially if the child has been outdoors. Ensure they dry completely, paying attention to skin folds to prevent fungal infections. 

    • Frequent Hand-washing: Emphasise washing hands thoroughly with soap, particularly before meals and after playing.

    • Clean and Dry Clothing: Dress children in light, breathable cotton clothes that are clean and dry. Change wet clothes immediately. Keep feet dry to prevent fungal issues. 

  

    • Controlled Environment:
       
      • Prevent Stagnant Water: Regularly check and empty any stagnant water around the house to prevent mosquito breeding.
      • Natural Disinfectants: You can burn dry neem leaves with karpoor and mustard seeds indoors to fumigate, repel insects and creates a sterilised environment.

    By integrating these Ayurvedic principles into your child's monsoon care routine, you can help build their resilience, enhance their digestive health, and keep them strong and vibrant throughout the rainy season.

     

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