Grishma Ritucharya — Ayurvedic Summer Regimen

Grishma (Sanskrit: "burning") is the summer season, classically defined as mid-May to mid-July in the Indian subcontinent. It is characterised by intense heat, dryness in some regions, humidity in others. Classical Ayurvedic seasonal practice (Ritucharya) prescribes specific dietary, behavioural, and therapeutic measures for this period.

Dosha effects. - Pitta accumulates in the body (Pitta-Sanchaya) - Kapha is naturally reduced by heat (Kapha-Kshaya) - Vata may become aggravated by dryness and dehydration in the second half

Dietary recommendations (Pathya). - Madhura rasa (sweet taste) predominant: sweet fruits (mango in moderation, melons, grapes, dates with water), milk, ghee, rice, wheat - Sheeta veerya (cooling potency) foods: cucumber, coconut water, sugar cane juice, mint, coriander, fennel - Drava bhojana (liquid foods): buttermilk diluted with water, rice gruel, fruit juices, herbal cool drinks - Reduce salty + sour + pungent tastes — these increase Pitta and worsen heat intolerance

Foods + behaviours to avoid (Apathya). - Avoid fried, oily, spicy food - Avoid wine and alcohol (classical texts are explicit about this in summer) - Avoid heavy exertion in midday sun - Avoid prolonged exposure to direct sunlight - Avoid Panchakarma cleansing procedures except for specific indications

Classical drinks for Grishma: - Panakam — water with jaggery, cardamom, dry ginger, black pepper, lemon - Coriander-fennel cool decoction — soak 1 tsp each in 250ml water overnight, strain, drink mornings - Khus-khus (vetiver) water — cooling, calming, Pitta-pacifying - Buttermilk with jeera and rock salt — restores electrolytes and digestive fire

Lifestyle recommendations. - Mid-day rest is permitted in Grishma (one of the few seasons where daytime sleep doesn't aggravate Kapha) - Light cotton clothing in white or pale colours - Cool baths (not cold) twice daily - Pranayama: Shitali, Sitkari, Chandra Bhedana (all cooling) - Apply sandalwood + Yashtimadhu paste on forehead and chest before sleep

Specific health risks of Grishma + Ayurvedic prevention. 1. Heat exhaustion / heat stroke (Atapa-shanti). Coconut water hourly, electrolyte balance with jeera-buttermilk. Severe cases need immediate medical attention. 2. Skin disorders flare. Eczema, urticaria, prickly heat all worsen. Maha Manjishthadi Kashayam + Khadirarishta provide systemic cooling. 3. Diarrhoea / food poisoning. Hingvashtaka Choornam at meal times; avoid leftover food; avoid food from open vendors. 4. Insomnia from heat. Brahmi Ghritam + cool sandalwood paste on forehead. Cool room temperature in the bedroom essential.

For specific Prakriti adjustments. - Pitta-dominant individuals need strictest Grishma discipline — they aggravate fastest in heat. - Vata-dominant can mostly follow the general regimen but must watch for dehydration (Vata is dry — heat removes more moisture). - Kapha-dominant can be more liberal but should still avoid heavy oily foods.

Modern correlations. Grishma's prescriptions align well with modern hot-climate guidelines: increased fluid intake, electrolyte replacement, avoidance of midday sun, light colored cotton clothing, and reduced caloric density of meals. The classical insistence on certain "cooling" herbs (Yashtimadhu, Sandalwood, Coriander) corresponds to anti-inflammatory + mild diuretic activity in modern pharmacological studies.

For the canonical reference, see Ashtanga Hridayam Sutrasthana 3 ("Ritucharyādhyāya"), verses 29-37. The Ministry of AYUSH published a free booklet "Seasonal Health: An Ayurvedic Guide" (2019) available at ayush.gov.in.