The second part of the of the subtle sublime Daksinayana semester is the Sharad Ritu or Autumn season which forms the Ashweeja Karthika months of the Indian Lunar Calendar (Mid October to Mid-December approximately).
The season is marked in the temperate climate seasons and is not very prominent in the tropical belts. Yet the effects are seen in Nature and subsequently on our health too. The scanty white clouds floating against the clear blue sky brightened by the warm sun rays during the day and the nights with the sparkling stars and the mildly chilly air with the rustle of the falling deciduous leaves makes the season a welcome delight to the eyes.
The earth still moist from the just gone monsoons and the light cool breeze moist being enriched by blowing over the clear settled waters flowing or rippling rivers and lakes is a respiratory elixir during the season. The earth is green and lush with the full grown grasses and meadows in their prime stage of flowering and nascent stages of seeding. The highlight of the season is the purest form of natural Nature water (if not polluted by human intervention) and is known as Hamsodakam. The rains have washed away all the dirt from the water bodies, water is settled with the normal flow pattern and sterilized by the sun. The star Agasti at night too purifies the water with its effect as per the Ayurveda classics. The lakes are bloomed with lotuses and lilies and inhabited by water birds like swans that breed during the season.
The beauty of the season apart Sharad Ritu is considered to be the breeding season and mother for all diseases. “Roganaam Sharadi Maatha” ?:
I” The digestion is weak and there is a natural seasonal aggravation of acidic factors in the environment and body which leads to acidic diseases. To prevent and mitigate the same Ayurveda sets down a list of do’s and don’ts for the season.
Do's during Sharad Rutu or Autumn Season:
• Eat in moderation as the digestive fire is weak in this season.
• Eat food that is cool, light to digest and has the predominant taste of astringent, bitter and sweet.
• Prefer cow milk butter, candied sugar, seasoned rice, wheat, barley and green gram.
• Seasonal vegetables like snake gourd, white pumpkin, sweet pumpkin, ridge gourd, bottle gourd, amaranths, spinach and carrots are ideal as per the region.
• Fruits for the season include Amla, figs, raisins, ripe bananas, black grapes, rose apple, sweet lemon and apples Sugarcane harvested during the season is good. The spices that can be used are cumin, coriander and aniseeds.
• Diary should comprise of cow’s milk, ghee and kheer.
• Drink fresh buttermilk mixed with cumin, coriander, aniseeds and candied sugar.
• Consumption of Hamsodak or purified water in ample quantity is essential.
• Herbs like Chandana, Ushira, Shatavari , Amla are beneficial are used for bathing and grooming. Ornament for the season is a pearl necklace for its coolant effects.
• A refreshing light walk in moonlight, particularly on the full moon days enhances mental health
• Protection from direct sunlight and eastern winds should be ensured. – Cloths should be loose and light coloured
• Panchkarma especially Virechana, the induced medicated controlled purgation procedure is apt for the season.
Skin diseases may flare up and hence Raktamokshana or controlled bloodletting should be performed under the supervision of qualified Ayurveda doctors
DON’TS during Sharad Ritu or Autumn Season:
Avoid fried, spicy, sour (yoghurt, buttermilk, etc.), salty, food that is hot in potency and heavy to digest.
Do not use or minimize asafoetida, red-chillies, sesame seed-oil, mustard oil, millets, corn, ginger, garlic, onion, tamarind, mint leaves, cucumber, fenugreek seeds, ladies fingers, brinjal, urad dal and groundnuts during the season.
Avoid over eating and sleeping during daytime.
Avoid exposure to eastern winds and direct sunrays.
THE TEN AVOIDANCE AND CONTRAINDICATIONS FOR SHARAD RUTU
1. Morning dew
2. Highly Alkaline or Highly Acidic (Ksharamla) food
3. Overeating
4. Curd
5. Excessive oil intake
6. Rich fat food
7. Harsh sun rays
8. Alcohol
9. Sleep during daytime
10. Eastern wind
For more details please contact Sakalya Ayurveda.
Our team always ready at your fingertips +91-9388099009 or sakalyahospital@gmail.com Penned by Dr. Valsaladevi K BAMS FAGE YIC MBA Senior Consultant and Blogger
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