Ayurveda’s Rainy Season Rules: Do’s and Don’ts You Need Now

Pragya Paliwal

Jul 09, 2025, 23:40 IST

Monsoon brings more than rain, it stirs the balance within. This article explores Ayurvedic wisdom to stay healthy during the rainy season, with practical tips, ancient rituals, and healing foods. Discover how aligning your lifestyle with nature’s rhythm can help you build immunity, improve digestion, and truly thrive this monsoon.

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Monsoon marks a refreshing shift in the environment. The rain cools the air, the soil breathes again, and everything around feels more alive. But while the season brings relief and beauty, it also affects the body in subtle but significant ways. According to Ayurveda, the timeless 5,000-year-old science of life, monsoon isn’t just a change in weather, but a delicate transition where the body’s inner balance trembles. Digestion slows, immunity dips, and the doshas stir, making us more vulnerable than we realize.

You may crave hot pakoras and naps by the window, but your body craves grounding, warmth, and rhythm. This season, let us rediscover what our ancestors always knew ,the rain outside must not disturb the fire within.

Let’s explore Ayurvedic secrets to keep your health vibrant, your immunity strong, and your spirit uplifted during the rains.

Varsha Ritu: Monsoon in the Ayurvedic Calendar

Monsoon

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In Ayurveda, the year is divided into six seasons (Ritus), and the monsoon is known as “Varsha Ritu”, which falls between mid-July to mid-September.

According to the classical text Ashtanga Hridaya by Acharya Vagbhata:

"वर्षास्वनिलबलवर्धनकालः पथ्यं यथेष्टमल्पमन्नं च"

— Ashtanga Hridaya, Sutrasthana 3.5

Translation: "During the rains, Vata dosha increases; hence one must eat less and follow disciplined food habits."

What Happens in the Body During Varsha Ritu?

Vata Dosha (air and space elements) becomes aggravatedAgni (digestive fire) becomes weak, leading to poor metabolismAccumulated Pitta from the summer starts getting provokedImmunity is at its lowest ebbHence, Varsha Ritu requires grounding, warmth, and restoration — the very essence of Ayurvedic living.

1. Diet (Aahar)

Diet

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Food in monsoon should ignite the digestive fire (Agni) and pacify Vata and Pitta doshas.

Eat This:

Warm, light, and cooked meals: Khichdi, moong dal, old rice (purana shali), seasonal veggiesDigestive spices: Ginger, turmeric, cumin, coriander, black pepperGhee: Nourishes tissues and balances VataSoups and stews: Easy to digest, warmingHerbal teas: Tulsi, cinnamon, clove, ajwain

Avoid This:

Curd: Increases Kapha and causes cold/coughLeafy greens: Likely to carry worms/bacteria in monsoonFried or fermented foods: Disturb digestive fireCold, carbonated drinks: Suppress AgniHeavy sweets or dairy: Increase mucus and sluggishness

2. Lifestyle (Vihar)

Healthy lifestyle

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Morning Rituals:

Abhyanga (oil massage): Use warm sesame oil to calm VataUdvartana (herbal powder massage): Removes toxins and improves circulationWarm water bath with neem leaves or Triphala decoction"Tailabhyangaṃ sadā kuryaat vātaharṇam"

— Ashtanga Hridaya, Sutrasthana 2.8

Translation: "One should do oil massage regularly; it removes Vata and strengthens the body."

Exercise & Movement:

Light yoga: Focus on grounding postures like Tadasana, Vajrasana, PaschimottanasanaAvoid excessive exertion: Too much activity may further disturb VataPractice Pranayama: Especially Anulom-Vilom and Bhramari for balance

Evening:

Avoid sleeping during the day, take herbal tea in the eveningLight early dinner with warm foodFoot massage with ghee before bed

3.Rasayana & Remedies

Ayurvedic remedies

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In monsoon, the body's Ojas (vital energy) is low. These age-old remedies can rejuvenate and strengthen your immunity.

Top Rasayanas (Rejuvenators):

Chyawanprash: Boosts lung health, immunity, and energyAshwagandha: Reduces Vata, improves staminaGuduchi (Giloy): Known as Amrit in Ayurveda, balances all three doshasPippali + Honey: Great for lungs and digestion"गुडूची तिक्ता कटुका कषाया मधुरा लघुः। त्रिदोषघ्नी दीपनी च रसायन्यप्यरोगिणी॥"

— Bhavaprakasha, Guduchi Adhyaya

Translation: “Guduchi is bitter, pungent, astringent, sweet, and light. It balances all doshas, kindles digestion, and acts as a Rasayana.”

4. Monsoon Skin & Hair Care

Skincare

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For Skin:

Use herbal ubtan made of multani mitti, turmeric, sandalwood, and neemApply Triphala decoction or aloe vera to fight fungal infectionsAvoid heavy creams , opt for light oils like jojoba or coconut

For Hair:

Scalp oiling with bhringraj or amla oil once a weekUse shikakai or neem-based shampoosAvoid tying wet hair, encourages dandruff and fungal infections

5. Protect Against Monsoon Illnesses Naturally

Cold

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Monsoon brings an army of illnesses, cold, flu, diarrhea, dengue, typhoid, malaria. Ayurveda offers preventive wisdom.

Immunity Tips:

Burn sambrani (resin), neem leaves, or camphor at homeSprinkle turmeric + rock salt in water for floor cleaningUse mosquito-repelling oils like citronella, eucalyptusTake trikatu churna (ginger, black pepper, long pepper) with honey every morning

Trikatu balances Vata and Kapha and ignites Agni — your best friend this season.

6. Monsoon Yoga & Meditation

Yoga

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The rainy season can stir restlessness or lethargy. Yoga stabilizes both body and mind.

Best Monsoon Yoga Poses:

Vajrasana – Aids digestionPaschimottanasana – Relieves bloatingBalasana (Child’s pose) – Grounding and calmingViparita Karani – Supports lymph drainage

Pranayama:

Nadi Shodhana – Cleanses energy channelsBhramari – Calms nervous systemSheetkari – Cools excess Pitta

Let the Rain Heal, Not Harm

Happy rain

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The monsoon is not your enemy, it’s nature’s way of slowing us down, purifying the earth, and cleansing the air. But to stay aligned, you must also shift your rhythm. Ayurveda offers that compass, a beautiful synergy of food, rituals, herbs, and mindfulness to walk gracefully through every drop of the rainy season.

So next time it rains, don’t just reach for a hot chai and a blanket. Also reach inward, to your roots, your Agni, your Prana. Because when your inner weather is calm, no storm outside can touch you.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Why do I feel more anxious or low during monsoon?

Increased Vata can cause mood swings. Try grounding foods and calming pranayama.Are Ayurvedic supplements safe without a doctor?

Mild ones like Triphala or Chyawanprash are fine. For stronger herbs, consult a practitioner.Why do I feel more bloated or gassy in this season?

Weakened digestion (Agni) in monsoon slows metabolism. Avoid raw foods and prefer warm, spiced meals to prevent bloating.

Ayurveda’s Rainy Season Rules: Do’s and Don’ts You Need Now

Pragya Paliwal

Varsha Ritu: Monsoon in the Ayurvedic Calendar

What Happens in the Body During Varsha Ritu?

1. Diet (Aahar)

Eat This:

Avoid This:

2. Lifestyle (Vihar)

Morning Rituals:

Exercise & Movement:

Evening:

3.Rasayana & Remedies

Top Rasayanas (Rejuvenators):

4. Monsoon Skin & Hair Care

For Skin:

For Hair:

5. Protect Against Monsoon Illnesses Naturally

Immunity Tips:

6. Monsoon Yoga & Meditation

Best Monsoon Yoga Poses:

Pranayama:

Let the Rain Heal, Not Harm

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