Last updated on August 21, 2024 by Dr. Subashri Thanigaivel
Hemant Ritu (Winter season) has begun from November, with the temperature slowly plummeting. According to Ayurveda, Hemant Ritu started from the month of November and carried well into the early days of January.
This season causes the earth to cool down and get rejuvenated for the coming spring. Similar to these environmental changes, seasons cause a difference in our bodies as well. Ayurveda prescribes specific foods, exercise, and lifestyle changes suited to the season. This process is called as Ritucharya.
During Hemant Ritu, the Vata dosha (air) is at its peak along with the digestive fire (Agni). So, here are some rules that will help you prepare for this season.
Skincare:
The coldness of the winter season leads to dryness of skin and cause breakouts. Keeping the skin glowing and nourished can be done by following some practices:
1. Since it is cold, get up in the morning and apply lavish amounts of oil on the body and head and take a warm bath.
2. There are few natural and traditional oils like sesame oil, coconut oil, Nalpamaradi oil, Lakshadhi oil, etc. which gives various benefits to your body.
3. Having self-abhyanga as part of your morning routine also does wonders for your skin. For instance, when you use Nalpramadi Thailam, it nourishes and repairs your skin from the damage of winter. It helps in flushing out the toxins, relaxes the muscles and provides a youthful look. Being an anti-oxidant, it removes dark spots and acne. It also gives the skin an even tone and illuminates the brightness from inside.
4. The routine practice of massaging our body restores balance in the doshas and promotes wellbeing and longevity.
5. At the same time, Rakta Chandan’s face pack mixed with raw milk (dry skin) or rose water (normal skin) can do wonders for the skin during winter.
Ayurvedic diet for Hemant Ritu:
1. You can have freshly harvested rice, wheat, and flours.
2. It is also the best season to have Urad dhal or Black gram.
3. You can also have curd during this season. But ensure that you take black gram and curd with a few days gap.
4. Have a copious amount of ghee and sesame oil in your meals.
5. Butter, milk, and milk products can also be had if your non-vegetarian restrict your diet to aquatic food products.
6. Avoid junk foods and carbonated drinks.
Lifestyle changes for Hemant Ritu:
1. Inhale mild dravyas like agarbathi and other pleasing scents.
2. Wear warm clothes and keep yourself warm.
3. Take a walk in the midday and soak in the rays of the sun.
4. Have an exercise routine as it will help in blood circulation.
Enjoy the feeling of nourished body, mind, and soul throughout this beautiful season of Hemant Ritu.
