The autumn season (Sharad Ritu) comes as a relief from the rainy season. The weather gets warm, the sun shines, and the air becomes dry. The leaves turn orange and yellow, creating a picturesque scenario. However, Ayurveda shows some concerns regarding the autumn months. Let us know how and why.

Autumn Season (Sharad Ritu)

Autumn in India lasts from mid-September to mid-November. It occurs during Visarga Kaal (the Southern Solstice), in the Hindu month of Ashvin and Kartika. As per Ritucharya n Ayurveda, there are three seasons in Visarga Kaal – Varsha Ritu, Sharad Ritu, and Hemanta Ritu. The fall season comes after the monsoon season (Varsha Ritu) and precedes Early Winters (Hemant Ritu). People who were used to the cold winds are now exposed to the heat. The sun shines again leading to an imbalance of Doshas in the body. According to Ayurveda, the Sharad Ritu increases Pitta Dosha in the body. So, people should make a slow shift in their diet and lifestyle according to the season. Here are some fall health tips to keep in mind during this autumn in India:

Diet

• Eat food that is easy to digest, of sweet, bitter, and astringent taste during the autumn months.
• Do not consume food that increases heat in the body.
• Include green vegetables, cucumber, tomato, and potatoes in your diet.
• Drink ginger tea with a pinch of cinnamon powder during the day.
• Drink a glass of warm milk with a little nutmeg powder for sound sleep.
• Do not take alcohol or smoke in the autumn months. 
• Have foods like brown rice, Amla, honey, and green gram for the fall season.
• Dry fruits like figs, nuts, and raisins are perfect for mid-day cravings.
• Do not forget to eat seasonal fresh fruits like pineapples, berries, plums, and grapes. You can drink mixed fruit juices too.

Lifestyle

• Cover your body during the autumn season to prevent catching a cold. 
• Practice simple and light yoga poses.
• Go for evening walks to remain active.
• Ayurveda recommends not to work out vigorously during autumn in India.
• Meditate once every day in the fall season for mental tranquility.
• Take a walk in the moonlight during the full moon for health benefits.
• Apply a sandalwood paste on your face and body to keep the body temperature normal.
• Do not overindulge in eating and sleeping during the daytime.
• Wear pearl for keeping Doshas under control.
• Do not expose yourself to the sunlight or early morning dew.

Note: Articles on Ayurvedum are solely for the purpose of sharing the goodness of Ayurveda and bringing awareness on natural and healthy living. Please do not substitute it for professional medical advice. Ingredients discussed can interfere with certain medications. So, before using anything to treat yourself, always consult an Ayurveda doctor or practitioner.