Spring season is probably everyone’s favorite season. It’s the period of greenery where flowers bloom, and the wind is refreshing. The spring month’s weather is neither too warm nor too cold. It’s the perfect climate for fun and work. But do you know that the spring months make you susceptible to diseases? According to Ritucharya in Ayurveda, all the seasons have the power to give and take something from the environment. Ritucharya divides a year into two Kaals – Adaan Kaal and Visarga Kaal. Adaan Kaal takes energy from the earth, and Visarga Kaal gives in abundance. Both may result in vulnerable health among humans. The Kaal divisions are further distributed into six seasons – Hemant Ritu, Shishir Ritu, Vasant Ritu, Sharad Ritu, Varsha Ritu, and Greeshma Ritu. Here let’s discuss Vasant or Basant Ritu in detail.

Spring Season (Vasant Season)

Spring season in Hindi is called Vasant Ritu or Basant Ritu. The spring season in India arrives in the month of March. Vasant Ritu succeeds Hemant Ritu (Early winter) and Shishir Ritu (Late winter). According to Ayurveda, the spring season in India is perfect for clearing ama (toxins) collected in the Shishir Ritu. During the winter seasons, Kapha gets aggravated. But, it starts melting in Basant Ritu due to the warmth in the climate. Kapha disturbs the Agni (digestive fire) leading to weak digestion. It also affects the appetite as well as your hunger. So, what should you do during the spring months? Here are some dietary as well as lifestyle tips to prevent sickness in the Basant season. 

Diet 

Seasonal changes are important so we adjust to the environment and not fall sick. This can be achieved with a correct diet (Ahara) to balance your doshas in this Kapha season:

• Eat light, dry and digestive food.
• Avoid fried, oily, and sour food.
• Include spices like coriander, cumin, and fennel in your meals.
• Drink herbal teas like chamomile tea and warm lemon water for detoxification.
• Use quinoa, wheat, amaranth, and barley flour.
• Eliminate dairy and cold foods or drinks.
• Do not leftover food.
• Drink fresh fruit or vegetable juices like carrot juice.
• Use organic honey for a Kapha-balancing breakfast.
• Cover up your daily intake with asparagus, rhubarb, spinach, cabbage, radish, cauliflower, and more such seasonal foods.

Lifestyle

Vihara is the word for lifestyle. If that’s right, transition during the spring months gets much easier. So,

• Jog, practice yoga, or any other kind of workout to stay active.
• Do not spend time outside in the afternoons.
• Dry massage before a bath.
• Drink more water.
• Inhale steam for removing Kapha from the body.
• Try fasting for a day to reignite the appetite. 
• Observe the environment on evening walks.
• Light a candle and meditate for mental stability.
• Stay away from technology as much as possible.
• Make more space and counterbalance the heaviness of Kapha.
• Let go the emotional clutter to feel better.
• Schedule a spring break to get rid of the winter dregs.

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.