As the India Meteorological Department (IMD) records temperatures exceeding 45°C in parts of Rajasthan and Delhi, health experts are turning to traditional wisdom to combat the scorching summer. Celebrity nutritionist Rujuta Diwekar has sparked a national conversation by recommending three forgotten natural health hacks that require neither electricity nor air conditioning.

Adding vetiver roots, known locally as vala or khus, to drinking water is emerging as the most popular natural health hack this season. Diwekar describes it as "India's OG-infused water," explaining that two to three strands in a water pot impart natural sweetness and cooling benefits. The roots can be reused for three days before repurposing in bathing water, making this an economical and sustainable solution. "When you have only fragrant, sweet, cool water, you will want to drink more water," Diwekar noted.

The Ministry of Ayush has officially recognized these time-tested remedies through its comprehensive Public Health Advisory on Extreme Heat. The advisory specifically recommends cooling dietary practices and hydrating beverages from various Ayush systems, including Ayurveda, Siddha, Yoga, Unani, and Homoeopathy. Official guidelines emphasize consuming traditional preparations including Nimbukaphala Panaka, Amra Prapanaka, and Chincha Panaka to regulate body temperature during extreme heat.

Buttermilk or chaas has emerged as the most recommended natural health hack from experts. Diwekar recommends consuming it two to three times daily during summer. "Chaas has protein, calcium, and B12. We now know that it also works as a prebiotic, probiotic, and postbiotic," she explained. Adding a pinch of salt, asafoetida, and cumin powder enhances digestion, maintains appetite, reduces bloating, and improves skin glow during the harsh summer months.

Applying henna or mehndi on hands is a technique Diwekar says people used in childhood but have now forgotten. "When you use it on your hands, it will naturally cool, but it also gives you a slow life," she observed. The fragrant herb uplifts mood and helps calm the mind during stressful summer days. The Ministry of Ayush advisory also supports such traditional practices for combating heat stress and heat-related illnesses.

As India faces increasingly severe summer temperatures, these natural health hacks are transforming from nostalgic traditions to essential knowledge. The Directorate General of Health Services has identified infants, children, pregnant women, elderly persons, and outdoor workers as particularly vulnerable during heatwave conditions, emphasizing the importance of these accessible remedies. With IMD predicting continued heatwaves, citizens are advised to incorporate these natural health hacks into their daily routines while following official weather updates.

Health officials anticipate that these natural remedies will become permanent features of Indian summer preparedness. As climate patterns shift, the integration of traditional wellness wisdom with modern health guidelines represents a sustainable approach to managing extreme temperatures. For now, Indians are rediscovering that nature provides the most effective solutions to beat the summer heat naturally.