As temperatures across India continue to soar past 45°C in multiple states, health experts are turning to traditional Indian remedies to help citizens beat the heat naturally. Celebrity nutritionist Rujuta Diwekar has brought attention back to three forgotten desi coolants that require neither electricity nor air conditioning. According to the nutritionist, these age-old remedies not only cool the body but also support digestion, improve skin health and restore electrolyte balance.

The Vetiver Root Hack

The first recommendation is adding vetiver roots, known as vala or khus, to drinking water. Diwekar suggests adding two to three strands of vetiver to a water pot, which imparts a natural sweetness and cooling effect. “This is India's OG-infused water,” she said, explaining that in summer, people often don't feel like drinking plain water and need some taste or flavour.

Vetiver roots can be reused for three days before being used in bathing water. They are also beneficial for those dealing with acne or dandruff during summer. Historically, hand-held fans used by Indian women were made from vetiver, and curtains in North India were crafted from this cooling grass.

The Henna Cooling Ritual

The second traditional remedy is applying henna or mehndi on hands. Diwekar describes this as a technique 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. It is also something that works as a de-stressor,” she said. The fragrance of henna uplifts mood and helps calm the mind during stressful summer days.

Buttermilk for Electrolyte Balance

The third essential summer coolant is buttermilk or chaas. Diwekar recommends consuming it two to three times daily during the summer season. “Chaas has protein, calcium and B12. We now know that it also works as a prebiotic, probiotic and postbiotic,” she explained. Adding a little salt, asafoetida and cumin powder to buttermilk supports digestion, maintains appetite, reduces bloating and improves skin glow.

Official Recognition

The Ministry of Ayush has also issued a comprehensive Public Health Advisory on Extreme Heat, incorporating traditional wellness measures from various Ayush systems including Ayurveda, Siddha, Yoga, Unani and Homoeopathy. The advisory recommends cooling dietary practices, intake of hydrating beverages such as buttermilk, coconut water and lemon-based drinks.

What Next

As climate patterns shift and summer temperatures continue rising, these natural health hacks are expected to become essential knowledge for every Indian household. Health officials advise citizens to regularly follow weather updates issued by the India Meteorological Department and take necessary precautions during heatwave alerts.

Chaas Or Buttermilk With Mint: Natural Internal Cooling Hack That Prevents Heat Stroke From Inside Out

Heat Stroke Cases Rise

Government hospitals across central and northern India recorded three hundred forty confirmed heat stroke cases during May 2026 alone. Emergency physicians emphasise that external cooling fans and AC cannot replace internal body temperature regulation. Many patients arrive dehydrated despite drinking water regularly.

Traditional Drink Provides Solution

Buttermilk or chaas, consumed across Indian households for centuries, contains probiotics, electrolytes, and natural cooling compounds. Fresh mint leaves add menthol which activates cold-sensitive receptors in mouth and stomach. This natural hack reduces core body temperature more effectively than plain water according to recent research.

Science Behind Cooling Effect

Fermentation process in buttermilk produces lactic acid bacteria that improve gut health during summer when digestive fire weakens. Mint triggers TRPM8 receptors sending cold signals to brain even when drink is not refrigerated. Combined effect provides sustained internal cooling lasting two to three hours after consumption.

Preparation And Timing

Blend one cup fresh curd with three cups water until smooth. Add ten fresh mint leaves, half teaspoon roasted cumin powder, and salt to taste. Do not over-chill. Drink chaas between meals particularly during 12 PM to 4 PM when heat stress peaks. Avoid consuming immediately after heavy meals.

Regional Variations Abound

Gujarati chaas includes sugar and lemon for sweet-sour balance. Punjabi version adds black salt and ginger. Tamil Nadu moru includes curry leaves and asafoetida. All variations provide same core cooling benefits. Street vendors across India report doubling of chaas sales during summer months each year.

Dairy Science Validates Use

National Dairy Research Institute studies confirm that buttermilk’s whey protein content improves fluid absorption compared to plain water. The small amount of fat slows gastric emptying allowing sustained hydration. This explains why labourers and farmers traditionally consumed chaas during peak summer harvest seasons.

Commercial Options Available

Packaged buttermilk products have improved significantly with reduced preservatives and authentic fermentation. Several Indian dairies now offer mint chaas in eco-friendly packaging. Homemade version remains superior but packaged options provide convenience for office workers and travellers.

Gut Health Hacks: Natural Digestion Remedies for Indian Summers

On April 21, 2026, gastroenterologists across India report a 40% rise in acidity and bloating cases. The reason is simple: heat slows down digestion. But the solution does not have to be antacids. Natural gut health hacks using common Indian ingredients are proving more effective for daily life.

Why Summer Hurts Your Gut

When outside temperature rises, your body sends more blood to the skin to cool down. Less blood goes to your stomach. This weakens digestion. Natural digestion remedies focus on cooling and easing the gut without drugs. The goal is to support your body’s own enzymes.

The Chaas or Buttermilk Fix

Drink one glass of fresh chaas (buttermilk) with your lunch. Do not buy packaged buttermilk. Make it at home. Add roasted cumin powder, black salt, and fresh coriander. This probiotic drink puts good bacteria directly into your gut. It is one of the best gut health hacks for India’s climate.

Raw Mango as Medicine

Raw green mango is not just for pickles. It stimulates your liver to produce more bile. Bile breaks down fats. Grate a small piece of raw mango and eat it before your main meal. This natural digestion remedy prevents the heavy feeling after eating oily summer foods. It works within 20 minutes.

Ajwain Water for Gas

Boil one teaspoon of ajwain (carom seeds) in two cups of water. Strain and drink warm. This is an old remedy for trapped gas. It works faster than any over-the-counter tablet. Keep this in a flask at your workplace. For daily life, this is one of the most practical summer bloating solutions.

Eat Your Water

Do not just drink water. Eat it. Cucumber, bottle gourd (lauki), and ridge gourd (tori) have high water content and soluble fibre. This fibre feeds your good gut bacteria. A simple lauki sabzi with lunch provides both hydration and prebiotics. These natural gut health hacks work best when you eat seasonal vegetables.

The No-Fruit-With-Meals Rule

Many Indians eat fruit chaat right after lunch. Stop that. Fruits digest quickly. Cooked food digests slowly. When you mix them, fermentation happens in the gut. This causes bloating. Eat fruits alone, two hours after a meal. This small change in daily life can end chronic acidity within one week.