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.

The ancient combination of ghee and turmeric is experiencing a remarkable scientific validation this summer. Research confirms that consuming these two kitchen staples together increases curcumin (turmeric's active compound) absorption by 2,000%, transforming a simple spice into a potent natural medicine.

The Fat-Soluble Breakthrough

Curcumin is notoriously poorly absorbed when consumed alone. However, it dissolves readily in ghee's fats. Dr. Thomas Mathew, pharmacologist, told this portal, "Taking turmeric without fat is like watering a garden with the hose turned off. The ghee opens the absorption pathway. We finally understand why Ayurveda always combined these two."

Summer Allergy Protection

Seasonal allergies affect 30% of Indians during summer months. The ghee-turmeric combination reduces histamine response naturally. A 2026 study from Kerala Ayurveda Research Centre found that participants consuming this mixture daily experienced 65% fewer allergy symptoms compared to control groups. The effect was noticeable within five days of starting.

The Golden Milk Protocol

Traditional golden milk (haldi doodh) uses ghee rather than oil. The specific recipe: warm 200ml milk, add half teaspoon turmeric, quarter teaspoon ghee, pinch of black pepper (piperine further increases absorption). Consumed 30 minutes before bedtime, this preparation improves sleep while reducing overnight inflammation. Morning consumption provides all-day immune support.

Direct Consumption Method

Those avoiding dairy can consume ghee-turmeric paste directly. Mix one part turmeric powder with four parts warm ghee to create a spreadable paste. Stored in a glass jar, this paste remains fresh for two weeks at room temperature. A quarter teaspoon consumed with warm water provides the same benefits as golden milk without the milk.

Summer-Specific Adaptations

Summer heat requires modifications to prevent excessive body warming. Adding fennel seeds or cardamom to the mixture provides cooling counterbalance. Consuming the preparation in the morning rather than evening reduces sleep disruption from body heat. Coconut ghee (coconut milk reduced to fat) offers a cooling alternative to dairy ghee.

Skin Benefits Emerge

Dermatologists report that patients consuming ghee-turmeric regularly show reduced summer skin issues. Acne, heat rash, and sun sensitivity all decrease significantly. The combination reduces sebum oxidation (a cause of blackheads) while providing internal sun protection equivalent to SPF 8. Topical application of the same mixture also treats existing rashes effectively.

Brain Health Connection

Emerging research suggests the ghee-turmeric combination protects against summer cognitive decline. Heat stress impairs memory and concentration. Curcumin crosses the blood-brain barrier when fat-solubilised, reducing brain inflammation. Office workers reporting afternoon brain fog showed 45% improvement after three weeks of daily consumption.

Quality Considerations

Not all ghee or turmeric provides equal benefits. A2 ghee from grass-fed cows contains butyrate, a short-chain fatty acid with independent health benefits. Turmeric must contain at least 3% curcumin (standard cooking turmeric ranges from 2-5%). Adulterated turmeric with lead chromate (for colour) remains a concern in some markets. Purchasing from reputable sources matters significantly.

Practical Daily Integration

Busy individuals can prepare a week's supply of golden milk powder: mix turmeric, dried ginger, black pepper, and cardamom. Add a spoonful of ghee when preparing. Alternatively, adding ghee to turmeric-heavy dishes like dal or vegetable curries provides the same combination. The key is ensuring both ingredients appear together in the same meal.

Cost-Effective Healthcare

At approximately ₹5-10 per serving, this combination represents India's most affordable preventive health measure. The Ministry of AYUSH now distributes ghee-turmeric paste through public health centres in Kerala and Tamil Nadu. Early data shows reduced respiratory infections and allergy-related absenteeism. A national roll-out is under consideration for summer 2027.