As temperatures continue to soar past 45 degrees Celsius across several Indian states, celebrity nutritionist Rujuta Diwekar has sparked a nationwide conversation with her three simple desi hacks to beat the summer heat. The nutritionist, known for guiding Kareena Kapoor’s lifestyle, took to Instagram on May 26, urging Indians to ditch cold drinks and air conditioners for age-old remedies that cool the body from within.

The Vetiver Root Revival

The first hack involves adding two to three strands of vetiver roots (vala or khus) to drinking water. “This is India’s OG-infused water,” Diwekar said in her video. The roots naturally sweeten the water while providing a cooling effect that works internally. Diwekar pointed out that in peak summer, most people struggle to drink enough plain water. The roots can be reused for up to three days and later tossed into bathing water. Historically, hand-held fans and curtains in North Indian homes were woven from vetiver, cooling both people and rooms.

Henna – The Forgotten Cooling Ritual

The second hack is as familiar as childhood summer holidays. Diwekar recommends applying mehndi on hands, explaining that henna actively draws heat out through the palms — one of the body’s key heat-release points. “It naturally cools, but it also gives you a slow life. It works as a de-stressor,” she said. The fragrance uplifts mood and helps calm the mind.

Chaas – The Daily Essential

The third and perhaps most practical hack is buttermilk (chaas). Diwekar recommends consuming it two to three times daily during summer. “Chaas has protein, calcium, B12. We now know it also works as a prebiotic, probiotic, and postbiotic,” she explained. With salt, hing, and cumin powder, it supports digestion, maintains appetite, reduces bloating, and improves skin glow.

As India battles one of its hottest summers on record, these natural health hacks offer a timely reminder that the best solutions often lie in grandmother’s kitchen, not in a pharmacy.