Seasonal Diet & Conduct (Rutucharya) in Hemant & Shishir (हेमंत & शिशिर) Rutu / Winter

In this season, which is the season of winter, the Agni (digestive activity) becomes more powerful. Increased ‘Vata’ gets obstructed from going out due to cold weather outside and is accumulated inside the body. This ‘Vata’ boosts the Agni (digestive activity) and increases the hunger as food is digested quickly. If not controlled, it can result in the digestion of our own body tissues.

Diet Regimen

Foods with sweet, sour and salty taste, and with heavy character should preferably be consumed which would help reducing the ‘Vata’. As Agni or digestive activity is increased, dietary ingredients which are otherwise heavy to digest such as meat with heavy fat content, all dairy products, preparations made from new grains are easily digested.

Diet and Conduct during Hemant & Shishir or Winter

Vegetables

Green vegetables with little bitter taste, Amaranth, Spinach, Fenugreek, Brinjal, Capsicum, Radish, Onion, Sprouts, Beetroot, Drumstick, Bitter melon, Garlic, Ginger.

Fruits

Pomegranate, Aamla, Berries, Apple, Pears, Lime, Apricot.

Grains / Pulses

Rice, Millet, Bajara, Wheat, Sorghum, Black gram, Chick peas, Red kidney Beans, Fava beans, Horse gram.

Spices

Cumin seeds, Mustard seeds, Red and green chilies, Cinnamon, Nutmeg, Carum seeds, Clove, Turmeric.

Others

Oil, Dairy products, Jaggery, Saffron Sugar, Meat with more fat content

Behaviour

Regular massages with oils on the body, as well as on head, Sauna, living in warm places, always wear warm clothes of leather and wool, drink warm water, regular exercise is recommended.