Before air conditioners and iced lattes took over our summer survival kits, our ancestors had their own clever ways of staying cool—which didn’t involve a single freezer aisle! From soothing herbal infusions to pitta-balancing meals and moonlit strolls, the ancient wellness systems of Ayurveda and Unani were already serving up serious chill long before “hydration” became a hashtag.
While Ayurveda focuses on balancing the three doshas—Vata (movement), Pitta (transformation), and Kapha (stability)—to promote harmony in the body and mind, Unani centers on the balance of the four humors: blood, phlegm, yellow bile, and black bile to maintain physical health and emotional well-being.
This summer, we’re flipping through the pages of ancestral wisdom, tapping into time-tested rituals, cooling elixirs, and natural regimens that not only help you beat the heat but also leave you feeling balanced, refreshed, and yes, glowing (the non-sweaty kind).
Sip Like a Sage: Ancient Drinks for the Win
Forget sugar-loaded sodas, your great-grandparents were blending drinks that cooled from the inside out! Both Ayurveda and Unani offer refreshing options.
Ayurveda suggests buttermilk (chaas), a light, probiotic-rich drink spiced with cumin or mint, ideal for soothing the digestive system and hydrating the body. Amla juice, packed with Vitamin C, also acts as a natural coolant, boosting immunity and providing relief during hot weather.
On the Unani side, Sharbat-e-Anar, a sweet and tangy pomegranate cooler, is renowned for its ability to reduce body heat. For a unique twist, khus and sandalwood-infused drinks offer a fragrant, earthy flavor that leaves you feeling calm and refreshed. Add a pinch of fennel or basil seeds for that extra ancient touch.
Pile Your Plate with Heat-Relieving Foods
Summer is the Pitta season in Ayurveda, and fiery foods only make things worse. Unani agrees, recommending a lighter, water-rich diet to keep body heat in check.
What’s on the ancestral plate? Watermelon, cucumber, ridge gourd, coconut, barley, and soaked sabja (basil) seeds. Add to that list mint, fennel, zucchini, lettuce, curd (plain yogurt), and ripe mangoes in moderation. Tender coconut water, rosewater-based drinks, and aloe vera juice also make excellent additions to stay hydrated and balanced. Say no to spicy, fried treats and heavy meats during peak hours; they only turn up the internal thermostat and leave you bloated and sluggish. Bonus: your digestion gets a break, too!
Herbal Hacks for Hot Days
In ancient times, plants were far more than garnishes. They were essential tools for staying cool and balanced in the summer heat.
Vetiver (khus), with its natural cooling properties, was used in mats, perfumes, and infused water to lower body temperature. Mint was added to drinks, skincare, and incense for a refreshing effect, while rose cooled and hydrated the skin. Coriander acted as both a cooling herb and a detoxifier, and sandalwood provided anti-inflammatory relief. Ayurveda even suggests storing your water in clay pots to keep it naturally chilled, no fridge needed. This method not only keeps the water cool but is also believed to enhance its purity and health benefits. Water stored in copper vessels is another classic cool-down ritual, known to balance the body and provide a natural dose of minerals.
Skincare, But Make It Timeless
Long before serums and sheet masks, your ancestors had summer skincare down to a science—simple, natural, and wildly effective.
In Unani tradition, rose water and multani mitti (Fuller’s Earth) were the original toner-mask duo, cooling and clarifying the skin without stripping it. Zamzam water and camphor-infused oils were used to purify and soothe, while ubtan pastes made from herbs and pulses acted as exfoliators and complexion boosters. Ayurveda leaned on aloe vera and turmeric to calm heat rashes and sun-exposed skin. Manjistha (Indian Madder) was prized for purifying the blood, neem-paste tackled acne, and raw milk served as a gentle, natural cleanser. These aren’t just DIY hacks—in a world of complicated skincare routines, this is clean beauty at its most powerful.
Don’t Sweat It: Lifestyle Tweaks That Work
Ayurveda and Unani weren’t just about what you ate, they emphasized how you lived. And summer came with its own rulebook.
Avoid intense workouts at noon; instead, exercise in the cooler early mornings or evenings. Embrace the power of a short afternoon nap to recharge. Dress in light cottons, linens, and pastels to stay cool and comfortable. Lastly, try moon-bathing—it’s not just romantic, it’s medicinal too! Whether you take a moonlit stroll or simply sit outside under the stars, this calming practice helps you reconnect with nature and regain a sense of peace and vitality amid the daily hustle.
Eye Care, the Ancient Way
Both Unani and Ayurveda place great emphasis on eye health during summer, considering that the eyes are especially sensitive to heat.
Their go-to remedies? As gentle as they are effective. Rose water compresses soothe tired eyes, Triphala eyewash cleanses and cools, and cotton pads soaked in sandalwood water reduce inflammation. Basically, they perfected the original under-eye treatment… no fancy tools required.
Ayurveda and Unani remind us that summer isn’t something to survive—it’s a season to sync with. So this year, skip the slushies and lean into time-honored coolers, mindful routines, and natural care approved by the ancestors. Your body will thank you!
