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Showing posts with label sweat. Show all posts
Showing posts with label sweat. Show all posts

Friday, 13 June 2025

Ancient Indian Cures to Stop Excessive Sweating Naturally

Seating is a natural bodily function, but for many people, it can become excessive and uncomfortable—impacting confidence and daily life. 

In ancient India, long before modern antiperspirants, people relied on holistic Ayurvedic remedies and lifestyle practices to manage perspiration. These age-old methods focused on balancing the body’s internal heat and calming the mind.

Here are some tried-and-tested ancient Indian cures that may help curb excessive sweating the natural way.

1. Sandalwood Powder Paste

In Ayurveda, sandalwood is known for its cooling, astringent, and soothing properties.

How to use:

Mix 1–2 teaspoons of pure sandalwood powder with rose water or cold milk.

Apply the paste to areas prone to excessive sweating.

Let it dry for 15–20 minutes before rinsing off.

It helps reduce perspiration while leaving a pleasant natural fragrance.

2. Neem Leaves and Turmeric Wash

Neem and turmeric are powerful detoxifiers. Their antibacterial properties can also prevent body odour that often accompanies excessive sweating.

How to use:

Boil neem leaves in water along with a small piece of turmeric root or ½ tsp turmeric powder.

Let it cool and use it as a daily rinse or add to your bathwater.

This remedy purifies the skin and balances the pitta dosha (the Ayurvedic element associated with heat).

3. Amla Juice (Indian Gooseberry)

Amla is packed with vitamin C and helps cool the body from within.

How to use:

Drink 20–30 ml of fresh amla juice mixed with water each morning on an empty stomach.

Alternatively, consume it as a powder with honey.

Amla supports liver function and helps in detoxification—important for managing sweating.

4. Buttermilk and Coriander Drink

In Ayurveda, buttermilk (chaas) is a well-known cooling agent, especially when mixed with coriander or mint.

How to use:

Blend a cup of diluted yoghurt (or traditional buttermilk) with a handful of fresh coriander leaves and a pinch of cumin.

Drink once or twice daily in warmer months.

This not only cools the body but also supports digestion, which is closely linked to sweating in Ayurveda.

5. Rose Petal Water or Gulkand

Rose petals are known for their cooling and calming effects on the body.

How to use:

Add rose water to your drinking water.

Or take 1 tsp of gulkand (a sweet preserve of rose petals) twice a day.

This helps control heat-related sweating, especially on the face and upper body.

6. Lifestyle Practices: Yoga and Pranayama

Excessive sweating can also be linked to stress and emotional imbalance.

Try:

Daily yoga postures that reduce internal heat (like forward bends and gentle twists).

Cooling breathing techniques such as Sheetali or Sheetkari Pranayama.

These techniques reduce anxiety, regulate body temperature, and balance the nervous system.

⚖️ Ayurvedic Perspective: Balancing the Pitta Dosha

According to Ayurveda, excessive sweating is often a sign of an aggravated Pitta dosha. To bring it into balance:

Avoid spicy, oily, and fermented foods.

Favour cooling foods like cucumber, melons, coconut water, and leafy greens.

Stay hydrated and maintain a regular sleep routine.

Final Thoughts

Ancient Indian wisdom offers gentle yet effective ways to manage sweating by addressing both internal and external factors. While these remedies may take time and consistency, they offer a natural path to comfort—free from harsh chemicals or synthetic fragrances.

If excessive sweating continues to be a concern, especially if it's sudden or accompanied by other symptoms, it's important to consult a healthcare professional to rule out underlying conditions like hyperhidrosis or thyroid issues.

Saturday, 10 May 2025

Beat the Heat: Food, Drinks and Supplements to Ward Off Cramps in Hot Weather

When the temperature rises your body has to work overtime to keep cool. 

Sweating may help regulate your body temperature, but it also means losing vital fluids and electrolytes—which can lead to those dreaded muscle cramps. 

Whether you’re working outdoors, hitting the gym, or simply trying to enjoy a sunny day, what you eat and drink can make all the difference.

Here’s your summer-ready guide to foods, drinks and supplements that help prevent cramps and keep you feeling your best when the weather turns scorching.

Why Do Cramps Happen in Hot Weather?

In hot conditions, your body loses fluids faster than usual. This includes electrolytes like sodium, potassium, calcium, and magnesium—minerals essential for muscle function. A lack of these can result in involuntary muscle spasms and painful cramps, especially during or after physical activity.

Hydration Is Key: What to Drink

1. Water – with a twist

Plain water is a good start, but when you’re sweating heavily, water alone may not be enough. Add a pinch of sea salt and a splash of fresh citrus juice (like lemon or orange) to make a simple homemade electrolyte drink.

2. Coconut Water

Naturally rich in potassium and moderate in sodium, coconut water is a great low-sugar alternative to commercial sports drinks.

3. Electrolyte Tablets or Powders

Look for sugar-free or low-sugar options that include a full spectrum of electrolytes, especially magnesium and calcium. These can be added to your water bottle for all-day sipping.

4. Herbal Teas (Chilled or Warm)

Peppermint, chamomile, or rooibos teas served cold are hydrating and caffeine-free. Rooibos also contains magnesium and calcium—ideal for cramp prevention.

Foods That Help Prevent Cramps

1. Bananas

A classic for good reason. Rich in potassium, bananas support proper muscle function and recovery.

2. Leafy Greens

Spinach, kale, and Swiss chard are full of magnesium and calcium. Use them in salads, smoothies or light sautés.

3. Sweet Potatoes

These summer-friendly root veg are potassium powerhouses and also contain a good amount of magnesium.

4. Yoghurt

A cooling snack that offers calcium, potassium, and sodium—perfect after a workout or as a mid-afternoon bite.

5. Watermelon and Cucumber

Hydrating and refreshing, both contain natural sugars, water and a trace of magnesium and potassium. Ideal for snacking during hot days.

6. Avocado

One of the best food sources of magnesium and potassium—spread on toast or add to salads.

Supplements Worth Considering

1. Magnesium Citrate or Glycinate

If you’re prone to cramps, a magnesium supplement can help. Citrate is well absorbed, while glycinate is gentle on the stomach and good for sleep too.

2. Calcium and Vitamin D

Low calcium levels can contribute to muscle cramps. If your diet lacks dairy or fortified foods, consider a combined calcium and vitamin D supplement to support absorption.

3. Electrolyte Blends

Look for supplements specifically designed for athletes or high-heat environments. These usually combine sodium, potassium, magnesium and calcium in optimal ratios.

Practical Tips to Keep Cramps at Bay

Drink consistently rather than gulping water only when you feel thirsty.

Snack smart: Choose fruit and salty snacks if you’ve been sweating a lot.

Don’t overdo caffeine or alcohol, as both can contribute to dehydration.

Stretch regularly, especially if you're physically active or standing for long periods.

Cool your environment where possible—fans, light clothing, and shade make a difference.

Final Thoughts

Summer should be about fun, not muscle cramps. With a few simple tweaks to your diet and hydration habits, you can stay cool, energised, and cramp-free—even in the hottest weather. Keep a water bottle handy, enjoy nature’s hydrating foods, and stock up on the right supplements if needed.

Got a go-to summer snack or homemade electrolyte drink you swear by? Let us know in the comments!