Early winter is a blessing from the heat of the summer and autumn season. It’s the transitional phase from autumn to the winter season. The weather becomes pleasant. However, Hemant Ritu a.k.a. the pre-winter season also brings along diseases and sickness along. So, here’s how you can take care of yourself during the pre-winter period.

Pre-Winter (Hemant Ritu)

The early winters are known as Hemant Ritu in Ayurveda. Pre-winter or the Hemant season falls under the Visarga Kaal. It starts in the month of Margashira (November) and ends in Pushya (December). Hemant season can also be called as the late autumn period since it follows the month of Sharad Ritu. 

According to Ayurveda, nature is connected with the human body. During early winters, the sun gives in abundance – energy, and virility in the surroundings increase. It leads to better stamina and strength amongst humans. It is the perfect time to bring the Doshas in balance. The aggravated Vata of the autumn season should be pacified in the winters. According to Ayurveda, Kapha and Pitta rise in the Hemant Ritu. So, how can you take care of your health? Here are some dietary and lifestyle tips as recommended by Ayurveda:

Diet

• Your diet must include foods that are sweet, sour, and salty to reduce Vata in late autumn.
• Eat green leafy vegetables, tomatoes, pumpkin, okra, and cauliflower during the Hemant Ritu.
• Include black gram and green gram legumes in your diet.
• Rice, Jowar, and Maize are good grain options during the pre-winter time.
• Fruits like grapes, pineapple, oranges, and apricots are healthy in late autumn.
• Do not drink cold beverages. Instead, drink warm milk with a pinch of cardamom powder.
• Dairy products like cheese, curd, buttermilk, paneer, and ghee give warmth in Hemant season.
• Munch on dry fruits like almonds, raisins, dates, and walnuts.
• Avoid spicy and fried foods.
• Drink ginger and tulsi tea with honey.
• Eat a teaspoon of Chyavanprash to increase immunity.

Lifestyle

• Massage your skin with warm oils in pre-winters.
• Take a bath in warm water.
• Practice yoga or other workout routines.
• Put a few drops of nose oil in your nostrils for lubrication during the dry Hemant season.
• Cover your body with warm clothes.
• Do not sleep in the afternoon. 
• Go for head massage and feet massage before sleeping.
• Use warm coconut oil to condition your hair.
• Meditate to reduce work stress.
• Moisturize your skin with herbal lotions and oils regularly.
• Ayurveda usually denies too much indulgence in sex but makes an exception to winters. Enjoy!

Note: Articles on Ayurvedum are solely for the purpose of sharing the goodness of Ayurveda and bringing awareness on natural and healthy living. Please do not substitute it for professional medical advice. Ingredients discussed can interfere with certain medications. So, before using anything to treat yourself, always consult an Ayurveda doctor or practitioner.