How to fall in to good health this autumn for kids
Summer is over and the fall season has begun. There is a sudden change in the environment, the hot days have changed into crisp fall weather.
Acharya Charaka says “The strength and complexion of the person knowing and practicing the suitable diet and regimen for every season is accordingly enhanced” [Ref Cha.Sa #3]
With the change in season, the change is very evident in the environment we live in. Nature changes by shedding leaves in autumn, flowering in spring, and so on. We belong to the same ecology and our body is also gets influenced by the external environment.
The general trend seen is people ignore the food to eat in specific seasons or due to stressful life can’t typically follow a routine. But the lack of knowledge in such small things might end up in diseases and lack of immunity in the future. The derangement of homeostasis might end up in lifestyle disorders like obesity, diabetes, hypertension, cancer, and so on.
In this perspective article, I would be sharing the following details.
Seasonal regimen in Fall
How to prevent flu for kids?
How to improve immunity in kids to prepare them for winter?
Seasonal Regimen in Autumn Season
Ayurveda roughly correlates the Fall season as Sharat Ritu.
Mid-September to Mid-November is considered as Sharath Ritu. The predominant rasa is lavana (Salty). The person’s strength remains medium and Vata pacification takes place during this period. Aggravation of Pitta may also happen.
Foods that pacify pitta can be taken.
Wheat, Grams, Sugar, etc. have to be included in the diet. Milk, butter, fully ripened sweet fruits like Melon, Grapes, Pears, and Mangoes are good. Also, vegetables like Cucumber, Zucchini, Asparagus, etc. can be used. Food should be taken only when feeling properly hungry.
Panchakarma procedures like Virechana (purgation) and Rakthamokshana (bloodletting) are advised during this season.
Exposure to moonlight is advised at night.
External application of sandalwood paste at night is advised.
How to prevent flu for kids.
Remind your children to wash their hands frequently.
The children are exposed to so many impurities at daycare, school, and home. The best defense is making sure that they wash their hands after playing outside, before meals, after petting animals, and after bathroom visits. You can use warm water and a disinfectant hand washes for this purpose.
How to make a simple herbal hand wash at home?
Things you will need –
2.25 cups of distilled water
5 tbsp. organic liquid castile soap
Your choice of essential oil (quantity depends upon the amount required for adequate smell – approximately 20 drops will be good enough)
Method of preparation –
Stir in the distilled water and liquid castor soap gently. When it’s mixed properly, add the essential oil and can be transferred to a soap dispenser.
As per your pediatrician's recommendation, get a flu shot.
Drink more water.
Water is important especially when your child has a fever or infection. Also, staying hydrated can help your body to fight viruses and microorganisms. Plenty of water also helps in making the mucous thin, thereby easing the breath in children.
Make sure your child eats a healthy diet
They should get proper nutrients and vitamins which can boost their immune system naturally. Avoid junk food and pre-packed meals if possible. Fall celebrations like Halloween can be fun and entertaining for kids. Don’t fill up on junk, include veggies and fruits. Give healthy snacks during these celebrations and focus on safety first.
Disinfect your house.
Scrub countertops and toilets. Disinfest the toys, kid’s rooms, household surfaces, and kitchen.
Use lemon juice and vinegar for kitchens since both are excellent at killing germs and safe to use around food.
For toilets, add two teaspoons of tea tree oil to two cups of water and spray around the inside rim; let it sit for 30 minutes, then scrub.
For Kids room, all-purpose disinfecting spray made with alcohol or vinegar can be used. Soft toys can have washed in a washing machine and can be airdried.
Since the flu season is looming, disinfect your house in appropriate way.
How to improve immunity for your kids and prepare them for winter blues.
This season requires extra rest, make sure your child sleeps early, 10 PM at least, and wake up early. By following a timely sleep pattern and having adequate rest the doshas can be balanced.
Eat lighter foods. Include more digestible foods like soups and make sure they drink hot water.
Moisturize your child’s sinuses with a cold mist humidifier.
Build a strong digestive system, by giving the right food and herbs. Organically grown food is the best since they are devoid of chemicals.
Include turmeric, cumin, pepper, etc. in the diet. These spices have immune-modulating action and can enhance immunity.
In the classical Ayurveda textbook Kashyapa Samhita, ‘Swarnamruta prashana’ has been explained as an important recipe for child growth and memory enhancement.
Ingredients: Swarna bhasma (calcined gold), Ghrita (ghee), Guduchi (Tinospora cordifolia), Brahmi (Centella asiatica), Vacha (Acorus calamus), Jatamamsi (Nordostachys jatamasi), Shankhapuspi (Convolvulus pluricaulis), Yasthimadhu (Glycyrrhiza glabra), Pippali (Piper longum), Maricha (Piper nigrum), Murchita Ghrita (medicated ghee) and Madhu (honey).
Administering swarnabindhu prasana daily in the morning or on days of Pushya Nakshatra (Once in a month as per astrology) is considered ideal in Ayurveda. 1
Benefits of this procedure are: Medha (mental ability), Agni (digestive power), Bala (improves Stamina), Ayu Vardhana ( increases life span), Mangalakara (gives happiness), Punya (auspicious), Vrushya (improves virility), Varnya (improves complexion), Grhuhabadhanashaka (prevents from recurrent infections), if swarna prashana is done continuously for a month then the child will be Parama Medhavi (extremely intelligent), remains unaffected by Vyadhi (disease) and if done for 6 months then the child will be Shrutadhara (remembers what he hears).
References –
