As India grapples with rising temperatures, the Centre-issued heat advisory recommending AYUSH remedies aims to help citizens stay safe from heat stress and heat-related illnesses.
The Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS), under the Union Health Ministry, has urged people to take preventive measures as heatwave conditions intensify in several parts of the country. The advisory encourages hydration, reduced exposure to extreme heat, and the use of traditional wellness practices alongside standard medical precautions.
The government advisory comes as many regions continue to experience unusually high temperatures, increasing the risk of dehydration, heat exhaustion, and heatstroke. Health authorities have advised people to avoid stepping outdoors during peak afternoon hours unless necessary, wear loose and light-coloured cotton clothing, and drink plenty of fluids throughout the day. Fresh fruits and electrolyte-rich drinks have also been recommended to help the body stay cool and hydrated.
The DGHS has highlighted that certain groups face a greater risk during extreme heat. These include children, senior citizens, pregnant women, outdoor workers, and individuals with existing medical conditions such as heart disease, diabetes, or high blood pressure. Families have been urged to pay special attention to vulnerable individuals, especially during prolonged periods of hot weather.
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Authorities have also asked employers and organisers of outdoor activities to take precautions for workers and participants. Providing shaded areas, ensuring access to drinking water, and allowing regular rest breaks are among the measures suggested to reduce heat-related risks.
Health experts warned that early signs of heat stress should not be ignored. Symptoms such as dizziness, headache, weakness, nausea, excessive sweating, or confusion may indicate serious heat exposure. In severe cases, heatstroke can become life-threatening and requires immediate medical attention.
A key feature of the advisory is the inclusion of AYUSH-based remedies to complement regular summer safety measures. The Ministry of AYUSH has recommended several traditional approaches from Ayurveda, Yoga, Siddha, Unani, and Homoeopathy to help people manage the effects of intense summer heat.
According to the advisory, cooling drinks such as coconut water, buttermilk, lemon water, and homemade fruit beverages can help maintain hydration and regulate body temperature. Traditional preparations like raw mango sharbat and tamarind-based cooling drinks have also been suggested as refreshing summer options.
Yoga-based breathing techniques, particularly cooling exercises such as Sheetali Pranayama, are recommended to provide relief from heat and support overall wellbeing. Light physical activity and relaxation practices may also help the body adjust better to rising temperatures.
The advisory further encourages people to include water-rich foods such as watermelon, cucumber, tomatoes, muskmelon, and citrus fruits in their daily diet. At the same time, citizens have been advised to stay updated on IMD heatwave warnings and follow local health advisories.
With summer temperatures expected to remain high in many regions, health officials say simple precautions, combined with timely awareness, can go a long way in preventing serious heat-related illnesses.
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