Heatstroke is a serious condition of body overheating caused by prolonged exposure or physical exertion in extremely hot and high temperature. Most of heat stroke and heat injury occurs when our body temperature rises to 104 degree Fahrenheit or more. Peak season of this condition are months of summers. This life threatening condition requires emergency medical attention otherwise untreated heatstroke may lead to damage of skin, kidney, heart, brain and muscles of body. Delayed treatment for this condition also increases the risk of shock and death.
Symptoms of Heatstroke-
Contents
- 1 Symptoms of Heatstroke-
- 2 Causes-
- 3 Ayurveda remedies to protect your body from Heatstroke-
- 4 Ayurveda remedies for heat stroke with full ingredient detail-
- 5 How to Protect Your Body from Heatstroke with the Help of Ayurveda
- 6 Symptoms of Heatstroke:
- 7 Ayurvedic Tips to Prevent Heatstroke
- 8 Symptoms of Heatstroke:
- 9 When to Seek Medical Attention
- 10 Conclusion
- 11 🌿 Protecting Your Body from Heatstroke with Ayurveda
- 12 Understanding Heatstroke in Ayurveda:
- 13 Ayurvedic Tips for Preventing and Protecting from Heatstroke:
- 14 1. Cooling Diet (Ahara)
- 15 2. Hydration & Herbal Drinks
- 16 3. Ayurvedic Herbs for Cooling the Body
- 17 4. Daily Routine (Vihara)
- 18 5. Pranayama (Breathing Exercises)
- 19 6. Essential Oils for Cooling
- 20 7. Avoid Overexertion & Stress Management
- 21 Sample Daily Routine to Prevent Heatstroke:
- 22 Emergency Measures (In Case of Heatstroke):
- High grade body temperature is the first common symptom of Heatstroke. Body temperature of person suffering with Heatstroke may rise to 104 degree Fahrenheit or more. Another symptom of Heatstroke is dry and rough skin.
- It also disturbs the natural process of sweating and give rise to fluid electrolytes imbalance and various other skin related troubles such as redness, rashes, irritation and swelling.
- Nausea, vomiting, loose stools and other gastric troubles are also associate symptoms of heatstroke.
- Due to high temperature and heat injuries our breathing rate becomes rapid and shallow.
- Heat stress is also responsible for placing tremendous burden on heart, to cool our body due to which our heart rate becomes more fast and rapid.
- Throbbing headache is also one important symptom seen in the sufferers of Heatstroke.
Causes-
- Exposure to extremely hot temperature is one major factor responsible for causing heat injury or Heatstroke. Because hot temperatures are responsible to raise core body temperature and result in Heatstroke.
- Dehydration or lack of fluids is another possible cause for this problem.
- Wearing excessive clothing that prevents sweat from evaporating and cooling of body is also responsible for heat injury or heat stroke.
- Exertional physical activities in extreme hot temperature is also one major factor for causing heat injury or heat stroke.
- Excessive alcohol intake is responsible for electrolyte fluid imbalance and causes Heatstroke
Ayurveda remedies to protect your body from Heatstroke-
Ashworange syrup, Gulvalex capsule, Herbaqua, Harmony skin application and Dynogesic liniment are various Ayurveda remedies to prevent Heatstroke available at Yamuna Pharmacy. All these Ayurveda remedies are prepared by using natural herbs of Ayurveda and under the strict supervision of expert Ayurveda doctors. All these remedies help to prevent our body from heat stroke in summers and protect our vital organs from damage caused by serious heat resultant injuries. Regular intake and use of all these remedies helps to regulate normal body temperature.
Ayurveda remedies for heat stroke with full ingredient detail-
- Ashworange syrup-  Ashwagandha, Guduchi, Amla, Draksha and Vidarikand are the herbs used to prepare this Ayurveda remedy for heat stroke. Rejuvenating nature of herbs helps to repair damaged skin cells and protect skin from rashes and allergies. Herbs used in this Ayurveda remedy help to stimulate our natural immunity. Guduchi helps to reduce burning sensation and high grade fever caused by Heatstroke.
Dosage– 3 teaspoonful (15ml) thrice daily for better results. - Gulvalex capsule- Guduchi is very effective and beneficial herb of Ayurveda used to prepare this Ayurveda remedy for Heatstroke. Guduchi is very famous anti-pyretic herb of Ayurveda and this herb is used to lower down body temperature and to fight against high grade fevers. Regular use of this herbal remedy in summers not only helps to stimulate our natural immunity and it also help to regulate our body temperature in extreme hot climate. Anti-oxidant nature of this herb helps to fight against infections and other serious troubles caused by heat stroke on other vital organs in body.
Dosage– 1 to 2 capsules twice or thrice daily for 50-90 days. - Herbaqua- Shunthi, Khus, Nagarmotha, Rakta chandana, Netrabala and Parpat are the various Ayurveda herbs used to prepare this Ayurveda remedy for Heatstroke. Anti-oxidant nature of herbs helps to improve our internal immunity so that our body is capable to fight against serious infections and other serious conditions caused by internal and environmental factors. Coolant properties of these herbs help to reduce high grade temperature of body and also help to relieve burning sensation of skin caused by heat stroke. Calming properties of herbs help to fight against various skin problems like rashes, irritation and sunburn in sufferers of Heatstroke. Regular use of this herbal remedy helps to maintain normal temperature of body. Shunthi used in this remedy is very beneficial herb to sooth gastric troubles caused by heat stroke or raised body temperature.
How to use– Soak 2-3 teaspoon of Herbaqua in warm water. Mix it well and let the mixture cool down. Strain the mixture properly and drink the filtered contents once daily. - Harmony skin application- Hardira, Daru haridra, Kootha, Lodhra, Manijstha, Masoor daal, Chiraunji, Jaiphal and Karpoor are the herbs used to prepare this Ayurveda remedy for Heatstroke. Regular use of this skin application helps to reduce burning sensation and various other skin troubles and allergies. It helps to reduce redness, inflammation and irritation of skin. It is also beneficial remedy for wrinkles, acne, freckles, deep pigmentation and blemishes.
How to use– Wash your face with water. Mix 1 tablespoon of Harmony skin application with water and apply the paste evenly on the face, neck and other affected areas by Heatstroke. Let it dry and wash off preferably with milk or water for better results. Use thrice daily to protect your skin from Heatstroke. - Dynogesic liniment- Cinnamomum camphora, Carum copticum, Mentha virdis, Eucalyptus globulus, Pinus longifolia, Ricinus communis and Wintergreen oil are the herbal derivatives used to prepare this Ayurveda remedy for Heatstroke. Cooling properties of herbs help to prevent our body from heat injury and it also helps to relieve excessive burning sensation caused by heat stroke. All these herbs are very effective to fight against skin related troubles in case of heat stroke. Use of this herbal remedy helps to reduce serious inflammation of skin and muscles caused by Heatstroke.
Mode of application-Â Take a little quantity of Dynogesic liniment on palm and massage over skin and muscles two to three time a day for better results. Avoid its contact with eyes and other delicate parts
Take a little quantity of Dynogesic liniment on palm and massage over skin and muscles two to three time a day for better results. Avoid its contact with eyes and other delicate parts.
- Stay hydrated always because plenty of fluids help to replenish hydrated water and also help to maintain fluid electrolyte imbalance in body.
- Wear loose and cotton fitting specially in months of summers so that process of sweating is not disturbed.
- Use broad rimmed sunglasses to prevent eyes and skin from heat injuries.
- Never leave any person in parked cars in extremely hot temperatures.
- Use natural remedies like aloe vera, sandal, coriander and mint mask to prevent skin from sunburns.
How to Protect Your Body from Heatstroke with the Help of Ayurveda
Heatstroke is a severe condition caused by prolonged exposure to high temperatures, where the body’s temperature regulation system becomes overwhelmed, leading to a core body temperature of 104°F (40°C) or higher. In Ayurveda, heatstroke is seen as an imbalance in the Pitta dosha, which governs heat, metabolism, and transformation in the body. An excess of Pitta, especially during hot weather, can lead to overheating, dehydration, and fatigue, which are the primary factors leading to heatstroke.
Ayurvedic approaches to preventing and managing heatstroke focus on cooling, hydrating, and balancing Pitta while supporting the body’s natural detoxification and cooling processes.
Symptoms of Heatstroke:
-
High body temperature (above 104°F / 40°C)
-
Red, hot, dry skin
-
Rapid heartbeat and breathing
-
Headache
-
Dizziness or confusion
-
Nausea or vomiting
-
Weakness or fatigue
Ayurvedic Tips to Prevent Heatstroke
-
Hydration: The Most Important Preventive Measure The body must stay well-hydrated to regulate temperature. Ayurveda stresses the importance of maintaining cool and refreshing hydration during hot weather.
-
Coconut Water: Nature’s perfect coolant, coconut water is rich in electrolytes, making it an excellent drink to hydrate and balance Pitta. It also aids in detoxification.
-
Buttermilk (Chaas): A traditional Ayurvedic drink, chaas or buttermilk made from yogurt with a pinch of cumin, coriander, and salt can cool the body and balance excess heat.
-
Mint Water: Drinking mint water or infusing mint leaves in water can have a cooling effect on the body. Mint also aids digestion and relieves nausea that can accompany heatstroke.
-
Watermelon Juice: Consuming watermelon or its juice helps to keep the body cool and hydrated due to its high water content and cooling properties.
-
-
Cooling Herbal Remedies: Ayurvedic herbs are known for their cooling, anti-inflammatory, and detoxifying properties that can help prevent heatstroke:
-
Sandalwood (Chandan): Sandalwood powder or sandalwood paste is often applied to the forehead, temples, and body to cool the body and relieve the discomfort caused by heat.
-
How to Use: Make a sandalwood paste with water and apply it to the skin for a cooling effect. You can also add a few drops of sandalwood essential oil to your water or drink it in the form of sandalwood tea.
-
-
Aloe Vera: Aloe vera is both hydrating and cooling and is an excellent remedy for heat-related ailments.
-
How to Use: Drink fresh aloe vera juice or apply aloe vera gel to the skin to soothe any sunburn or overheating effects.
-
-
Rose Water: Rose water is cooling and has an astringent effect that helps lower body temperature.
-
How to Use: Use rose water as a face mist or mix it with cool water and drink it.
-
-
Guduchi (Tinospora cordifolia): Guduchi is known for its immune-boosting and detoxifying properties and helps cool down the body while strengthening the immune system.
-
How to Use: Guduchi can be consumed as a herbal tea or in capsule form.
-
-
Saffron (Kesar): Saffron is considered one of the best herbs to soothe Pitta and has a cooling effect on the body.
-
How to Use: Add a few strands of saffron to milk and drink it at night. You can also mix it with water or rose water and apply it to the skin.
-
-
-
Dietary Modifications to Cool the Body Ayurveda recommends adjusting your diet during the summer months to cool and refresh the body, reducing Pitta and avoiding heat buildup.
-
Cooling Foods: Include foods that are naturally cooling and help balance Pitta. These include:
-
Cucumbers, coconut, melons, and leafy greens like spinach and lettuce.
-
Dairy products such as milk (preferably cold or at room temperature), yogurt, and buttermilk.
-
Sweet fruits like mangoes, apples, and pears.
-
-
Avoid Heat-Aggravating Foods: Avoid foods that are spicy, fried, or sour, as these can aggravate Pitta and lead to excess heat. Also, limit caffeinated or alcoholic drinks, as they can dehydrate the body.
-
Pitta-Pacifying Spices: Use spices that are cooling and soothing for Pitta, such as coriander, cumin, fennel, and mint.
-
-
Wear Appropriate Clothing Ayurveda emphasizes the importance of dressing in a way that supports the body’s natural cooling process:
-
Wear loose, light-colored clothing made from natural fabrics like cotton, which allow the skin to breathe and help regulate body temperature.
-
Avoid synthetic fabrics, as they can trap heat and moisture, contributing to overheating.
-
-
Behavioral and Lifestyle Adjustments Your daily routine, especially during hot weather, can have a big impact on how your body manages heat.
-
Avoid Direct Sun Exposure: Try to stay indoors or in shaded areas during the hottest part of the day (usually between 11 a.m. and 4 p.m.).
-
Rest and Relaxation: Overexertion and strenuous physical activities in the heat can lead to heatstroke. Take frequent breaks, stay cool, and rest as much as possible.
-
Cool Baths: Take a cool bath or shower with rose water or sandalwood added to the water to soothe the skin and reduce body heat.
-
Use a Fan or Cool Compress: Fan yourself with a palm leaf or use a cool compress on the forehead and wrists to reduce body heat.
-
-
Herbal Teas for Cooling Drinking herbal teas made from cooling herbs can help hydrate and cool the body internally:
-
Chamomile Tea: Known for its cooling and calming properties, chamomile tea can also help with relaxation.
-
Mint Tea: Peppermint is naturally cooling and helps soothe digestive issues and reduce the feeling of heat.
-
Fennel Tea: Fennel is an excellent herb to balance Pitta and cool the body.
-
-
Panchakarma Detoxification (Optional) If you experience chronic overheating or Pitta imbalance, Ayurveda may recommend Panchakarma, a series of detox therapies, to cleanse the body and balance the doshas. Certain therapies like Abhyanga (oil massage) with cooling oils and Shirodhara (oil pouring on the forehead) can help cool the mind and body during the summer.
Symptoms of Heatstroke:
-
High body temperature (above 104°F / 40°C)
-
Red, hot, dry skin
-
Rapid heartbeat and breathing
-
Headache
-
Dizziness or confusion
-
Nausea or vomiting
-
Weakness or fatigue
When to Seek Medical Attention
Although Ayurvedic treatments can help prevent and manage mild heat-related conditions, heatstroke is a medical emergency. If you or someone you are with exhibits the signs of heatstroke, it is crucial to seek immediate medical attention. Call an ambulance and try to cool the person down by:
-
Moving them to a cool, shaded area.
-
Applying cold compresses to their body or using a fan.
-
Offering hydration if the person is conscious.
Conclusion
Heatstroke is a serious condition, but it can be prevented and managed through Ayurveda by balancing Pitta dosha, hydrating, and adopting lifestyle practices that help cool the body. Ayurveda offers many natural remedies like cooling herbs, dietary modifications, and relaxation techniques to protect the body during hot weather. However, if the symptoms of heatstroke are severe, it is essential to seek medical attention immediately.
🌿 Protecting Your Body from Heatstroke with Ayurveda
Heatstroke is a serious medical emergency caused by prolonged exposure to high temperatures, leading to dehydration, electrolyte imbalance, and a rise in body temperature. In Ayurveda, heatstroke is seen as an imbalance in Pitta dosha (the element of heat, transformation, and metabolism), which can lead to an excessive buildup of heat in the body. Ayurveda offers various ways to cool the body, maintain hydration, and promote Pitta balance to prevent heatstroke.
Understanding Heatstroke in Ayurveda:
-
Pitta Dosha Imbalance: Excessive heat and fiery qualities dominate the body and mind, leading to overheating and dehydration.
-
Aama (toxins): Accumulation of toxins in the body can exacerbate the effects of heat exposure.
-
Dehydration: Loss of vital fluids and electrolytes from the body increases vulnerability to heatstroke.
Ayurvedic Tips for Preventing and Protecting from Heatstroke:
1. Cooling Diet (Ahara)
Your diet plays a crucial role in maintaining internal balance and protecting the body from excessive heat. Focus on foods that cool the body and pacify Pitta.
âś… Foods to Include:
-
Fresh, juicy fruits: Watermelon, cucumber, coconut, pomegranate, grapes, and melons hydrate and cool the body.
-
Cooling herbs: Mint, coriander, fennel, and sandalwood are excellent for cooling the system.
-
Dairy products: Milk, yogurt, and ghee are cooling, soothing, and help balance Pitta.
-
Sweeteners: Honey (in moderation) and maple syrup can be cooling and nourishing.
-
Coconut water: Natural electrolyte replacement, cooling, and hydrating.
-
Aloe vera: Consuming fresh aloe vera gel mixed with water helps in cooling the body.
❌ Foods to Avoid:
-
Spicy, salty, and oily foods: These increase heat in the body and aggravate Pitta.
-
Caffeine and alcohol: These can dehydrate the body and further increase heat.
-
Deep-fried or processed foods: These are heavy and can add toxins (Aama) to the body.
2. Hydration & Herbal Drinks
Proper hydration is essential for preventing heatstroke. Ayurveda recommends cooling herbal drinks to rehydrate and restore balance.
âś… Herbal Teas and Decoctions:
-
Mint tea: A simple herbal tea made with fresh mint leaves has cooling properties.
-
Coriander water: Boil coriander seeds in water and drink it once it cools to reduce heat.
-
Saffron milk: Drinking milk with a pinch of saffron and cardamom cools the body and is calming for Pitta.
-
Fennel water: Soak fennel seeds overnight in water and drink the infusion in the morning. It helps with digestion and cooling.
-
Aloe vera juice: Aloe helps in internal cooling, healing, and hydration.
3. Ayurvedic Herbs for Cooling the Body
Several herbs can help in reducing heat and preventing heatstroke:
Herb | Benefits |
---|---|
Sandalwood | Cooling and soothing, it helps lower body temperature and reduce Pitta. |
Brahmi | Calms the mind and body, reduces stress and overheating, supports mental clarity. |
Shatavari | Known for its cooling properties, it helps balance Pitta and is a tonic for overall health. |
Guduchi (Giloy) | A powerful herb that cools the system, strengthens the immune system, and balances Pitta. |
Amla (Indian gooseberry) | High in vitamin C, it is a powerful antioxidant that cools the body and reduces inflammation. |
Tulsi (Holy Basil) | Cooling and immune-boosting properties that can help with heat exhaustion. |
Coconut | Used internally as coconut water or externally as coconut oil, it has significant cooling properties. |
4. Daily Routine (Vihara)
Your daily routine should focus on maintaining balance, staying cool, and preventing overexposure to heat.
âś… Guidelines:
-
Avoid direct sunlight: Especially during peak hours (11 AM to 3 PM). If exposure is unavoidable, wear a hat, sunglasses, and loose, light-colored clothing.
-
Stay indoors during peak heat: Rest in cool, well-ventilated areas.
-
Take cool baths: Soak in cool water with a few drops of sandalwood oil, rose water, or lavender oil for a calming effect.
-
Frequent cool showers: This helps regulate body temperature.
-
Use cooling oils for massage: Use coconut oil or sandalwood oil for gentle massage on the skin to cool the body.
5. Pranayama (Breathing Exercises)
Pranayama helps to calm the mind, reduce stress, and control the body’s response to heat.
âś… Cooling Pranayama Techniques:
-
Sheetali Pranayama: Stick your tongue out, curl it, and inhale through it. Then close your mouth and exhale through your nose. This technique helps cool the body.
-
Sheetkari Pranayama: Inhale through the teeth and exhale through the nostrils. This also has a cooling effect.
-
Bhramari: The humming bee breath calms the nervous system and helps cool the body during stress.
6. Essential Oils for Cooling
Aromatherapy with essential oils can help balance Pitta and cool the body.
âś… Cooling Essential Oils:
-
Sandalwood oil: Cool and calming, sandalwood helps to reduce heat and bring peace to the mind.
-
Rose oil: Rose is a natural coolant that also balances Pitta and reduces stress.
-
Lavender oil: Calms the body and mind, reduces heat, and relieves tension.
-
Peppermint oil: Peppermint is a natural coolant and can be applied to the skin for an immediate cooling effect.
7. Avoid Overexertion & Stress Management
-
Rest: Avoid physical exertion during the hottest part of the day.
-
Meditation: Practice mindfulness or meditation to reduce mental stress, which can exacerbate Pitta imbalances.
-
Adequate Sleep: Ensure you get enough restful sleep to allow the body to recover from the heat of the day.
Sample Daily Routine to Prevent Heatstroke:
Time | Activity |
---|---|
Morning | Drink mint water or fennel tea. Practice Sheetali Pranayama for 5-10 minutes. |
Mid-Morning | Consume a bowl of coconut water or saffron milk. |
Lunch | Light, cooling foods: cucumber, yogurt, pomegranate, rice, and vegetable stews. Avoid spicy foods. |
Afternoon | Take a cool bath with rose water and sandalwood oil. |
Evening | Drink a coriander infusion or coconut water. Avoid sun exposure after 4 PM. |
Night | Apply coconut oil or sandalwood oil to the skin before sleep. |
Emergency Measures (In Case of Heatstroke):
-
Seek immediate medical help if symptoms of heatstroke are present (confusion, rapid heartbeat, dry skin, etc.).
-
In case of heat exhaustion or severe dehydration, cool the body with wet towels, offer fluids like coconut water, and move the person to a cooler environment.
By following these Ayurvedic principles, you can protect your body from heatstroke and maintain balance during hot weather. Would you like to customize this routine based on your specific health needs or environment?