Ayush Advisory on Heat: The severity of the scorching weather continues to intensify. The extreme heat and heatwaves are rapidly depleting the body's hydration levels. Consequently, people are falling victim to various serious weather-related illnesses. In response to this situation, the Ministry of Ayush has now issued an advisory. This advisory offers guidance drawn from various traditional systems of medicine to help people protect themselves during this season.

The advisory provides recommendations for preventing heat stress and heat-related illnesses, ranging from the general public to vulnerable groups, corporate entities, laborers, and individuals participating in large-scale public events or sports competitions.
People are advised to drink adequate amounts of water, avoid direct exposure to sunlight during the afternoon hours, wear light cotton clothing, and consume seasonal fruits and electrolyte-rich fluids.

**Those Requiring Extra Care**
The advisory also highlights that infants, children, pregnant women, the elderly, laborers working outdoors, and individuals suffering from chronic conditions such as heart disease and high blood pressure are particularly vulnerable during heatwave conditions and require additional care and monitoring.

**Symptoms of Dehydration**
Dizziness,
Headache,
Nausea,
Altered mental state,
Excessively high body temperature,
Dehydration,
Seizures or fainting.

**Emergency Helpline**
Heatstroke is a medical emergency. Immediate medical assistance is essential in such cases. If you encounter a severe case of this nature, you can immediately contact the emergency helplines at 108 or 102.

**Preventive Measures Across Various Systems of Medicine**
According to the Department of Ayurveda, it is essential to consume a cooling diet during this season. Beverages such as buttermilk, coconut water, and lemon-based drinks help replenish the body's fluids during this period. Additionally, the use of traditional preparations—including *Nimbukaphala Panaka*, *Amra Panaka*, and *Chincha Panaka*—is recommended to assist in regulating body temperature during periods of extreme heat. The Siddha and Yoga systems recommend the consumption of cooling beverages and the practice of specific *pranayamas* (breathing exercises). Specifically, they advise adopting *Sheetali Pranayama* and engaging in gentle yoga practices to maintain bodily equilibrium and alleviate the physiological stress caused by heat.

The Unani system recommends traditional cooling drinks and herbal poultices to prevent sunburn and dehydration, while Homeopathy advocates for taking precautionary measures during periods of extreme heat.

**Include These Items in Your Diet**
During the summer season, individuals are advised to incorporate hydrating and naturally cooling traditional foods—such as cucumber, watermelon, lemon, muskmelon, bottle gourd, and tomato—into their daily diet.

Additionally, citizens are advised to regularly monitor weather forecasts issued by the India Meteorological Department (IMD) and to exercise necessary precautions in response to heatwave warnings.

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