Centre issues heatwave advisory, urges hydration and traditional cooling practices

New Delhi, May 18: The Ministry of Ayush, in coordination with the Ayush Vertical under the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS), Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, has issued a comprehensive public health advisory in view of rising temperatures and prevailing heatwave conditions across several parts of the country.

The advisory outlines preventive measures, traditional wellness practices and emergency response guidelines to protect people from heat stress and heat-related illnesses during the summer season.

According to the advisory, the general public has been advised to stay adequately hydrated, avoid direct exposure to sunlight during peak afternoon hours, wear light cotton clothing and consume seasonal fruits and electrolyte-rich fluids.

The ministry said vulnerable groups including infants, children, pregnant women, elderly persons, outdoor workers and people suffering from chronic illnesses such as heart disease and hypertension require special care during heatwave conditions.

Special precautions have also been recommended for workplaces, public gatherings and outdoor activities. These include provision of shaded rest areas, regular hydration breaks, acclimatisation measures for workers and awareness regarding symptoms of heat stress.

The advisory warned citizens to remain alert for symptoms such as dizziness, headache, nausea, dehydration, high body temperature, fainting, seizures and altered mental status. It described heatstroke as a medical emergency and advised people to immediately contact emergency helplines 108 or 102 in severe cases.

As part of the addendum issued by the Ayush Vertical under DGHS, the advisory also incorporates traditional preventive and wellness measures from Ayurveda, Siddha, Yoga, Unani and Homoeopathy systems.

The Ayurveda section recommends cooling dietary practices and hydrating drinks such as buttermilk, coconut water and lemon-based beverages. It also mentions traditional preparations including Nimbukaphala Panaka, Amra Prapanaka and Chincha Panaka to help regulate body temperature during extreme heat.

The Siddha and Yoga sections advise cooling refreshments and breathing techniques such as Sheetali Pranayama along with gentle yoga practices to reduce heat stress and maintain thermal comfort.

The Unani system recommends traditional cooling drinks and herbal applications to prevent dehydration and sunburn, while the Homoeopathy section stresses precautionary measures during peak heat hours.

The advisory further encourages people to include hydrating foods such as cucumber, watermelon, lime, musk melon, ash gourd and tomatoes in their daily diet during summer.

Citizens have also been advised to regularly follow weather updates and heatwave alerts issued by India Meteorological Department and take necessary precautions accordingly.