Mumbai Rains: 6 essential items for a happy, healthy monsoon!

Mumbai rains lift the spirit of most Mumbaikars as it brings relief from the scorching summer heat. While monsoon is a great season to enjoy, it also brings along with it infections, viral diseases and other seasonal ailments. With the hectic lifestyle that people follow in this day and age, the chances of contracting cold, cough and other monsoon-related sicknesses are very high. These ailments are worrisome but preventable if you take proper precautions and follow certain steps to stay safe and healthy

Here's a list of few essential items that should be an inseparable part of your monsoon wellness kit this season to take care of your health:

Liquid, liquid and more liquid: Swipe your cup of morning tea with milk, sugar and cream with herbal teas. Chamomile tea, green tea, or even ginger or lemon tea are great options to opt for during monsoons. These teas help to improve digestion and also boost immunity. Dairy products like milk take time to digest and are heavy on your system. Along with herbal tea, drink lots and lots of water as it helps to flush out toxins from your system. Drinking water also helps to boost the digestive system.

Holy Basil/Tulsi: According to Ayurveda, the Holy Basil also known as Tulsi is the best herb to prevent congestion and suppressing of a cough. Tulsi is well known for its healing properties. This herb modulates healthy immune response and supports early recovery from the respiratory illness which is on the rise especially during the monsoon season. Be it sneezing or a running nose, Tulsi helps to fight all kinds of monsoon allergies. Including this herb in your daily diet can be extremely helpful during monsoon. Tulsi leaves can be added to your daily cup of tea or can be taken in capsule or liquid form.

Cold Balm: Using a cold balm during the rainy season can offer some much-needed relief from nasal congestion and mild headaches. Monsoon season leads to a dip in temperature and the fluctuation can make you susceptible to cold or a cough. A mild headache or even a nasal congestion can make you extremely uncomfortable and ruin your day. Using a cold balm with camphor oil can act as a counter-irritant. The mint extract also reduces pain and helps in alleviating any kind of nerve discomfort.

Disinfectant: People love getting wet in the rain but ailments could hit before you realise if appropriate precautions are not taken. When you get home drenched, get rid of the wet clothes immediately as keeping them on will increase the chances of catching a cold. It is always advisable to wash up or take a bath, a hot shower is the best way to get rid of all the microorganisms that you may have picked up after getting wet in the rain. Adding disinfectants such as Dettol, Savlon, or Betadine to wash your hands, feet, and legs; every time you get wet in the rains is a great method to keep germs and bacteria away and also to keep your skin clean and healthy. Remember, use only clean water to wash your face.

Hand Sanitiser: Most diseases and illnesses spread easily due to poor hand hygiene. Finding a restroom to wash your hands may not always be possible. Therefore it is advisable to carry a bottle of hand sanitisers, which are readily available in all medical and departmental stores. Sanitisers that include natural ingredients such as neem, coriander, lemon and other natural products are the best bets as they are not harsh on the skin. For example, Lemon is a rich source of natural antioxidants and protects the skin from oxidative damage. Coriander, on the other hand, has potent antimicrobial properties and is a great natural cleanser. Hand sanitisers will help to keep your hands clean and germ-free as well.

Mosquito Repellent: Diseases such as malaria, dengue are spread by mosquitoes. The risk of contracting such illnesses is much higher during the monsoon season. Using repellents will help you stay protected against these mosquito driven diseases. One can apply insects repellent either on the skin or even have it sprayed in the surrounding areas where mosquitoes breed. Wearing long sleeves during monsoon or using mosquito repellents during the night are a few ways in which you can prevent diseases caused by mosquitoes.

Make this rainy season a better experience and a less nightmare by making sure that your wellness kit is all stocked up with these essential items to enjoy a happy and healthy monsoon!

Stay Healthy This Monsoon With Metropolis!

Catch up on all the latest Crime, National, International and Hatke news here. Also download the new mid-day Android and iOS apps to get latest updates