As the summer sun blazes on, it’s essential to safeguard yourself from the unforgiving heat and its potential health hazards. Heat strokes, in particular, pose a significant risk during scorching summer days. Here’s a guide to recognize, prevent, and treat heat strokes naturally:
Understanding Heat Stroke
Heat stroke occurs when your body’s temperature rises above 40 degrees Celsius due to prolonged exposure to high temperatures. It’s crucial to distinguish between heat exhaustion and heat stroke, with the latter being a more severe condition that can damage vital organs.
Recognizing Symptoms
Look out for the following symptoms, which may indicate a heat stroke:
Throbbing headache
Rapid breathing
Increased heart rate
Flushed skin or redness
Nausea and vomiting
Excessive sweating and dizziness
Prevention Tips
To prevent heat stroke, ensure adequate hydration by drinking plenty of water or oral rehydrating solutions. Avoid alcohol and caffeinated drinks, as they can exacerbate dehydration. Additionally, maintain electrolyte balance by consuming foods rich in essential minerals.
Natural Remedies
Try these natural remedies to alleviate heat stroke symptoms and promote recovery:
Onion Juice: Apply onion juice behind the ears and on the chest to lower body temperature. Alternatively, consume raw onions in salads or chutneys.
Tamarind Drink: Soak tamarind in boiling water, strain, and drink with a pinch of sugar to lower body temperature and replenish electrolytes.
Aam Panna: Enjoy this refreshing drink made with raw mangoes and cooling spices like cumin and fennel to stay hydrated and energized.
Plums: Prepare a soothing drink by soaking plums in water, mashing them, and straining them. This drink helps calm the body and reduces inflammation.
Buttermilk and Coconut Water: Rehydrate your body with probiotic-rich buttermilk and electrolyte-balancing coconut water.
Coriander and Mint Juice: Extract juice from coriander or mint leaves, add a pinch of sugar, and drink to cool the body and soothe hot, itchy skin.
Tulsi and Fennel Seeds: Consume a concoction of tulsi seeds in rose water or soak fennel seeds overnight to keep your body cool.
Apple Cider Vinegar: Mix apple cider vinegar with water and honey to replenish lost minerals and electrolytes.
Aloe Vera Juice: Boost your body’s natural defenses with aloe vera juice, known for its adaptogenic properties.
Sandalwood Paste: Apply sandalwood powder or oil on your forehead and chest to lower body temperature and soothe the skin.
Seeking Relief
In severe cases, wet the patient’s hair and forehead with cool water to facilitate heat dissipation. Stay vigilant for signs of heat stroke and prioritize hydration and cooling measures to stay safe during the summer months.
