These 5 refreshing desi drinks will give both immunity and freshness in the changing season, note down the easy and quick recipes.

The period of seasonal change is considered to be the most delicate from health point of view. When there is slight warmth in the day and slight coldness in the air in the morning and evening, our body’s thermoregulation system (temperature control system) comes under stress. In major cities of North India like Lucknow, Kanpur, Varanasi, Delhi and Jaipur, during this seasonal change, complaints of viral fever, cold, sore throat and lethargy start increasing rapidly. At this time, due to reduced feeling of thirst, people often do not drink enough water, due to which the body starts getting dehydrated from inside and the immunity becomes weak. Nutritionists and Ayurveda experts suggest that instead of packed juices and sodas containing preservatives from the market, one should consume refreshing drinks made from fresh and natural ingredients at home. These drinks not only maintain the balance of electrolytes in the body, but also provide protection from seasonal diseases by improving the digestive system.

This combination of lemon, ginger and mint is considered most suitable to relieve sore throat and speed up metabolism in the changing weather. Gingerol present in ginger fights inflammation and infection, while vitamin C in lemon strengthens the body’s defense system. Mint calms stomach heat and acidity.

• Material: Take 1 glass of lukewarm or normal water, 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger, 1 tablespoon lemon juice, 6-8 fresh mint leaves, 1 teaspoon honey and a pinch of black salt.

• Method of preparation: Lightly crush mint leaves and grated ginger in a glass so that their extract comes out. Now add water to it and stir well with a spoon. Finally, mix lemon juice, honey and black salt and mix well. Drink it sip by sip in the morning or afternoon with or without filtering.

When the body feels heaviness or dehydration due to imbalance of moisture and dryness in the air, cucumber juice cools and hydrates the body the fastest. By adding extract of basil leaves to it, it becomes a natural antibacterial and antiviral tonic.

• Material: 1 medium sized cucumber (peeled), 7-8 fresh black basil leaves, half teaspoon roasted cumin powder, rock salt as per taste and half a glass of cold water.

• Method of preparation: Add chopped cucumber pieces, basil leaves and half a glass of water in a blender jar and grind them finely. Filter this mixture through a fine sieve and take it out in a glass. Add roasted cumin powder and rock salt on top and mix. This drink is a great option to relieve fatigue during daytime in office or household work.

Orange rich in Vitamin C is the most effective fruit to protect against seasonal flu. When raw turmeric and a pinch of cinnamon are added to it, it becomes a powerful antioxidant drink that helps in increasing the number of white blood cells in the body.

• Material: 1 big cup fresh orange juice (unfiltered), half teaspoon raw turmeric juice (or a pinch of turmeric powder), a pinch of cinnamon powder, half teaspoon chia seeds (soaked in water for 10 minutes).

• Method of preparation: Add turmeric juice and cinnamon powder to fresh orange juice and beat well. Now add pre-soaked chia seeds to it. Chia seeds give this drink an extra boost of fiber and omega-3 fatty acids. Taking this drink with breakfast proves to be most beneficial.

If your stomach remains heavy during the changing season, indigestion or gas problem increases, then roasted gram sattu and fresh buttermilk (whey) is a panacea for your digestive system. The probiotics present in buttermilk increase the good bacteria in the intestines, while Sattu provides instant protein and energy to the body.

• Material: 1 large glass of fresh diluted whey or buttermilk, 2 tablespoons of roasted gram sattu, half teaspoon of roasted cumin powder, black salt as per taste, 1 teaspoon of finely chopped coriander and a pinch of asafoetida.

• Method of preparation: Put Sattu and a little buttermilk in a big vessel and beat it with the help of a fork or a churner so that there are no lumps. When the solution becomes smooth, add the remaining buttermilk. Now add black salt, asafoetida, roasted cumin and chopped coriander and mix well. Drinking it half an hour after lunch keeps the stomach light and maintains energy throughout the day.

As the evenings start getting cooler, there is a risk of throat irritation by drinking too cold water. In such a situation, lukewarm or normal temperature infused water provides both warmth and hydration to the body from within.

• Material: 1 glass bottle or jug, 1 liter water, 1 apple (cut into thin slices), 1 small cinnamon stick and 4-5 mint leaves.

• Method of preparation: Fill a glass jug with clean water. Add apple slices, cinnamon stick and mint leaves in it. Leave this jug at normal room temperature for 2 to 3 hours so that the flavor and nutrients of all the ingredients are absorbed into the water. Drink this water instead of plain water throughout the day. It also helps control blood sugar and balance appetite.

While making refreshing drinks, always keep in mind that you should minimize or avoid using white refined sugar in them. Instead of sugar, prefer natural sweetness like honey, jaggery or sugar without any sweetener. Avoid using excessively chilled or ice water from the refrigerator, as drinking very cold water at the time of change in weather suddenly increases the risk of tonsillitis, cough and bronchitis. Always drink seasonal drinks freshly made and do not store them for many days.