Along with the rainy season, comes a problem that is faced by many. In this gloomy season joint pain is seen as a common issue in households.

“These pains and aches are caused by a disbalance in vata or air proportion in the body.” stated Dr Manisha Mishra, an Ayurveda physician. This definitely sounds like a worrisome issue but Dr. Manisha provided us with two helpful remedies. One being dry ginger powder tea, which helps in reducing vata. “Boil dry ginger powder with water, and have it twice daily – Morning and evening,” said Dr Manisha Mishra.

Additional remedy suggested by Dr Manisha Mishra is castor oil. Applying castor oil on the affected parts can bring relief. “Lubrication of the joint gets better and you walk better,” says Dr Mishra.

What is the cause of aches and pains during monsoon?

Humidity And Cool Wind

Humidity and cool winds are seen frequently during the weather.

“In Ayurveda, this period known as visarga kala, is when the earth moves away from the sun, and the moon’s influence increases, making the environment cooler. The monsoon season is associated with the vata and kapha doshas, which become aggravated during this time. Vata dosha, representing air and space elements, becomes imbalanced and kapha dosha, representing water and earth elements, also increases,” clarified shlloka, classical hatha yoga teacher and lifestyle expert.

Vata dosha

Vata dosha is increased due to cool, moist and humid weather conditions, which further leads to causing instability in one’s body.“This imbalance causes joints to lose moisture, leading to friction, inflammation, joint pain, muscle aches and stiffness,” stated shlloka.

Kapha

Since kapha represents water, the heavy and wet envirionment of the monsoon season gives a platform to kapha dosha to increase.

“Excess kapha leads to fluid accumulation in the joints, causing inflammation and swelling, worsening conditions like arthritis, bursitis and tendinitis,” mentioned Shlloka.

Cool, Damp Weather

She further explained how cool, damp weather leads to weakness of digestive fire (agni), which results in improper digestion and the accumulation of toxins. “Ama or toxins or undigested metabolic waste that accumulates in the body due to impaired digestion contributes to inflammation and pain in various parts of the body,” said Shlloka.

Do These Remedies Work?

Shlloka analyzed the remedies suggested by DR Mishra, agreeing and adding more to it she recommended applying castor oil packs – a clean cloth soaked in warm castor oil- on the affected area provides relief. “Leave it on for 30-45 minutes, 1-2 times a day, to reduce inflammation and promote circulation,” said Shlloka.

She also suggested few more remedies that are proven to be a good help in providing relief. These are as follows:

Mustard oil massage

Take some warm mustard oil and gently massage it onto the affected area.
For pain relief, add a few drops of essential oils like eucalyptus or peppermint to the warm mustard oil.
This massage is suggested to practice daily, especially before bedtime, to soothe pain.

Methi seed poultice

Soak methi seeds in water overnight and form a paste.
Apply the paste on the affected area and cover it with a clean cloth.
For best results keep it on for at least 40 minutes, then rinse it off.

Epsom salt bath

Add 1- 2 cups of Epsom Salt to warm water and soak the affected area for 20-30 minutes.
The magnesium in Epsom salt helps relax muscles and reduce pain.
Add a few drops of essential oils like lavender or chamomile for added relaxation.

Herbal compress