Varsha Ritu is the Indian monsoon season, usually lasting from July to September. It is a time of intense rainfall, increased humidity, and energetic instability of the body. In traditional Ayurveda, Varsha Ritu is of great importance – not only for nature, but also for the body, mind, and daily health routine. It is a time when Vata and Pitta dosha imbalances are most visible and require special care.
The Vata dosha is responsible for movement, air, and ether, and individuals with a dominant Vata often have a specific skin type—delicate, sensitive, and prone to dryness.
The Pitta dosha symbolizes fire and water, and its main function in the body is transformation—both metabolic and emotional. The skin of individuals with dominant Pitta reflects these characteristics: it is sensitive, warm, and prone to inflammatory reactions.
In Poland, summer means an increased period of humidity, especially after storms and rainfall. High temperatures combined with evaporating water from soil and vegetation create a feeling of "suffocation"—a typical effect of high humidity. Relative humidity often exceeds 80–90% at night and in the morning.
Regions with elevated humidity throughout the year include river valleys (e.g., Vistula, Biebrza valleys), lake districts and coastal areas (Pomerania, Masuria), and forest and mountain areas (Bieszczady, Sudetes – especially in spring and autumn).
High humidity is not just numbers, but also how we feel it – if the temperature exceeds 25°C and humidity is above 60–70%, we feel stifled, our skin feels sticky, and sweat does not evaporate properly.
Characteristics of Varsha Ritu
In a season characterized by high humidity, frequent rains, cloudy skies, and fluctuating temperatures, nature thrives—greenery is lush, and the earth prepares for sowing and rebirth. From an Ayurvedic perspective, this is a period of increased accumulation of ama, which are toxins formed from undigested food residues, resulting from the weakening of Agni – the digestive fire. The weather also favors Vata dosha irregularities, which can lead to fluctuating moods, digestive problems, and a feeling of instability in both body and mind.
In Ayurveda, it is believed that during Varsha Ritu, the body is more susceptible to diseases – the digestive system weakens, and excess moisture promotes the proliferation of bacteria and parasites. Therefore, this season requires a special dietary and skincare regimen.
Which doshas are imbalanced during the rainy season?
Vata dosha
During the rainy season, Vata dosha becomes particularly susceptible to imbalances. This is contributed to by factors such as irregular weather, sudden temperature changes, cold, and humidity. Vata, which is naturally light, dry, and mobile, is disrupted by excess moisture and cold—which can lead to symptoms such as bloating, indigestion, joint pain, insomnia, anxiety, or difficulty concentrating. This is a time when the body needs more warmth, stability, and regularity.
Pitta dosha
Although Pitta usually remains balanced at the beginning of the rainy season, in the later phase of the monsoons – when temperature and humidity rise – it can lead to an excess. Pitta, whose nature is hot and sharp, reacts particularly strongly to hot and humid conditions, which can manifest as skin irritations, acne, reflux, feelings of anger or frustration, and also a weakening of the digestive fire (Agni). Therefore, in this phase, it is advisable to maintain a cooling diet and avoid excess heat – both in food and emotions.
Ayurvedic recommendations for Varsha Ritu
During the rainy season — or Varsha Ritu — Ayurveda pays special attention to protecting the body from the effects of humidity, weakening of digestive fire (Agni), accumulation of ama (toxins), and imbalance of doshas, especially Vata and Pitta. This is a time when the body needs warmth, lightness, and stability.
Diet
During Varsha Ritu, it is crucial to support digestion and avoid foods that can increase the accumulation of ama (undigested residues and toxins). Digestive difficulties, bloating, or a feeling of heaviness are common problems during this time of year.
Avoid:
- Too many raw vegetables – they are hard to digest and can worsen Agni.
- Very cold meals and drinks, including ice cream and chilled beverages – they weaken digestion.
- Heavy, fatty dishes – such as fried foods or meats in heavy sauces.
Choose:
- Warm, cooked, and easily digestible dishes – vegetable soups, rice dishes.
-
Cooked vegetables – especially pumpkin, carrots, zucchini, squash.
Supportive spices and herbs:
- Ginger – fresh or dried, warms and stimulates Agni.
- Turmeric – has anti-inflammatory and cleansing properties.
- Black pepper – improves metabolism.
- Cumin – relieves digestive ailments, has a toning effect.
Routine and Lifestyle
During the rainy season, it is recommended to simplify the day, avoid excessive physical activity, and maintain a daily routine that helps stabilize irregular and agitated Vata.
Oil massage (Abhyanga):
Daily oiling of the body with warm oil, preferably sesame oil, has a grounding, moisturizing, and calming effect on the nervous system. It also helps protect the skin from dryness and cracking.
Dry bath (ubtan):
Instead of shower gels, it's worth using a powdered mixture of chickpea flour, turmeric, and plant milk or water once every few days. Such a "bath" cleanses the skin, removes excess sebum and moisture, and improves microcirculation.
Hygiene and protection:
- Drink only boiled water – minimizes the risk of intestinal infections.
- Avoid street food – especially in humid climates, it can be a source of parasites and bacteria.
- Take care of parasite prevention, e.g., by drinking water with added turmeric, eating cloves, garlic, or neem.
Clothing and makeup:
- Wear cotton, breathable fabrics that allow the skin to breathe.
- Avoid synthetics and overly tight clothing – they can trap moisture and promote skin fungal infections, rashes, and chafing.
- Avoid excessive makeup – opt for a natural, breathable look.
- After bathing, thoroughly dry the skin (especially in folds) and use talc or Ayurvedic powders (e.g., sandalwood) if you are prone to heat rash.
Regularity, warmth, and lightness are the three pillars that will help you get through Varsha Ritu in good health – both physical and emotional. If you wish, I can also prepare an Ayurvedic meal plan or a skincare ritual for this period.
Body and Skin Care during Varsha Ritu
During the Ayurvedic Varsha Ritu — when the air is humid and the skin is exposed to water, mud, and temperature changes — skincare must be particularly careful and adapted to the skin's reactivity. At this time, the skin becomes more susceptible to fungal infections, rashes, itching, or inflammation, so soothing, cleansing, and light products are crucial.
Skin problems during this period:
- fungal and skin infections (especially in folds, between toes, under the bust)
- rashes, redness, pimples
- feeling of moisture and stickiness of the skin
- weakened hydrolipid barrier – the skin becomes reactive and sensitive
Daily facial and body care – Ayurvedic recommendations
1. Skin Toning
Toners play a significant role in soothing inflammation, regulating pH, and protecting against excessive moisture.
reach for Orientana Rose Toner – it has soothing, anti-inflammatory, and antibacterial properties, and gently refreshes the skin without drying it out. Ideal for sensitive and reactive skin.
2. Herbal cleansing baths
During the rainy season, baths with antiseptic herbs are exceptionally helpful in preventing skin infections.
Recommended bath additives:
- Neem Oil – strong antifungal and cleansing properties
- Turmeric – has anti-inflammatory and detoxifying effects
- Sandalwood – soothes itching, cools, and improves skin tone
You can prepare an infusion of these herbs, strain it, and add it to bathwater or use it as a final rinse after bathing.
3. Appropriate selection of moisturizing cosmetics
Moisture in the air does not mean that the skin does not need hydration — quite the opposite. However, heavy, greasy creams can clog pores and worsen inflammation. During Varsha Ritu, it's worth opting for lightweight formulas with regulating and soothing effects.
Recommended Orientana products:
- Tremella sebum-regulating cream – ideal for combination and oily skin in humid climates; contains tremella (plant-based hyaluronic acid), which intensely moisturizes without burdening the skin, while also supporting the skin's microbiome balance.
- Orientana serum-ampoules – lightweight, fast-absorbing formulas with active ingredients like ashwagandha, vitamin C, peptides, trehalose – chosen according to skin needs (e.g., anti-aging, brightening, regeneration).
- Vitamin C creams from the Hello Papaya series – natural, energizing, and exfoliating creams based on papaya and stable forms of vitamin C, which support regeneration, even out skin tone, and protect against oxidative stress.
During Varsha Ritu, skincare should primarily be preventive, purifying, and soothing. This is a time when it is worth letting the skin breathe, not overloading it with cosmetics, but also not leaving it unprotected.
What happens to our skin during Varsha Ritu?
During periods of high humidity and elevated temperatures, such as the rainy season or hot summer, the body struggles to maintain the skin's hydro-lipid balance. External conditions disrupt natural regulatory mechanisms, leading to numerous skin problems.
The skin then becomes more reactive – it responds faster to external stimuli, and its protective functions weaken. Excessive oiliness appears, but at the same time, dehydration can occur. This seemingly contradictory phenomenon makes the skin look shiny, yet it can be tight, rough, and irritated.
In such conditions, the susceptibility to inflammatory changes significantly increases, especially:
- pimples and blackheads,
- folliculitis (e.g., on thighs, buttocks, or arms),
- sweat acne – appearing mainly on the back and décolleté,
- and post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, which remains after inflammation and deepens under the influence of the sun.
Therefore, skincare during such a time should be light, balancing, and soothing – so that it simultaneously cleanses, moisturizes, and soothes inflammation, without burdening the delicate hydro-lipid barrier.
How to care for your skin according to Ayurveda and Varsha Ritu?
1. Cleanse gently, but effectively
During the humid season, it's not advisable to reach for strong detergents – they can disrupt the hydrolipid barrier and worsen the problem.
Recommendation:
Orientana Golden Orange Facial Cleansing Foam – cleanses, has antibacterial properties, soothes and calms.
2. Strengthen skin protection against inflammation
The time of storms and heat is a test for problematic skin – Pitta dosha overheats the skin, which manifests as irritation, redness, and inflammation.
Recommendation:
Antioxidant Ashwagandha Cica Niacinamide Serum-ampoule – has anti-inflammatory effects, strengthens capillaries, regulates sebum, and protects against oxidative stress.
3. Avoid greasy, heavy creams
Instead of thick consistencies, opt for light gels, essences, and watery serums – your skin will breathe, won't become oily, but will be hydrated.
Recommendation:
Orientana Tremella Cream – a natural alternative to hyaluronic acid, lightweight formula, does not clog pores.
4. Tone and refresh
Changing weather can increase skin reactivity – it's worth supporting it daily with a toner or natural mist.
Recommendation:
Japanese Sakura Face and Hair Mist – soothes, refreshes, moisturizes
Spiritual and Emotional Significance of Varsha Ritu
Varsha Ritu in Ayurveda is not only a season in the physical sense but also a time of inner purification, stillness, and reflection. The rains wash away dust from leaves and the earth, but symbolically they also wash away accumulated emotions, tensions, and everything that does not serve our balance. Water — the dominant element during this period — brings with it both solace and confrontation with what is difficult.
Slowing down and stopping
In the natural cycle of life, this is a moment when the world slows down, and we – in tune with the rhythm of nature – have the opportunity to do the same. Constant activity, intense stimuli, and an excess of plans contribute to Vata imbalances, which is why during Varsha Ritu, Ayurveda recommends limiting excessive activities, travel, screen time, and haste. It is a good time to consciously embrace routine, simplify the day, and care for inner balance.
Symbolism of water – cleansing and emotions
In Ayurveda, water symbolizes cleansing, nourishment, softness, but also emotional depth. During the rainy season, hidden emotions, often long suppressed – fear, sadness, a sense of being lost – may become active. This is natural and necessary. Varsha Ritu encourages us not to push away these states, but to notice them, feel them, and give them space for transformation. Just as the earth soaks up water, we too can "soak up" gentleness towards ourselves.
Time for introspection and meditation
Ayurveda emphasizes that the rainy season is an ideal time for spiritual practices – especially those that lead to turning attention inward. Meditation, pranayama (breathing exercises), prayer, journaling, or contemplation in silence help strengthen the Agni of the mind – the ability for discernment and clarity. In this way, we cleanse not only the body of toxins but also the mind of chaos and distraction.
Internal dialogue and balance
This is a time to ask yourself questions:
– What truly nourishes me?
– What do I need less of, and what more of?
– How can I restore harmony between body, emotions, and spirit?
Instead of seeking external stimuli, Varsha Ritu encourages us to look within ourselves — with gentleness, acceptance, and readiness for change. Inner cleansing, like those in nature, leads to rebirth.
Remember that Varsha Ritu is a season that brings rain, abundance, but also health challenges. In the Ayurvedic approach, it is crucial to adapt daily habits – from diet, through skincare, to lifestyle – to the changing conditions of nature. Proper balancing of doshas during this time can prevent many diseases and ensure well-being until the end of the season.
In Ayurveda, everything is a cycle – skincare should also change with the seasons. Varsha Ritu is a time for cleansing, protection, and strengthening – both internally and externally. Natural cosmetics based on Asian plants, like those from Orientana, support the skin in regaining balance and beauty – even when the rain outside doesn't let you forget about it.
