The temperature of the body is maintained by the fluids in our body during the hot weather. To release excess heat and to cool the body down when exposed to heat for a long time, we sweat. We experience a lot of dehydration, and even heat strokes when the body loses sufficient fluids. This might cause life-threatening conditions like neurological damage, especially when the body temperature rises to 105 degrees Celsius.
Heat strokes are a really big problem. With the temperatures going upwards of 35°C these days, what you eat and drink matters more than you think.
What Causes a Heat Stroke?
There are two main reasons for heat strokes:
- The exertion of the body in harsh weather conditions, for instance, playing for hours in the sun
- Children, older people and people with illnesses normally have trouble regulating the temperature of their body. Even without any physical activity, they might suffer heat stroke on exposure to very high temperature
What are the Symptoms of Heat Stroke?
Warnings signs might indicate the onset of heat strokes. These are the symptoms:
- Nausea and vomiting
- High body temperature(105°F)
- Headache
- Flushed skin
- Dizziness and weakness
- Rapid breathing
- Increased heart rate
- Abdominal cramps
- Muscle cramps
- Sweating too little or too much
After these warning signs appear, a heat stroke begins. The symptoms of a heat stroke are usually neurological. The patient might experience:
- Seizures
- Irritability
- Bizarre behavioral changes
How to Treat Heat Strokes at Home?
Check out these home remedies for sunstroke.
Buttermilk
You can drink around 1-2 glasses every day.
What You Need
- Yoghurt (2 tbsp)
- Water (1 glass)
- Salt (a pinch)
- Cumin powder (a pinch)
What You Need to Do
- Blend the water with yoghurt.
- Add cumin powder and salt. Mix well.
- Drink this chilled.
How This Helps
This refreshing drink hydrates and cools the body as water is the main component. It also has proteins, probiotics, vitamins and minerals that replenish the body.
Cold Bath
This is an effective first-aid remedy.
What You Need
- Bathtub
- Cold water
What You Need to Do
- Soak in a bathtub for 15-20 minutes full of cold water.
How This Helps
This treatment is recommended in the case of heat stroke due to exertion. This will help lower the body temperature.
Essential Oils
Apply this when your body temperature starts to rise.
What You Need
- Peppermint oil (2-3 drops)
- Olive oil or almond oil (2 tbsp)
- Lavender oil (1-2 drops)
What You Need to Do
- Mix the essential oils.
- Apply this blend on the soles, back of the neck and the inside of your wrists.
How This Helps
Lavender oil is good at soothing the nerves and sun burnt skin. It decreases body temperature.
Chinese Medicine
You can use this remedy when required.
What You Need
- Water (3 cups)
- Dried moong beans (1 cup)
What You Need to Do
- Boil the moong Strain the liquid.
- Drink the liquid after it cools down.
How This Helps
Moong beans are effective for treating heat strokes. Moong beans hydrate the body and lower the body’s temperature.
Tamarind Juice
You can consume it as soon as the symptoms appear.
What You Need
- Tamarind pieces (a few)
- Water (1-1 ½ glasses)
- Sugar or honey
What You Need to Do
- For a few minutes, boil the tamarind.
- Add honey or sugar to the liquid after straining, for taste.
- Drink after it is cooled.
How This Helps
Tamarind is good at supplying essential electrolytes and nutrients that have been depleted due to dehydration.
Onion Juice
You can apply the juice after the occurrence of the stroke, and drink a honey-onion mix twice a day for a few days after the incident.
What You Need
- Honey
- Onion juice
What You Need to Do
There are two ways to use this juice for heat strokes.
- After a heat stroke attack, apply the juice behind the ears, on your chest, and under the feet. Leave it on.
- After the symptoms are gone, drink a teaspoon of onion juice mixed with some honey.
How This Helps
This is known to alleviate the symptoms of a heat stroke. However, its mechanism is not known.
Coriander Water
You can drink a glass of this beverage after the occurrence of a heat stroke.
What You Need
- Coriander
- Sugar
What You Need to Do
- Blend the leaves with some water and extract the coriander juice.
- Add some sugar. Mix well.
- Cool the water in the refrigerator for a few minutes and then drink.
How This Helps
Coriander removes excess heat from the body and gets rid of vomiting and nausea while cooling the body.
Sandalwood Paste
Applying this once will reduce the symptoms of heat strokes.
What You Need
- Sandalwood powder (3-4 tbsp)
- Water
What You Need to Do
- Make the powder into a thin paste.
- Apply it on the chest and forehead.
- Leave it for about an hour.
You could also apply sandalwood oil if you don’t have sandalwood powder.
How This Helps
Sandalwood has cooling properties which bring down the body temperature.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Drink this juice if you feel weak and dizzy after going out in the sun.
What You Need
- Cool water (1 glass)
- Apple cider vinegar (1 tsp)
What You Need to Do
- Mix the water and vinegar and drink it.
How This Helps
The juice has vitamins and minerals that help to replenish the electrolytes in the body.
Plums
This drink can be consumed as a remedy for heat strokes.
What You Need
- Plums
- Water
What You Need to Do
- Soak some plums in the water until they are soft.
- Mash them in the water, and strain.
How This Helps
Plums are a really great source of antioxidants and are good at hydrating.
Tips to Prevent Heat Strokes
- Drink good amounts of water during the summer. Water will keep the body hydrated and cool. Carry a water bottle everywhere you go.
- Always use a scarf, an umbrella, or a hat to cover your head before stepping out in the sun.
- Drink buttermilk or lemonade to decrease excess body heat.
- Wear absorbent and loose-fitting clothes during humid and hot weather conditions.
- Choose to wear light-colored clothes during the day as they absorb less heat.
- Try not to exert yourself when outside. Follow simple schedules to keep yourself hydrated and maintain your energy during outdoor workouts or games.
- Sleep for at least 6 hours every day and eat a balanced diet. This will make sure that the body is well rested and has enough minerals, proteins and vitamins for healthy functioning.