Kochi: When the Malayalam month of Karkidakam starts on Wednesday, it’s going to be boom time for ayurveda clinics as the tradition of rejuvenation begins.

And this year, with the copious rains, the low temperature has turned out to be ideal for the special porridge of herbs and cereals and also for the ritual oil massage to keep people healthy for the next full year.

The state government-owned Oushadhi in Thrissur has already come out with 11 varieties of porridge which will be made available at its canteen from 8 am to 8 pm, according to Dr K.S.Rajithan.

The herbs and grain that go to make these porridges which include horsegram, fenugreek and navara rice, help keep the body warm. A doctor will also be around to provide free counselling on the medicinal porridge and other forms of Karkidaka care.

The porridge can trace its roots to the lean season when the monsoon left people with little work. The available rice and cereals were cooked with leafy vegetables, herbs and roots.

During monsoon, the absorption power and immunity of the body are at their lowest and this will have to be supplemented with herbs, medicines and oils which is what this rejuvenation therapy is all about, say ayurveda experts.

But Dr Sethumadhavan of Padinjarekkara Ayurveda Hospital has a word of caution. “There needs to be a rethink about the whole business of Karkidakam rejuvenation since climate change is a happening phenomenon. The therapy, based on treatises, was meant to strengthen the body during monsoon after fatigue from the hot summer,” he says.