A heat researcher who grew up in Uttar Pradesh, India, has outlined traditional cooling methods as an alternative to air conditioning during extreme heat events. The recommendations emphasize hydration, dietary choices, and passive architectural cooling to regulate body temperature in environments where electricity or AC units are unavailable.
Key suggestions include the consumption of electrolyte-rich beverages such as coconut water and aam panna (raw mango juice), alongside yogurt-based drinks like lassi. The researcher also highlights the importance of eating high-water-content foods, such as cucumbers with salt, and utilizing cold water through frequent showers or dampening the skin to lower core temperatures.
Residential cooling strategies involve identifying the lowest floors of buildings, which remain cooler as heat rises, and using heavy curtains to block direct sunlight. The researcher also noted that traditional techniques, such as hanging dampened grass or bamboo curtains over doorways, can create an evaporative cooling effect to lower indoor air temperatures when a breeze is present.
Medical experts caution that these methods are preventative and emphasize that symptoms of heatstroke—including high fever, confusion, and nausea—require immediate professional medical intervention. Heatstroke can be fatal if left untreated.