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Have you ever wondered how, back in our grandparents' era—when not every household owned a refrigerator—they managed to stay so 'chill' and refreshed, even amidst scorching heat? Let us tell you: their secret wasn't a machine, but rather the indigenous wisdom hidden within their kitchens.

They relied on water stored in earthen pots (*matkas*) and utilized specific natural ingredients that provided a cooling effect to the body from the inside out. In stark contrast to today's soda- and sugar-laden cold drinks, these traditional beverages are not only delicious but also nothing short of a boon for one's health. Let's explore six such traditional Indian summer drinks that, even today, possess the power to conquer scorching heat and heatwaves.

**Spiced Buttermilk (Chhaach) from an Earthen Pot**

On a sweltering summer afternoon, finding a glass of chilled buttermilk (*chhaach*)—freshly drawn from an earthen pot—is an absolute delight. Buttermilk (also known as *mattha*) soothes internal body heat and keeps the digestive system functioning smoothly. Our elders used to prepare it by mixing in roasted cumin seeds, black salt, and fresh mint leaves. It provides instant hydration to the body and also aids in digesting heavy meals.

**Raw Mango Drink (Aam Panna)**

*Aam Panna* (Raw Mango Drink) remains the most infallible and time-tested remedy for protecting oneself against heatstroke (*loo*) during the summer months. It is prepared by boiling or roasting raw mangoes and then blending them with mint leaves, cumin, black salt, and a touch of sugar or jaggery. Its delightful sweet-and-sour flavor instantly melts away all fatigue. Drinking *Aam Panna*—preferably prepared using water from an earthen pot—before stepping out of the house ensures that the scorching heatwave cannot even touch you.

**Energy-Packed Sattu Sherbet**

This traditional beverage, hailing from the states of Uttar Pradesh and Bihar, is now gaining popularity across the entire country. *Sattu*—a flour made by grinding roasted gram (*chana*)—acts as a natural coolant for the body. It is prepared by dissolving the flour in water and mixing in lemon juice, chopped onions, green chilies, and salt to create a zesty and savory drink. If you prefer, you can also sweeten it by adding jaggery instead. It provides an instant energy boost and keeps the stomach feeling full for hours.

**Bael Sherbet: A Boon for the Stomach**

Just as the Bael fruit is tough on the outside, it is equally sweet and beneficial on the inside. Bael sherbet draws out body heat and purifies the blood. It is prepared by mashing the pulp in water, without any cooking over a flame. Its taste is so exquisite that all commercially packaged juices pale in comparison.

**Jaljeera: A Refreshing Sensation**

The summer heat often leaves a bad taste in the mouth and suppresses one's appetite. In such moments, Jaljeera acts as a true elixir. This magical blend—featuring mint, coriander, cumin, dried mango powder (amchur), and black salt—effectively relieves gastric issues. Prepared with a few mint leaves added to cold water from an earthen pot, Jaljeera infuses the body with an incredible sense of freshness.

**Gond Katira and Mishri Water**

This is a very special remedy passed down by our elders—one that the modern generation seems to be gradually forgetting. Gond Katira (Tragacanth gum) resembles white crystals; when soaked in water, it swells up to form a jelly-like consistency. It possesses an extremely cooling nature. Consuming it mixed with water from an earthen pot (sweetened with rock sugar/Mishri) or with milk helps regulate body temperature and offers protection against severe summer ailments, such as nosebleeds.

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