As temperatures soar and your digestive system starts to feel the heat, it’s time to turn to nature’s remedy—traditional Indian drinks. Rooted in Ayurveda and loved by generations, these desi drinks not only cool the body but also improve digestion. They’re easy to prepare, packed with nutrients, and incredibly refreshing.
Here are five traditional Indian drinks that deserve a permanent place in your summer diet….
1. Buttermilk ( chaas )
Buttermilk, also known as chaas, is a probiotic-rich drink made from curd, water, and mild spices like jeera (cumin) and coriander.
✅ How it supports digestion:
- Contains live cultures (probiotics) that promote healthy gut bacteria.
- Cumin aids in reducing bloating and gas.
- Helps cool down the gastrointestinal tract.
✅ How it cools the body:
- Hydrating and electrolyte-rich.
- Naturally reduces body heat after meals.
Pro tip: Add a pinch of black salt and fresh mint leaves to enhance the taste and digestive benefits.
2. Aam Panna (Raw Mango Drink)
Aam Panna is a tangy-sweet summer beverage made from boiled raw mangoes, sugar or jaggery, and spices like roasted cumin and black salt.
✅How it supports digestion:
- Prevents acidity and nausea during summer.
- Black salt boosts digestive enzymes.
✅How it cools the body:
- High water content and electrolytes protect against heatstroke.
- Raw mango is known to balance pitta dosha in Ayurveda.
Pro tip: Serve chilled and garnish with mint leaves for an extra cooling effect.
3. Sattu Sharbat (Roasted Gram Drink)
Originating from Bihar and UP, sattu is roasted Bengal gram flour that is stirred into chilled water with lemon, salt, and sometimes jaggery.
✅How it supports digestion:
- High in fiber and helps cleanse the digestive tract.
- Keeps you full and prevents overeating.
✅How it cools the body:
- Sattu has natural cooling properties and provides energy.
- Prevents dehydration during extreme heat.
Pro tip: Drink it on an empty stomach in the morning for maximum benefits.
4. Jeera Water (Cumin Seed Drink)
Jeera water is made by boiling cumin seeds in water, letting it cool, and optionally adding lemon or honey.
✅How it supports digestion:
- Stimulates digestive enzymes.
- Relieves gas, bloating, and constipation.
- Cumin has carminative properties that ease digestion.
✅How it cools the body:
- Helps reduce internal body heat and acidity.
- Acts as a detoxifier.
Pro tip: Drink a glass of jeera water after meals to speed up digestion.
5. Bel Sharbat (Wood Apple Drink)
Bel fruit, or wood apple, is a nutrient-dense traditional fruit known for its cooling and therapeutic properties. Bel sharbat is made by extracting the pulp and mixing it with water and jaggery.
✅How it supports digestion:
- Natural remedy for constipation and IBS.
- Soothes the intestinal lining.
- Rich in tannins and mucilage that improve gut health.
✅How it cools the body:
- Reduces inflammation in the digestive tract.
- Has natural cooling and hydrating effects.
Pro tip: Avoid adding milk to bel sharbat if you want to keep it light and easily digestible.
Why Choose Desi Drinks Over Packaged Coolers?
While sodas and bottled drinks may seem refreshing, they often contain excessive sugar, preservatives, and artificial flavors. Traditional Indian drinks are free of chemicals, naturally hydrating, and support long-term gut health. Plus, they’re rooted in centuries-old wisdom and easy to prepare at home.
Bonus Tips to Maximize Digestive Benefits:
- Drink these beverages 30 minutes before or after meals, not during.
- Use jeera, ajwain, mint, and fennel regularly in your drinks for added digestive support.
- Choose jaggery or rock salt over white sugar for added minerals.
Final Thoughts
Your kitchen holds the key to better digestion and natural cooling—all you need is to revisit our desi roots. From chaas to sattu, these Indian drinks are time-tested summer saviors. Include them in your daily routine, and your gut will thank you.
Start sipping your way to a healthier, cooler summer—desi style!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Which is the best Indian drink for digestion?
Buttermilk (chaas) is considered one of the best Indian drinks for digestion due to its probiotic content and cooling spices like cumin and black salt. It helps soothe the stomach and supports gut health.
2. Can these desi drinks help with bloating and acidity?
Yes, drinks like jeera water, chaas, and aam panna are excellent for reducing bloating, acidity, and gas. They contain ingredients that promote digestive enzymes and calm the gut.
3. Are these drinks safe to consume daily?
Absolutely. All five drinks—chaas, aam panna, sattu sharbat, jeera water, and bel sharbat—are safe to consume daily in moderation. They’re made from natural, kitchen-based ingredients and have no side effects when prepared fresh.
4. Which desi drink helps with constipation?
Bel sharbat is especially helpful for constipation due to its high fiber and mucilage content. Jeera water and sattu also support smoother bowel movements.
5. When is the best time to drink them?
- Chaas – After meals
- Aam Panna – Mid-morning or afternoon
- Sattu Sharbat – Morning, empty stomach
- Jeera Water – After meals or early morning
- Bel Sharbat – Midday or early evening
Hi, I’m Dietitian Dipanwita Saha, A Clinical Dietitian & Nutripreneur and The Founder & Director of Nutri World. I believe healthy eating should be enjoyable, balanced, and free from guilt—not about strict rules or cutting out your favorite foods. My passion lies in helping people heal their relationship with food, especially those dealing with disordered eating. If you’re looking for a supportive, judgment-free space to nourish your body and mind, I’m here to help—let’s make food feel good again.
