‘Keep An Onion & Take God’s Name’: Jyotiraditya Scindia’s Hack To Beat The Summer Heat

Jyotiraditya Scindia says he avoids air conditioning and uses traditional methods like covering his head and carrying an onion to cope with extreme heat.

Eating onions can help slightly with hydration because they have a high water content and contain some potassium. (Photo: X/Scindia)

Jyotiraditya Scindia has said he neither sits in air-conditioned rooms nor keeps the AC on in his car, yet manages to cope with the scorching heat without trouble. The Lok Sabha MP from Guna says he follows the old Indian way to beat the heat — covering his head and carrying an onion in his pocket.

Addressing a gathering in Madhya Pradesh’s Shivpuri, Scindia also appealed to people not to forget these things in this hot weather.

“I don’t use air conditioning in my car, nor do I sit in an air-conditioned environment. And when people ask me, even in the 51-degree heat of May and June, I say, ‘This is Chambal skin.’ And let me tell you something else: I look a little young, but my soul is very old… And in today’s times, everyone is carrying boxes. The communication minister is carrying onions. These are old things. And as Ayurveda progresses, we shouldn’t forget these things. In the hot weather of June, cover your head, keep an onion in your pocket and take God’s name,” he said.

Heatwave In India

Heatwave has gripped several parts of the country, with temperatures between 40 and 45 degrees Celsius. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has warned that heatwave conditions are likely to continue across Northwest and Central India until April 28. States such as Punjab, Haryana, Delhi, Rajasthan, and Uttar Pradesh are expected to remain severely affected. In Central India, regions including Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, and Vidarbha are also experiencing extreme heat.

However, people can expect relief this week in some places from extreme conditions.

Does Eating Onions Really Help In Summer?

Eating onions can help slightly with hydration because they have a high water content and contain some potassium. But they are not a meaningful source of electrolytes compared to proper fluids like ORS, coconut water, or even plain water.

The idea that raw onions have strong “cooling” properties is more of a traditional belief (home remedy) than something backed by science.

How To Beat Heat

Drink water regularly (don’t wait for thirst)

Use ORS or electrolyte drinks when needed

Stay in shade / cool spaces

Wear loose, light clothing

Eat water-rich foods (fruits like watermelon, cucumber)

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