According to Ayurveda hot days of summer from June to September is a Pitta season. Pitta dosha is a one of the three psycho-physiological elements that govern the different activities of mind and body.
Composed of fire and water, Pitta dosha governs metabolism and transformation in the body, including digestion. Signs of an aggravated Pitta include excess stomach acid, heartburn, skin eruptions and irritability.
5 Top Summer Tips
1- Diet
Following a Pitta-pacifying diet can help keep this fiery element in balance. Eat more of the sweet, bitter and astringent tastes, and less of the sour, salty and pungent tastes. Sweet juicy fruits like melons, pears and grapes, vegetables like broccoli, cucumber and zucchini, dairy products like milk and Ghee and grains like rice are all excellent choices. Avoid sour foods like sour cream, vinegar and ketchup and spicy dishes. Cook with cooling spices such as mint, fennel, anise and cardamom.
2- Lifestyle
Protect from summer heat and balance work with leisure. Avoid long commutes and deadlines at work. If possible plan a vacation for the summer or enjoy fun activities on weekends and take time to enjoy life.
3- Keep Cool Outdoors
Swimming is wonderful for soothing Pitta dosha. Other water-based sports are also good choices. Leisurely evening strolls are relaxing for both mind and body. An occasional moonlight walk is especially soothing for Pitta-ruffled emotions.
4- Herbs
Pump up digestion with Triphala plus. In summer, toxins can build up in the liver. This can manifest in a number of ways, from emotional irritability, to sensitive skin that over-reacts to the sun, insects or heat. Triphala plus is formulated to balance and strengthen the liver while gently removing toxins. Keeping the elimination system running smoothly is especially important in the summer months, when constipation can result due to heat build-up in the tissues.
5- Massage with Cooling Pitta Oil
Self-massage with cooling Pitta oil will not only cool your skin but purify it as well. Padmashri cooling Pitta oil is prepared with pitta reducing herbs such as white sandalwood, amla, shatavari and Indian lotus in a base of cold pressed sesame oil to cool relax and pacify the body, alleviating the symptoms of Pitta dosha including heat irritation and inflammation
Neelam Toprani is an Ayurvedic researcher and the formulator of Sewanti herbal remedies and Padmashri massage oils distributed by Holizen. Neelam has been studying various healing modalities and eastern spiritualties from many masters. One of the objectives her Company is to take the timeless wisdom of Ayurveda and translate it into practical solutions to improve the quality of life.
