Drinks to Cool You and Your Pitta in the Summer

According to Ayurveda, each seasons is associated with a body type.  Summer is considered Pitta season because of its association with heat.  Pitta, the dosha represented by fire and water, is responsible for digestion and transformation in the mind and body. Pitta dosha has the qualities of being hot, bright, sharp, oily and liquid. In Ayurveda, like increases like.  When it is the summer, Pitta types (and even non-Pitta types may experience Pitta type issues because of the season) need to keep themselves Pitta balanced during the hot and bright summer months. When in balance, Pitta provides strong digestion, impressive organizational skills, and strong stamina. Out of balance, Pitta could be prone to occasional acid indigestion, excessive sweating, stubbornness and impatience.

Since Pitta is responsible for digestion, it is important to eat keep ourselves cool and hydrated in the summer heat.  Many times people look to ice cold beverages to do this, but this harms digestion and makes the body work harder to compensate.  Here are some better beverage choices to cool Pitta and enjoy the beautiful summer.

• Coconut water at room temperature helps maintain a balanced internal body temperature while providing natural electrolytes for hydration. 
• Cucumber water also provides cooling moisture.  It is easy to make.  Add 8 thin slices of fresh cucumber and  one sprig of fresh mint to a 24 ounce glass jar filled with room temperature water.  Sip it throughout the day.
• Rose petal tea helps balance one of the main organs of Pitta, the liver.  Boil one cup of water and add 1/8 teaspoon of fennel seeds, 1/4 teaspoon each of turbinado sugar and rose petals (can be found dried in health food stores or use a couple fresh  petals) and one tablespoon fresh mint or 1/4 teaspoon dried.  Allow to steep for about five minutes. 

While the seasons change quickly, it helps us enjoy each season even more when we can keep ourselves balanced. 

Stay healthy & well,
Lisa