The Ayurvedic Summertime Survival Guide:
Foods & Herbs That Keep You Cool, Calm & Healthy
By Dr. Puja Shah
What are the best foods and herbs for staying cool and healthy in the summertime? Ayurveda has a lot to say about this topic, and it goes far beyond just drinking more water to quench your thirst.
The key is to keep the Pitta Dosha balanced. Its fire and water elements are much more prone to becoming aggravated in the summer, which can drain you of your energy and peace of mind and even trigger various health challenges, particularly digestive issues, inflammation, and skin problems.
Thankfully, the right foods and herbs can do wonders, and virtually all are easy to find at your local grocery or wellness store
Fruits
- Watermelon: Hydrating and cooling, perfect for hot days.
- Cucumber: Refreshing and soothing, it helps reduce internal heat.
- Berries: Blueberries, strawberries, and raspberries are cooling and rich in antioxidants.
Vegetables
- Leafy Greens: Spinach, kale, and Swiss chard are cooling and packed with nutrients.
- Zucchini: A versatile vegetable that is light and easy to digest.
- Asparagus: Helps detoxify the body and has a cooling effect.
Dairy
- Milk: Organic, fresh milk can soothe Pitta when consumed in moderation.
- Yogurt: Cooling and probiotic-rich, aids digestion.
- Ghee: Clarified butter that balances Pitta without overheating the body.
Grains
- Barley: Light and cooling, ideal for summer.
- Rice: Basmati rice is especially balanced for Pitta.
- Quinoa: A cooling grain that is also a complete protein.
Herbs & spices:
- Mint: Refreshing and cooling, helps reduce heat, and aids digestion.
- Coriander: Balances internal heat and soothes inflammation.
- Fennel: Calms the digestive system and has a cooling effect.
- Cumin: Supports digestion without increasing heat.
- Rose: Rose petals and rose water are extremely cooling and soothing.
Summer Recipe Ideas For Pitta
Cooling Cucumber Mint Salad
- Ingredients: 2 cucumbers (sliced), a handful of fresh mint leaves (chopped), 1 tablespoon lemon juice, salt to taste.
- Instructions: Mix all ingredients in a bowl, chill for 30 minutes, and serve. This salad is incredibly refreshing and hydrating.
Refreshing Watermelon Fennel Juice
- Ingredients: 2 cups watermelon (diced), 1 teaspoon fennel seeds, a few ice cubes.
- Instructions: Blend the watermelon and fennel seeds with ice cubes until smooth. Strain and serve chilled. This juice is perfect for a hot day, offering hydration and cooling effects.
Soothing Quinoa Salad
- Ingredients: 1 cup cooked quinoa, 1 cup cherry tomatoes (halved), 1 cucumber (diced), 1/4 cup fresh coriander leaves (chopped), 1 tablespoon olive oil, 1 tablespoon lemon juice, salt and pepper to taste.
- Instructions: Mix all ingredients in a bowl and serve chilled. This salad is light, nutritious, and perfect for balancing Pitta.
Calming Rose Tea
- Ingredients: 1 tablespoon dried rose petals, 2 cups boiling water, honey to taste.
- Instructions: Steep the rose petals in boiling water for 5-10 minutes. Strain and add honey to taste. Enjoy this tea to cool down and relax.
Hydrating Coconut Mint Cooler
- Ingredients: 1 cup coconut water, a handful of fresh mint leaves, juice of half a lime, ice cubes.
- Instructions: Blend all ingredients until smooth. Serve chilled. This cooler is incredibly refreshing and helps keep Pitta in balance.
About Dr. Puja Shah, Editor-in-Chief of The Natural Law
Dr. Puja Shah is an award-winning author whose 93 year old grandmother swore by Ayurvedic remedies and practiced yoga into her last days. And so while her education includes 9 years of medical training as a dentist, 3 teaching qualifications in yoga, and dozens of courses in meditation, it’s no wonder that she always goes back to Ayurveda. Puja harnesses Ayurveda regularly with her children and husband Amish Shah, Founder of The Natural Law.
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