04 Aug Cooling Down Pitta Dosha

Cooling Down Pitta Dosha

What do hot flashes, migraines, acne, indigestion and diarrhea all have in common? According to ayurveda, they are often indications of an imbalance related to excess heat (pitta dosha) in the body. These conditions can be exasperated in the hot summer months where the temperature outside is fueling the flames of your internal fire. Excess heat may also manifest as anger, criticism, sarcasm, competing, judging, etc.

Need relief? The ayurvedic answer is to bring balance by introducing the opposite qualities via diet and lifestyle. Here are some general tips:

1. Eat more cooling foods such as: cucumbers, watermelon, coriander, cilantro, coconut, coconut water, coconut milk, bitter greens, beans, lentils, etc.
2. Avoid spicy or heating foods such as: tomatoes, animal protein, corn, garlic, chilies, peppers, spices, lemons, fried foods, sour foods, fermented foods, hot beverages, etc.
3. Participate in calming activities such as: gentle yoga, spending more time near water or in the shade, listening to mellow music, etc.
4. Keep physically cool by: avoiding sun exposure during mid-day (10am-2pm), exercising in the cooler early morning hours or after sunset, using the air conditioner to avoid boiling over, practicing shitali cooling pranayama, coolign down with a swim, etc.
5. Keep mentally cool: avoid debates and confrontations, meditate for a few minutes throughout the day, spend time in nature, avoid burning the midnight oil, etc.

My favorite home remedies for cooling down:

1. Green Liver Tonic in the morning: Recipe HERE.
2. Sipping coconut water after exercise (or yoga practice)
3. Sipping rosewater throughout the day – all day! Recipe: 1 cup room temperature water with 3 drops Heritage Store Rose Petals Rosewater™, sweeten with ½ teaspoon maple syrup or coconut sugar (optional)
4. Misting my face with rose water.
5. Pitta Cooling Summer Dal: Recipe HERE.
6. Red Quinoa Salad; Recipe HERE.
7. Drinking coriander milk 30 minutes before bed. Recipe: 1 cup milk (dairy or non-dairy) with 1 teaspoon crushed coriander seeds; warm for 10 minutes on low heat. Cool to room temperature. Sip slowly in quiet.

Excerpted from “The Essential Ayurvedic Cookbook” by Lois Leonhardi. Order HERE.

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The information provided on this site, is for informational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for advice from your health care professional. You should not use the information on this site for diagnosis or treatment of any health problem.You should consult with a healthcare professional before taking any medication, supplements or making dietary changes especially if you are pregnant or if you have or suspect you might have a health problem.