Pitta Cooling Foods And Drinks For Summer + Infographic

The Ayurveda Experience June 08, 2017 1 Comment

Pitta cooling foods and drinks are an easy way to stay cool during the summer, which is not just challenging for Pittas. Every body type needs to be mindful of staying cool during the hot summer months.

Pitta dosha governs metabolism and transformation in the body, including digestion. Pitta is associated with heat, and its effects are especially felt during the hot summer.

“Pittam sasneha tikshnoshnam laghu visram, saram dravam“
Pitta is oily, sharp, hot, light, fleshy-smelling, spreading, and liquid.
— Ashtanga Hrdayam: Sutrasthana I:11

Signs of an aggravated Pitta can be seen in these mind and body symptoms.

Pitta Imbalance Symptoms: Mind

Irritability
Anger
Impatience
Judgment
Criticism
Jealousy/Envy
Frustration
Excessive perfectionist tendencies

Pitta Imbalance Symptoms: Body

Intense hunger
Excessive hunger
Nausea
Vomiting
Hiccups
Acid reflux
Heartburn
Loose stools/diarrhea
Low blood sugar
Sensitivity to spicy and/or fried foods
Inflammation of the stomach or esophagus
Appendicitis
Peptic ulcers

The very first and easiest way too cool down Pitta is following a Pitta-pacifying diet, which can help keep this fiery element in balance. Here are some general guidelines on Pitta cooling foods and drinks and how best to have them.

Use cooling herbs and spices in your cooking. Additional easy ways to add more cooling herbs to your daily life are takras and lassis, teas or chutneys. Scroll down for a simple Coconut Mint Chutney recipe which falls right in line with Pitta cooling foods.

Coconut Mint Chutney Recipe

One of my favorite things to make in the summer are coconut mint chutneys, an Indian condiment.

1 cup shredded dried coconut
1/4 whole lime, juiced
1/2 cup fresh mint leaves
1 tsp mustard seeds
1/2 tsp honey
2 pinch pink Himalayan salt
1/4 cup water

Roast the mustard seeds until they begin to pop. Add all ingredients to a food processor and blend.

Enjoy and stay cool for the summer!