Welcome, friends! Here in Albuquerque, New Mexico, summer starts early and lingers well into fall. So when I say I can't live without this product in summer, it's pretty much from May to October, and it's a game changer. My Pitta is high for a number of reasons. My main dosha is Pitta, I'm in the Pitta stage of life (adulthood), I live in a hot climate, I'm a full-time student, and I'm approaching menopause. For anyone who isn't sure how all of that ties into having high Pitta or might need a refresher, the qualities of Pitta are hot, sharp, light, liquid, spreading, oily, sour, pungent, bitter, and it can take on a fleshy or pungent smell. Pitta is the essence of heat and transformation and is associated with the colors red and yellow.

•  When the summer heat seems to sap my energy
• When I'm stuck in traffic and feeling irritated
• When I've been on a plane or in a car too long and the stagnant air makes me feel dull
• On hiking trips and indoor or outdoor yoga classes (although I'm sure it's amazing after any kind of workout)
• On break during lectures or study sessions when I need a pick me up that isn't caffeine
• When I start to experience hot flashes - in the very near future

Sweetgrass

The first, and most prominent ingredient is Sweetgrass, which is also known as manna grass and holy grass. It's considered sacred by many Indigenous peoples in North America and is used in herbal medicines as well as cleansing rituals as a smudge. In Europe, it has been used to place before church doors on saints' days, as well as for adding flavor to candy, tobacco, soft drinks, teas, perfumes, and even vodka. In many traditions, it is known to invite good spirits, cleanse energetic spaces and bring a sense of calm. After just one spray of the fine mist, you can feel the calming and soothing properties in the skin and the senses. 

 plantain leaf distillate

Next is plantain leaf distillate. Many of us think of plantains and envision them as a sweet side dish or a savory snack, like tostones or patacones. While plantains are delicious, the plantain leaf is a completely different plant and is an amazing herb with a long history of medicinal benefits. Generally considered to be a common weed, its anti-inflammatory, wound-healing, and anti-infective properties have been used as a remedy for skin conditions for centuries. One constituent of plantain leaf is called allantoin, and it is very effective at soothing inflammatory conditions like sunburn and acne--it's no wonder that we'd put this healing herb in a formulation for Pitta-type skin!

Helichrysum flower

Helichrysum flower is another ingredient that might not be a household name, but probably should be. It is in the sunflower family and is usually steam distilled to produce an essential oil that is very popular for its fragrance. It also has cleansing properties, contains several antioxidants, is used to reduce scarring, and promotes overall skin health. It is especially helpful with sensitive, Pitta skin because it reduces skin irritation and redness. We especially love this ingredient in our toner because it provides a soothing sensation to the skin and promotes a glowing, youthful complexion.

aloe vera

This amazing toner also contains an ingredient that everyone knows and loves: aloe vera. This plant is commonly used in home remedies for rashes and sunburns, so it's no surprise that it's also used to calm and soothe the heat and irritation often found in Pitta skin. It helps the skin feel physically cooler and more hydrated while also promoting an even-toned complexion and reducing the look of uneven spots. Aloe is so versatile that people with high Pitta can often drink aloe juice or aloe gel to soothe a variety of ailments, including high acidity in the digestive tract and difficult menses.