How to balance pitta dosha in summer

Balancing pitta dosha in summer is important for maintaining your health and well-being, especially if you have a pitta constitution or a pitta imbalance-an imbalance can be on an emotional level as well -  think anger, fiery, demanding, perfectionist etc

• Eat foods that are cooling, sweet, bitter, and astringent, such as coconut, watermelon, cucumber, leafy greens, fennel, cilantro, mint, and lime. Avoid foods that are heating, sour, salty, and pungent, such as chilies, vinegar, cheese, tomatoes, and fermented foods.
• Drink plenty of fluids to stay hydrated and cool. You can add some herbs or spices to your water, such as rose petals, fennel seeds, or cardamom pods. You can also enjoy some refreshing drinks like lassi (yogurt drink), coconut water, or peppermint tea.
• Avoid excessive sun exposure and heat. Try to stay in the shade or indoors during the hottest part of the day. Wear light-colored and loose-fitting clothes made of natural fabrics. Use a hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen to protect yourself from the sun's rays.
• Exercise in the early morning or evening when it is cooler. Choose activities that are gentle, relaxing, and fun, such as walking, swimming, yoga, or pilates. Avoid strenuous, competitive, or aggressive exercises that can increase your body heat and irritate your mind.
• Practice cooling and calming breathing techniques (pranayama), such as sheetali (cooling breath) or shitali (sipping breath). These can help lower your body temperature and soothe your nervous system. You can also meditate or chant mantras to calm your mind and emotions.
•  Incorporate cooling and soothing herbs into your daily routine. You can take them as teas, tinctures, oils, or capsules. Some of the best herbs for pitta dosha are aloe vera, amalaki (Indian gooseberry), brahmi (gotu kola), shatavari (wild asparagus), sandalwood, rose, lavender, and chamomile.

Hopefully this will help all the fiery pittas out there :)

Karla