The sun is shining, the temperature is rising, and the air is feeling dry... In other words, it's a Pitta-dominated season! Seasonal routine is essential within Ayurveda. As nature changes around us, our bodies change with it. Here are 3 simple, quick ways to stay in health and harmony this summer!

Ayurveda encourages you to balance rising Pitta dosha with cooling foods, a restful routine, and specific rejuvenatory herbs and spices! To keep your body & mind healthy and balanced in Summer, its all about cooling, resting, and grounding as the motto.

1. Pitta-balancing Diet

Keeping the body cool, hydrated, and light is key during summer. By integrating foods with these qualities, we will have more energy and overall health! Summer is the one season of the year we can tolerate salads, so take advantage! Pack in those leafy greens and fresh herbs. Sweet and astringent fruits are also very beneficial, such as pomegranate, apple, mango, cherries and melons. Dairy is very nourishing for Pitta; you can bring in more yogurt, buttermilk, and ghee during this season. If you don't take dairy, coconut makes the perfect alternative as it is very cooling in nature. Stay away from spicy, oily, fried and fermented foods like hot sauce, chili, fried meats, and sauerkraut. Additionally, reduce foods that are sour or acidic in nature like unripe/sour fruits and coffee.

2. Restful Routine

Many people think of summer as the time to lose weight and get "bikini ready", but its actually a time we should be very gentle with our bodies according to Ayurveda. With excess heat in our environment, we don't want to create excess heat internally by strenuous exercise. Mild to moderate exercise & yoga should be followed during summer months. Its also very important to keep our bodies cool and refreshed by avoiding excess sun, enjoying nature, and getting quality sleep. You might begin to notice the body naturally wakes earlier during summer, which is a great habit to follow.

3. Cooling Herbs

There are lots of wonderful ways to utilize herbs and spices to balance Pitta. You can incorporate these in your cooking, drinks, and teas or take them as a supplement. You can infuse your water with rose, jasmine, hibiscus or mint for a refreshing summer beverage. Top your favorite foods with fresh basil, mint, parsley or cilantro. Season your dishes with cooling spices like fennel, cardamom, coriander, and dill. Last, incorporate Pitta-balancing herbs like Neem and Triphala. Neem is a wonderful cooler and detoxifier of the liver and blood. Triphala digests Pitta in the gut and helps improve digestion during summertime heat. You can buy Neem and Triphala here.

For the more in-depth video on this topic, click below:

Please Note: It's important to talk to your doctor or health care practitioner, especially before using any Ayurvedic herbs in combination with drugs. Our herbs should not be used by pregnant women, nursing mothers, children, those who are malnourished/debilitated, those who have lost blood, those with medical conditions, or people who are taking medications without consulting a doctor first.