Pitta is the second dosha, or “that which digests things.” Pitta has the qualities of sharpness, oiliness, lightness and instability. In the physical body, pitta is behind our digestion and metabolism. It's the force of heat in the body that keeps us at a sultry 98.6°F.
When Pitta is in balance, we feel focused, courageous and driven. When there's too much of it, we can feel inflamed, impatient, perfectionistic or simply too hot, physically and emotionally.
But here’s the good news. Ayurveda teaches us that the opposite is the medicine.
During the heat of summer, think cool, sweet, soft and slow. Choose foods, rituals and experiences that help your body exhale, regulate your nervous system and invite more ease into your day.
See below for our favorite ways to soothe and cool Pitta in the summer heat:
🌀 Take a swim in a river. Get out in fresh air. Speak and hear spontaneous "sweet nothings."
🌀 Eat cooling foods such as mint, fennel, cucumber, coconut oil and coconut water.
🌀 Spice foods with cooling additions such as cumin, coriander, mint and cardamom.
🌀 Buy roses. Put a few drops of rose essential oil on your pulse points.
🌀 Put a teaspoon of fennel seeds in cool water and sip.