Embracing Pitta Season: A Holistic Approach to Seasonal Wellness
As we transition into the vibrant energy of summer, known in Ayurveda as Pitta season, we find ourselves surrounded by the warmth and brightness of the sun. This season invites us to adjust our routines and embrace practices that keep us balanced, cool and nourished as overheating can influence our internal balance, manifesting as inflammation, digestive issues, irritability and more. Read on for some simple tips to counterbalance the fiery energy of summer and promote overall harmony and well-being.
Consume Lighter & Fresher Foods
Summer is the perfect time to focus on lighter, fresher foods that are easy to digest and help maintain internal balance. Incorporate plenty of leafy greens and vegetables into your meals to keep your body feeling light and energized.
Juicy fruits like watermelon and berries are excellent for cooling down and staying hydrated. Just be sure to “eat it alone or leave it alone.” Consume fruit at least 30 minutes before or after other foods to avoid digestive discomfort. And, avoid combining fruit with vegetables or dairy to prevent issues like gas, bloating or indigestion.
This time of year, it’s particularly beneficial to make your biggest meal of the day around midday when your digestive fire (agni) is at its strongest. This should also be your highest protein meal, providing sustained energy for the day ahead.
Adapt New Daily Routines
Wish you were an early riser? Now’s a great time to start! Aligning your wake-up time with the sun and getting up earlier means making the most of the cooler morning hours. This practice in itself can help you stay energized and balanced throughout the day.
Take things one step further by ditching your java for a glass of room temperature or cool water — perhaps infused with mint or cucumber for added cooling benefits. This helps rehydrate your body and kickstart your metabolism in a gentle, refreshing way.
Use Natural Remedies For Summer Discomforts
Allergies: With the season changing and all of the plants, trees and grasses in bloom, this can be a challenging time for those sensitive to the environment. Here are some natural remedies to combat seasonal allergies…
Drink ginger, nettle or turmeric tea daily to help boost immunity and alleviate the internal inflammation.
Use a neti pot with a saline solution to wash irritants out of the nasal passages.
Reduce sugar and dairy intake to help the body recover more quickly.
Avoid processed foods, fried foods and heavy meals (specifically late in the day) to keep your digestion strong.
Stay hydrated! Make sure you’re drinking plenty of water.
Consume raw honey that’s produced somewhere local to you.
Sunburns: If you find yourself with a sunburn, try these natural remedies to reduce redness and irritation…
Aloe vera gel: Cools and heals the skin.
Coconut oil: Moisturizes and soothes the skin.
Cool bath with baking soda: Helps alleviate itching and irritation.
Compress with fresh rose petals and water: Calms and cools the skin.
Bug Bites: Plantain has anti-inflammatory properties, while yarrow helps reduce itching and swelling. Both herbs are excellent for soothing bug bites!
By embracing the key principles of Pitta season; consuming lighter and fresher foods, adapting new daily routines and using natural remedies for summer discomforts, we can maintain balance and vitality throughout these sun-filled months.