Lifestyle changes to balance Pitta Dosha during summer

Every season arrives with its own distinct disposition, its own attributes. Similarly, in Ayurveda it is believed that every season is governed by a specific dosha. For instance, the hot days of summer are associated with the element of fire making “Pitta” the associated dosha for this weather.

Depending on a person’s constitution, summer may increase one’s internal sense of harmony, or may aggravate one of their innate tendencies.

Let us understand some important lifestyle changes and Ayurvedic recommendations that may help balance the state of dosha in the warm summer weather.

Ayurvedic Recommendations to balance the Pitta dosha during summer season

• The decrease in moisture and increase in heat that summer brings intends to weaken the digestive system. To help control this, Ayurveda recommends foods that reduce the heat in body and can be digested easily. Incorporating summer staples like sattu, roasted pulses, pomegranate, watermelon, amla and buttermilk in your diet can be beneficial.   

• A cooling amalgam of mashed fruits, water and sugar- the ‘Mantha’ is a one-of-a-kind, refreshing Ayurvedic drink often mentioned in our Vedic texts. Typically stored in an earthen pot to cool, the drink is known to reduce the sense of heat generated in the body.    

• Vegetables such as cucumber, zucchini, summer squash, yellow squash and grains such as barley and rice are excellent summer food choices as these are cool, light and easy to digest.

• Cooking with cooling spices such as fennel, coriander, mint, anise and cardamom is a great way to add flavour to food while also balancing the Pitta dosha.

• Gulkand which is essentially a cooling preparation made from a mush of rose petals is also a great supplement to balance the Pitta Dosha. It can be taken as a condiment with your meals.

• As roses are extremely cooling and soothing in nature they also make for a great topical supplement for your skin. Incorporating the Forest Essentials Pure Rose Water Facial Tonic Mist as a summer elixir and spritzing it 3-4 times through the day leaves one’s skin feeling hydrated and supple.

•  Aloe Vera is another great addition to your summer regimen. While an effective treatment for sunburns, it also makes the skin smooth and effectively reduces tanning. It can be used both topically like a toner or incorporated in your diet as a detoxifying drink. 

We recommend the Forest Essentials Light Hydrating Moisturizing Pure Aloe Vera Facial Gel, which is a blend of naturally hydrating and cooling pure aloe vera, fresh cucumber extracts, and glycerin that soothes, refreshes, and moisturizes the skin. The floral water infusions act as natural humectants that replenish the skin’s moisture.

• Scrubs derived from ingredients such as cucumber, aloe vera, turmeric, sandalwood and buttermilk are great to cleanse the skin naturally by abating dirt, grime and excess sweat. 

• As strenuous activities may cause dehydration, decreased strength and excess perspiration, it is advised to indulge in lighter physical activities such as yoga or leisure walk during the summer season.    

• Cool water showers and adding essential oils such as lavender and sandalwood to your bath regime will leave the body cool and fresh. Additionally, wearing clothes made of breathable, natural fabrics like cotton and linen is also recommended for summers.

• Being the very seat of the Pitta dosha, the eye region needs some extra love and care during summertime. Splashing the eyes with cold water every evening is very basic yet vital integration in your daily eye-care regime. Another quick soothing treatment can be relaxing your eyes with rose water drenched cotton pads for 10 minutes as a daily or weekly ritual. We recommend the Forest Essentials Light Hydrating Hydra Eye Gel, which is made from an infusion of Ayurvedic herbs in steam distilled rose water and fresh aloe vera gel. It heals the skin leaving it soothed, hydrated, and gives a cooling effect on the eyes.

• On the whole, the Pitta dosha is governed by the heart and emotions as a result of which, over time, any internal stress, anger or frustration translates onto the skin in the form of fine lines and breakouts. Thus, practicing mindfulness through calming yoga poses or meditation aid the balance of the Pitta dosha. Using Pitta-balancing Blended Diffuser Essential oils by Forest Essentials such as rose, sandalwood and lavender also work as effective calming, stress-relieving agents.

These are some easy, quick lifestyle tips that keep the Pitta dosha in control and balanced during summers, leaving your skin supple, glowing and hydrated!