Tips and Tricks
Ayurvedic Dietary Recommendations and Additional Cool Tips for a Relaxed and Enjoyable Summer
Estimated reading time: 4 minutesSummer is here! In summer, we recharge with new energy and feel full of enthusiasm. We generally need less sleep, and the increased sunlight helps us replenish our Vitamin D levels while boosting our immune system.
Summer Energy Boost – Ayurvedic Dietary Tips and Cool Comfort Ideas.
Challenges of Summer Heat
Not everyone enjoys the summer heat, as it can upset the balance of our pitta dosha (fire energy principle). Skin problems, inflammation, diarrhea, heartburn, sunburn, or headaches are typical complaints that indicate an increased pitta dosha.
Pitta Dosha, which consists of the elements of fire and water, becomes especially intense during the hot season. A key aspect of bringing fire energy back into balance is adjusting our diet to the seasons. Ayurvedic health practices, rooted in ancient India, aim to balance the various influences of weather, lifestyle, constitution, and stress.
Pitta dosha (fire energy principle) – The summer heat can lead to an imbalance.
Ayurvedic Tips for Summer
Ayurveda offers solutions for managing the summer heat:
- Cooling Foods: In summer, it’s important to choose cooling foods that help the body stay cool from the inside out. Highly recommended options include cucumbers, coconut water, melons, sweet fruits, leafy greens, avocado, and cooling spices like cardamom, coriander, fennel, anise, and turmeric. Cooling drinks with mint, basil, lemon balm, verbena, and rose petal tea are also excellent. These foods help hydrate and stabilize the body. Ayurveda also advises against icy drinks in summer; instead, opt for warm summer teas as cold beverages can weaken digestive fire, which is already diminished due to the dryness of the season.
- Taboos: Avoid salty, sour, dry, and spicy foods, as well as red wine and spirits, as these increase the fire element and aggravate Pitta.
- Nature Exposure: Spending time in the forest or near a waterfall can help calm the Pitta Dosha. Swimming in lakes or rivers also aids in cooling the body.
- Jewelry and Clothing: Wearing silver jewelry, pearls, and blue stones is recommended.
- Power Nap: A short nap, no longer than 20 minutes, can relax the mind and recharge energy.
- Cooling Measures: Keep the head covered and protected from excessive heat.
- Clothing Cooling: If the heat becomes overwhelming, place your clothes in the refrigerator for 10 minutes for a pleasantly cooling effect.
- Refreshment: Spray the body with peppermint hydrosol or apply a drop of mint oil to the neck and lower back for an instant cooling sensation.
Last but not least, maintain calm and enjoy the summer, even in stressful situations!
Cooling foods – They provide inner freshness and relief.
Summer Recipes
Recipe for a Quick Summer Drink:
Ingredients:
- 1-2 slices of watermelon or honeydew melon
- A handful of mint leaves
- A splash of mineral water or coconut rice milk
Preparation:
Fill glasses with the ingredients and garnish with a melon slice and a fan!
Recipe for a Refreshing Dessert:
Ingredients:
- 1 ripe mango
- 5-10 almonds or cashew nuts
- A few basil or lemon balm leaves
- 1 tablespoon white, unsweetened almond butter
- A splash of rice milk (optional)
Preparation:
Blend all ingredients in a mixer until smooth. Transfer to bowls and garnish with chopped pistachios and basil leaves.
Conclusion
Summer offers many opportunities to recharge and enjoy the sunny days. However, the heat can throw our Pitta Dosha out of balance and lead to various issues. With the right Ayurvedic dietary tips and cooling measures, we can restore balance and experience a relaxed and pleasant summer. Focus on cooling foods, spend time in nature, and use simple tricks to refresh your body. This way, summer remains a restful and enjoyable season.
Best regards,
Your Ayurveda Team/Giardino Team
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