Summer Coolers: Ayurvedic Tips for the Whole Family

Stay cool and balanced this summer with Ayurvedic tips to pacify Pitta dosha. Discover hydrating drinks, cooling foods, and lifestyle practices to prevent heat-related discomfort and stay energized all season.

As the warmth of summer starts to unfold across Nepal this April, our bodies naturally begin to adjust to the seasonal transition. According to Ayurveda, the science of life and longevity, each season is governed by a specific dosha (bio-energy). Summer is ruled by the Pitta dosha, which is associated with the elements of fire (Agni) and water (jala). The increasing heat of summer tends to aggravate Pitta, leading to excess body heat, irritability, digestive issues, and dehydration.

To stay balanced and vibrant during summer, it’s essential to adapt our diet and lifestyle to pacify Pitta. Ancient Rishis (sages) have provided profound insights into seasonal changes and their impact on human health through the Vedas and classical Ayurvedic texts like the Charaka Samhita and Sushruta Samhita. By aligning our daily habits with nature’s rhythm, we can maintain inner harmony and vitality during summer.

What Ancient Rishis and the Vedas Say About Summer

In the Ayurvedic texts, summer corresponds to the period of Grishma Ritu (mid-May to mid-July). It is marked by the dominance of the Pitta dosha, which increases body heat and reduces strength and digestive power. The ancient Rishis advised that summer is a time to cool and soothe the body with light, hydrating, and nourishing foods.

Shloka from Charaka Samhita (Sutrasthana 6.3) mentions during summer, one should consume foods that are

•    Sheeta (cooling)

•    Drava (liquid)

•    Mridu (soft)

•    Snigdha (unctuous)

•    Tikta (bitter)

•    Madhura (sweet)

•    Kashaya (astringent)

•    Light and easy to digest

 

The sages emphasized the need to consume foods that balance the fiery nature of Pitta while avoiding heating, spicy, salty, and oily foods that can aggravate it.

The Influence of Weather on Doshas

Ayurveda explains that the body’s internal balance is directly influenced by the external environment, including seasonal weather patterns.

As summer approaches, the rising heat leads to an accumulation of Pitta, causing symptoms like

•    Excess body heat

•    Acid reflux and digestive discomfort

•    Skin issues like rashes and acne

•    Irritability and anger

•    Dehydration and fatigue

 

Ayurvedic Remedies to Cool and Rejuvenate the Body in Summer

To balance Pitta and stay energized during summer, Ayurveda recommends the following remedies

Hydration with Cooling Drinks

•    Amla (Indian gooseberry) Juice – Rich in Vitamin C, reduces inflammation and strengthens immunity.

•    Coconut Water – Naturally cooling and rich in electrolytes.

•    Rose and Sabja (basil seed) Drink – Hydrating and soothing to the digestive system.

•    Fennel and Mint Water – Aids digestion and calms body heat.

•    Buttermilk (Takra) – Light, cooling, and probiotic, aids in gut health.

 

Pitta-Pacifying Foods

•    Watermelon and Cucumber – High water content helps cool and hydrate.

•    Bottle Gourd (Lauki) – A light vegetable that calms heat.

•    Sweet Fruits – Mango, ripe banana, grapes, and pomegranate.

•    Leafy Greens – Spinach and coriander soothe internal heat.

•    Coconut and Mint – Cooling and refreshing.

•    Barley and Rice – Light grains that are easy to digest and reduce body heat.

 

Spices and Herbs to Balance Pitta

Ancient Rishis recommended specific spices and herbs to reduce heat and aid digestion:

•    Coriander – Cooling and aids in digestion.

•    Fennel – Reduces bloating and calms the digestive tract.

•    Mint – Naturally cooling and refreshing.

•    Cardamom – Reduces acidity and calms the stomach.

•    Turmeric – Anti-inflammatory and aids in detoxification.

•    Cumin – Improves digestion without increasing heat.

•    Saffron – Balances Pitta and enhances mood.

•    Rose Petals – Cooling and anti-inflammatory.

 

Lifestyle Recommendations

•    Avoid intense physical activity during the hottest part of the day.

•    Wear light cotton clothing in soothing colors like white, blue, and green.

•    Use sandalwood oil or paste to cool the body.

•    Massage with coconut oil to calm Pitta and nourish the skin.

•    Practice sheetali pranayama (cooling breath) to lower body heat and calm the mind.

•    Stay indoors during peak sun hours and seek shade when outdoors.

 

Simple Recipe: Mint and Cucumber Cooler

Ingredients

•    1 cucumber, peeled and chopped

•    10 mint leaves

•    1 tsp honey

•    1 pinch of rock salt

•    1 glass of cold water

 

Method

•    Blend all the ingredients until smooth.

•    Strain if needed and serve chilled with a mint garnish.

•    Enjoy this refreshing drink to cool down and stay hydrated. 

 

Ayurvedic Cooling Lassi Recipe

Rose and Mint Ayurvedic Lassi

This Ayurvedic lassi is designed to balance Pitta dosha and cool the body during summer. Rose, mint, and yogurt are naturally cooling and help soothe the digestive tract while refreshing the mind and body.

Ingredients

•    1 cup fresh yogurt (preferably homemade or probiotic)

•    1/2 cup chilled water (adjust based on thickness preference)

•    1 tsp rose water (or 2–3 organic rose petals)

•    5–6 mint leaves (fresh and chopped)

•    1 tsp honey (optional, for sweetness)

•    A pinch of cardamom powder (for aroma and digestion)

•    A pinch of rock salt (balances electrolytes)

 

Method

•    In a blender, add yogurt and chilled water. Blend until smooth and frothy.

•    Add rose water, mint leaves, honey, cardamom, and rock salt. Blend gently.

•    Pour into a glass and garnish with a mint leaf and rose petal.

•    Serve chilled.

 

Ayurvedic Benefits

•    Rose – Cooling and soothing to the heart and mind, reduces inflammation.

•    Mint – Aids digestion, reduces body heat, and calms the nervous system.

•    Cardamom – Balances Pitta, aids in digestion, and adds a refreshing flavor.

•    Yogurt – Probiotic and nourishing, strengthens the gut and hydrates the body.

•    Rock Salt – Maintains electrolyte balance and prevents dehydration.

 

 

Ayurvedic Cooling Mohi Recipe

Mint and Cumin Mohi

Mohi (buttermilk) is a lighter and more affordable alternative to lassi, perfect for summer. It's naturally probiotic and helps balance Pitta dosha by cooling the body, improving digestion, and preventing dehydration. Adding cumin and mint enhances its digestive and cooling properties.

Ingredients

•    1 cup mohi (diluted buttermilk)

•    1/2 cup cold water (adjust based on thickness)

•    5–6 mint leaves (chopped)

•    1/2 tsp cumin powder (roasted for better flavor)

•    A pinch of rock salt (for electrolyte balance)

•    A pinch of black salt (optional, for added taste)

•    1 tsp honey (optional, for mild sweetness)

 

Method

•    In a clay or glass bowl, mix mohi and cold water until smooth.

•    Add mint leaves, cumin powder, rock salt, and honey.

•    Stir well or blend for a smoother consistency.

•    Pour into a glass and garnish with a sprinkle of cumin and mint leaf.

•    Serve chilled.

 

Ayurvedic Benefits

•    Mohi – Light and easy to digest, balances Pitta and improves gut health.