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Ayurvedic Insight
Issue #1,July 2001
In this Issue
12 Tips for Managing your Pitta this Summer
Summer is Pitta Season! In the Ayurvedic system, pitta is a combination
of the fire and water elements and has the characteristics of being
hot, sharp, oily and light. According to Ayurveda “like increases
like,” thus those with abundant pitta in their constitution
may want to accommodate for the bright, hot, sunny days of summer.
Here are some suggestions:
- In general, avoid hot and spicy foods as well as those with sour
or salty taste. Instead favor foods that are sweet or bitter in
taste.
- Eat sweet fruits and avoid sour ones. Many fruits like apples,
apricots, berries, cherries, plums and oranges can be either sweet
or sour, so choose carefully. Other sweet fruits include avocados,
dates, figs, prunes, pears, and melons.
- Eat sweet or bitter vegetables like artichokes, asparagus, broccoli,
cabbage, cauliflower, kale, leafy greens, peas, celery, wheat grass
and zucchini. Minimize use of pungent vegetables like garlic, onions,
chili peppers and nightshades like tomatoes and eggplant.
- Use alcohol and caffeine (if at all) very moderately. They are
both sharp and heating. If you do partake, you can take bitter herbs
like those found in Liver Formula to negate their deleterious effects.
Do drink plenty of cool liquids (not iced).
- Now is the time to enjoy sweets like coconut ice cream, but it
is not the best time for chocolate (sorry, chocolate is best savored
in the fall when it is vata season).
- Sleep on your right side to encourage breathing through the left
(lunar) nostril. According to Ayurveda and Yogic science, this helps
cool the system.
- When exercising, avoid midday workouts in the hot sun. Favor refreshing
activities like swimming, gentle yoga and walks in the fresh air
(walks next to flowing water get you bonus pitta-soothing points).
- Minimize being in the sun during the hottest part of the day.
Sunburns are definitely pitta-aggravating so wear sunscreen if you’re
going to be outdoors. In fact, try taking a moon bath some evening.
No tan, but it can be very cooling and calming. The more moon, the
better – the next full moon is August 4th.
- Avoid hot tubs or steam rooms, instead go for a cool dip in the
pool or for a swim in the ocean.
- When it comes to gems and metals during the summer, gold is heating
while silver is cooling. Favor pearls, moonstones and red coral.
- Wear light, well-ventilated clothing in cooling colors such as
white, blue and purple. Minimize wearing clothes that are black,
red, and orange.
- Observe your emotions and try to reduce judgmental and overly
critical thoughts. Encourage patience, tolerance, be positive and
enjoy your summer.
Ayurvedic Herbs for Reducing Pitta
According to Ayurveda, if excess pitta accumulates in the body it
can eventually result in imbalances related to the excess heat and
fire. Common pitta ailments include fevers, hives, rashes, acne, sore
throats, acid indigestion, excessive hunger, profuse perspiration
and hot flashes. If pitta is left unchecked it may go on to manifest
as stomach ulcers, hemorrhoids, inflammatory disorders, bronchitis,
arthritis, colitis, cystitis, gastritis and liver disorders. In addition
to following a pitta-pacifying diet, there are several wonderful Ayurvedic
herbs that can assist in removing excess pitta from the system.
Neem
For excess pitta manifesting as skin inflammations including acne,
athlete's foot, dermatitis, eczema, herpes, hives, psoriasis, rashes,
ringworm and scabies.
Neem is an extremely bitter Ayurvedic herb traditionally used for
skin inflammations. Because of its bitter nature, neem is highly effective
in removing pitta from the body. It is also a natural antibacterial,
antiviral and antiparasitic herb. Neem has a particular affinity for
promoting healthy skin and a clear complexion.
Shatavari
For excess pitta manifesting internally in the GI tract, urinary
tract, or liver including burning urination, colitis, cystitis, gastritis,
heartburn, hemorrhoids, hot flashes, hyperacidity, ulcers and urinary
infections.
Shatavari is an Ayurvedic herb traditionally used to remove excess
pitta from the body. It is bitter, sweet and cooling. Shatavari supports
proper function of the liver and acts to soothe, protect and nurture
inflamed membranes of the stomach, and urinary tract.
Amalaki
For daily maintenance, detoxification and rejuvenation.
Amalaki is traditionally used in Ayurveda to prevent the accumulation
of pitta in the body and to rejuvenate the entire system. It promotes
regularity and the elimination of toxins from the GI tract. Taken
on a daily basis, amalaki works to continually remove pitta from the
body, helping to reduce the chances of all types of pitta-related
imbalances. A rich natural source of antioxidants, amalaki also promotes
proper digestion and strengthens immunity.
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