Pitta in Full Effect | How to deal with the heat

Here are 5 Ways to Calm Down Pitta this summer

We all can agree this summer has been brutal everywhere.  It has reached record-breaking temperatures this summer, which can make life pretty miserable.  I know for me, being hot can really ruin my day, make me angry and uneasy, and takes away my productivity.  Fortunately, we have a list of 5 ways to cool down your body and mind while suffering through this heat!

So what is pitta and how does that relate to calming down ones being in this heat?  In Ayurveda, pitta can be a type of constitution of a person and where pitta can be found in anyone’s body, which is called the seat. The seats of pitta are the small intestine, stomach, blood, fat, sweat glands, eyes, and skin.  Pitta is formed from the two elements Fire and Water. When we say fire it means more in terms of bodily heat and metabolism rather than actual fire. So since pitta is found in your digestive tract and eyes, its responsible for absorption, nutrition, metabolism, body temperature and intelligence.  So when you are very hot due to the weather, it can affect all the systems where pitta is found as well as cause anger and uneasiness in your mind. In order to reach balance within ourselves, we need to find ways to reduce this heat. There’s more to reducing heat within us than just sitting in the AC.  We need to reduce the heat that is found in our minds as well as our body to reach complete balance.

Here are some great ways to help you through this summer heat and obtain balance:

 

1: Liver cleansing herbal tea

-Diffuse dandelion root, peppermint, and red clover in a cup of hot water.

+Dandelion root affects the liver and digestive system.  It is known as a liver tonic due to its ability to increase the circulation of toxins in the body.  When you excrete these toxins you can see improvements everywhere in your body from your skin, eyes, and of course your liver.

+Peppermint takes action on the digestive tract, liver, respiratory system, and brain.  When used it helps circulate toxins out of your body which is ones of the causes of many problems we find in our body.  Once these toxins are excreted out of one’s person, it has numerous benefits from increased memory, reduced headaches, and a more regulated digestive system.

+Red clover affects the brain, blood, liver, skin, and central nervous system and is used as a sedative to help calm down the entire body.  It helps to purify the blood by getting rid of toxins built up in the body as well as improves the cardiovascular system that in turns improves cognitive function.

This tea is a great way to cool down the mind and release toxins that are built up in one’s body.  Once these toxins are released your body becomes more in balance and can help achieve coolness in weather that may not be so comfortable.  

 

2: Oiling one’s person

-Oiling one’s body is a great way to cool down in the heat, especially with body oils that are coconut base.  Coconut is a cooling oil, which is great for pitta constituents. KHUS + KHUS LUNA Body Wax is coconut base with amazing essential oils that help cool the body from the outside and transfers that cooling agent within.  Patchouli and Sandalwood essential oils are found within the LUNA Body Wax. Patchouli is known for its skin therapeutic actions; it can help with eczema to oily skin. Once it enters your bloodstream by applying the oil to your skin, it helps circulate toxins out of the body.  Sandalwood is a very spiritual oil that has been used in many cultures for centuries because of its anti-inflammatory and mental clarity properties.

 

3: Meditating at dawn for 20 minutes

-Meditating is one of the best ways to clear your mind and relax your entire body.  Doing this at dawn when the sun starts to rise is one of the best times to mediate because the air is cool and your body and mind are just waking up reaching for balance.  Starting your day off right is one of the best ways to cool down your mind and allows you to have a successful day, regardless of the heat.

 

4: Shavasana relaxation with Lavender in a diffuser

-Shavasana is a yoga pose, commonly known as corpse pose where you lay down and have your limbs spread out to your side.  It is used at the end of yoga practices to promote relaxation, calm the mind, and reduce stress and tension in the body. This pose combined with Lavender in a diffuser promotes even deeper relaxation and calmness. Lavender is one of the most widely used essential oils because of all of its therapeutic properties.  Lavender is able to reduce anxiety and stress, improve brain function, and reduce restlessness. This relaxation technique can be used anytime in the day; I have been doing this practice when the sun is at its all-time hottest to bring my body back to balance and relieve any tension that I have picked up since the morning.  

 

5: Pitta Pacifying Lunch Recipe and Tea

Kitcheri

-1 cup yellow mung dal

-1 cup basmati rice

-1 1/2 piece of fresh ginger, peeled and chopped fine

-2 tablespoons unsweetened, shredded coconut

-1 small handful cilantro leaves, chopped

-1/2 cup water

-3 tablespoons ghee

-1/2 teaspoon turmeric

-1/4 teaspoon salt

-6 cups water

 

+Wash the mung dal and rice two times.  Soak the mung dal for a few hours if you have the time, then drain. Put the ginger, coconut, cilantro and the 1/2 cup water into a blender and blend until liquefied. Heat the ghee on medium in a large saucepan and add the blended items, turmeric, and salt. Stir well.  Next mix in the rice, mung dal and the 6 cups of water. Bring to a boil. Boil, uncovered, for 5 minutes. Then cover, leaving the lid slightly ajar, turn down the heat to simmer and cook for 25 to 30 minutes, until the dal and rice are tender.

 

Although tridoshic, meaning it is a good recipe for all doshas, this Kitcheri is especially suitable to pitta.  The cilantro and coconut add to the cooling qualities that pitta needs.

 

Lunch Tea

1/3 teaspoon cumin seeds

1/3 teaspoon coriander seeds

1/3 teaspoon fennel seeds

1 cup water

 

+Boil the water and add the spices.  Turn off the heat and cover. Let stand for 5 minutes.  Strain and sweeten according to your constitution or liking.

These recipes are great for cooling down the system because of the spices used.  They are calm on the digestive tract, which alleviates the need for digestion to work in overtime.  

I hope these tricks help calm down your body and mind and help you cool down in this heat and reach balance and peace.

 

Peace,

Jennifer Wildes