Ayurvedic tips for staying cool in Summer

Summer is here and it’s what we’ve all been waiting for…right?

Well it depends on your Ayurvedic constitution or dosha…

For mainly Vata types (those who feel sensitive to cold windy weather) then summer feels like a time to expand and to relax in the warm sunshine. A time to take off some layers and frolic in those sundresses and sandals. For any fellow vata types out there I can’t stand air conditioning unless it is boiling hot. I feel like I wait all year to feel warm and then when it finally is everyone turns the air con on! Aargh!

For mainly pitta types (those who feel sensitive to hot weather or stuffy rooms) then summer can feel the most challenging time of year and it can be an effort just to stay cool and not get flustered and irritable.

For mainly Kapha types (those who feel sensitive to cool or humid weather) then it can feel quite pleasant as they spend more time being active outside but any humid weather will make them feel lethargic and uncomfortable again.

Whatever our primary dosha there are some foods that are beneficial to include more of in summer and early autumn that will help to keep us cool and avoid too much heat building up in our bodies. Too much pitta or heat can cause health problems such as allergies, headaches, inflammation of all kinds including inflammatory skin conditions, cystitis, irritability or loose stools.

A quote from the Charaka Samhita (one of the main ancient Ayurvedic texts) says:

During the summer, the sun evaporates the moisture of the earth and therefore induces hot, dry and sharp qualities in the atmosphere, resulting in pitta aggravation. In summer sweet, cold, liquid and oily food and drinks are beneficial. One should avoid or minimise excessive exercise and sex, alcohol and diets which are salty, sour, pungent or hot. In summer one should enjoy forests, gardens, flowers and cool waters.

As Charaka states, in order to balance the heating qualities of summer we need to include more foods, herbs and lifestyle practices that have a cooling nature.

An ideal summer menu will include more courgettes, cucumbers, coconut (coconut water is particularly beneficial as it replaces lost electrolytes), fresh leafy greens such as kale, pak choi, dandelion greens, green beans, peas and asparagus. You could also experiment with more exotic vegetables such as daikon radish or lauki squash which are particularly good for drawing heat out of the body.

Grains such as barley, wheat or rice are more cooling.

Summer fruits such as raspberries, cherries, nectarines, peaches or pears are all cooling.

Herbs or spices such as coriander seed, or teas made from rose bud, chamomile or hibiscus flowers.

Lifestyle practices to include could be taking walks in nature early in the morning or late evening when there are cooling breezes. Or even better along the coast or even in the moonlight. Wearing cool, light fitting clothing in cooling colours such as white, blue or green.

Avoiding too much exercise particularly during the hottest parts of the day and wearing a hat if you have to be out in direct sunshine.

One note of caution though, when I say cooling it doesn’t mean lots of ice cream or iced drinks as these can dampen our digestive fire (agni) leading to indigestion and toxic build up (ama).

This advice is general for everyone but if you are looking for more tailored health advice for you individually then please get in touch to discuss having

Wishing you a cool and peaceful summer 🙂