We are in the thick of summer. The hot sunny days are leading us to feel the heat accumulate in our bodies. Summer is Pitta season and if you are predominantly Pitta constitution, you may be feeling overheated, or depleted by this point. Kapha constitution may also be feeling overheated.
Here's a list of fruits to help cool down excess Pitta this summer. The thing to remember is to choose sweet, juicy fruits. Berries, coconut, ripe mangos, peaches, figs, melons, watermelon, apples, and pomegranates are perfect for this season. Grapes are best in late summer. Things like cilantro, lime, and ghee are also very cooling. Tulsi and Amala are wonderful cooling herbs. Ginger is also great but in excess can further heat Pitta instead of cool it.
Here are a few of my favorite Ayurvedic Mocktails to cool help us down. These are all so easy to make. They can be made in batches, and you can whip up additional batches very quickly. They look nice, and taste great. Your guests will love these cute and delicious summer drinks. Use your own fancy garnish like a paper umbrella to really kick up the summer vibe.
Feel free to be creative and make your own combinations of Ayurvedic drinkable delights. Keep in mind, in Ayurveda ice is not used at all, even on a hot day. Drinks can be served slightly cool but without ice. Ice puts out our digestive fire, and that fire is already compromised during Pitta season, so we don't want further compromise our digestion. If you notice, I didn't use carbonated water in any of these recipes. Carbonated drinks have excess air, which is what makes the carbonation. However, this increases Vata dosha so it's best to avoid or limit carbonated beverages. Experiment with 1/2 water and 1/2 carbonated water as a compromise.
LIME WATER
This is a staple drink in India, and one of my favorites. It's so simple to make.
Simply take a 12oz. glass
Add at least 1/2 of a fresh squeezed lime, or more
Add 1/4 tsp. of pink salt, or black salt
Add 1/4 tsp. of organic cane sugar
Add these ingredients to purified water, shake, stir and serve.
You can garnish with mint, cucumber or basil for an extra zing.
The salt and sugar replace electrolytes naturally. This is great after a day out in the sun.
Serve room temperature.
GINGER BASIL WATER
For this recipe I sometimes use frozen ginger cubes, or fresh ginger. Whatever I have on hand.
Simply take a 12oz. glass
Add purified water 3/4 full
Add fresh ginger about the size of a quarter, or less but not more. Or 1-2 cubes
Take 2 fresh basil leaves, gently macerate 1/2 of one with a teaspoon of coconut sugar and add to glass.
I have also used honey in this drink, but I use it sparingly. In excess it can be heating for Pitta in summer.
Give this a shake and a stir and taste. Adjust any flavors to your liking.
Feel free to add a dash of cardamom if you like.
Add the other basil leaf for garnish.
Serve room temperature.
WATERMELON COCONUT DELIGHT
This is super refreshing!
In a blender, puree fresh watermelon.
Simply take a 12oz. glass
Add 1/2 watermelon puree
Add 1/2 coconut water, or purified water if you prefer.
Take 1 mint leaf and macerate with one teaspoon of coconut sugar.
Add a little bit of this mixture first, then taste. The mint can be overpowering, so adjust to your liking.
Give this a shake and stir. For an extra bit of zest, squeeze a tiny bit of lime.
Garnish with fresh mint leaves, strawberries and blueberries.
Serve room temperature.
There's plenty more summer creations to explore!!
Enjoy!!!
~ Leelah Lakshmi ~
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