Stay "cool" during the Pitta season. - The Pitta season roughly begins in the middle of June and it ends roughly in the middle of September. The characteristics of Pitta are: hot, spicy, humid, slightly liquid, acidic, bitter, light, it appears suddenly and spreads evenly. Pitta is the principle of transformation. It controls hunger and thirst, acid-base balance, body temperature and creates a healthy skin colour and presence.
When the sun reaches its peak, around midday, the digestive fire (Agni) is normally the strongest. During the warm season the metabolism slows down, because it does not have to produce so much heat. This is why our appetite is not as strong; when we prepare a meal in the summer, we should take this into consideration and therefore eat something rather light.
There are six tastes in Ayurvedic nutrition: sweet, sour, salty, pungent, bitter and astringent.
The tastes sweet, bitter and astringent balance Pitta and keep it cool, while sour, salty and pungent increase Pitta. Especially, tomatoes, tomato products, peppers, radishes, beetroots, onions, garlic, chilly, acidic fruit (except limes and lemons), pickled foods or foods that contain vinegar, fermented foods such as a glass of wine with dinner increase Pitta.
Sweet foods for strength and contentment: carbohydrates, fats (e.g. Ghee, olive oil), nuts, milk, milk products - however, all of them in moderation. Eat little Yoghurt (except Lassi), sour cream, curd cheese, hard cheese in summer.
Bitter foods detoxify: green vegetables, especially leafy greens, brussel sprouts, dandelion, artichokes, different kinds lettuces.
Astringent foods are drying (congestion which built up during the Kapha season decreases): e.g., vegetables such as asparagus, different kinds of cabbages, cabbage strunk, rucola lettuce, green beans, spinach, okra, aubergines, legumes, pomegranate, some apples, bilberries.
Cucumbers, courgette, pumpkin, carrots, broccoli, cauliflower, asparagus and lettuce.
Rice, barley, spelt and fresh herbs.
Spices such as turmeric, fennel, coriander, mint and cardamom. Use less ginger, chilly and mustard seeds.
Reduce fat, salty, sour, spicy foods and foods that are too hot.
Drink more than usual. Fresh water, herbal and Pitta tea, lassi, fruit juices at room temperature are best.
Raw foods on the side and fresh, sweet fruit like grapes, cherries, melons, pineapple and pear are on the menu during this season.
Protect your head and eyes against the sun.
Spend more time in shaded areas.
Exercise rather in the early morning hours and not during the midday heat.
Do not overexert yourself. Go swimming or ride your bike on shady trails in the forest.
A walk at night helps you to calm down and switch off.
Aroma oils, Pitta and Nidra, help with relaxation and falling asleep.
For massages, take Pitta massage oil, Eladi Keram or coconut oil which are cooling, soothing and energizing.