Summer in Ayurveda and Its Regimen(Grishma Ritucharya)

summer season with ayuveda

Abstract

Summer represents the burst of energy which is full of bright colors and the sky is clear with fresh air. This season brings warmth and joy to the lives of people and that is why everyone loves summer. So, summer is the fourth season on earth that comes after spring where the days are long and the nights are short. The summer season is the best season for vacations, outdoor activities, doing picnics, and spending some quality time with family.

Everyone is happy during this time because you don’t have to wear warm clothes and it’s the time when birds are singing, flowers are blooming. Everything seems very beautiful and there is an amazing smell around us. It is very important to maintain health during summers because it also brings some health problems, especially skin issues. So, we are going to discuss the Ayurvedic view on summers and some ayurvedic dietary tips.

Ayurvedic View on Summers

Ayurvedic View

According to Ayurveda the cycle that is happening around you also brings changes inside you. Everything is connected to the environment and we are made up of five elements including air, water, earth, fire, and space. So, as the seasons change, so do you and it is important to build a relationship with nature. Every mind and body are different and they are constantly changing and to better understand our body has Doshas. These Doshas are Vata made from Air and space, Pitta made from Fire and water and Kapha consists of earth and water. Each season has a predominance of each Dosha.

Summer Season – Pitta

In Ayurveda, the Summer season is known as Grihma Ritu where a person should enjoy the coolness of the garden, drink cold water and avoid excessive sexual intercourse. In this season the Pitta is dominating Prakriti where you have to maintain Nidra (Sleep), Ahara (Diet), and Brahmacarya (Abstinence) which is known as Upasthambhas (sub pillars). Summer causes high temperatures which results in increased sweating and pollution. This is known for aggravating rashes, peptic ulcers, acne, skin aging, diarrhea, tachycardia, hyperactivity, emotional problems like anger, irritation, nervousness, and frustration. Due to increased sweating, there is loss of fluid from the body which weakens the system.

Ahara (diet) is one of the main things in life to maintain the equilibrium in the promotion which helps in giving luster and strength to the body. The body is said to be healthy when there is a balance between the environment and man known as Loka Purushma Samya. In summer the environment is really dry and in this season it is suggested to take cold drinks and fruits, sweet and unctuous products.

Pitta Season Diet

In summers the bodies crave light meals as they are easy to digest and it helps in cooling down the body. This is the season when you should enjoy bitter, sweet, astringent fruits and cooling liquids. It is the best season of the year to enjoy fresh salads and fruits.

  • It is a good choice to consume sweet dairy products during this time which includes clarified butter, cottage cheese, yogurt, and sometimes ice cream. Honey and molasses should be avoided during this season.
  • In order to cool yourself and beat the heat by drinking water infused with lime or mint. You can also drink herbal teas like rose tea, peppermint tea, or licorice tea.
  • Reduce the intake of beets, radishes, garlic, ginger, onion, carrots as they are heating vegetables.
  • Trying to avoid cayenne pepper and chilies during summers is very important.
  • Spanish Paella is one of the best nutritional options and pasta should be avoided.
  • Avoid drinking coffee and alcohol instead try consuming a stew.

List of foods that are ideal for the summer season

Vegetables

  • Artichokes
  • Celery
  • Brussel sprouts
  • Broccoli
  • Green beans
  • Cucumbers
  • Collard Greens
  • Lettuce
  • Kale
  • Zucchini
  • Potatoes
  • Watercress

Fruits

  • Cranberries
  • Plums
  • Lime
  • Prunes
  • Cherries
  • Berries
  • Avocados
  • Pineapple
  • Melons
  • Mangoes
  • Pomegranates
  • Watermelon
  • Peaches

Grains

  • Oats
  • Spelt
  • Buckwheat
  • Barley

Legumes

  • Black beans
  • Mung beans
  • Products made from soya beans

Oils

  • Olive oil
  • Sunflower oil

Spices and Garnishes

  • Coriander
  • Mint leaves
  • Cilantro
  • Fennel
  • Dill
  • Parsley

Animal Products

  • Freshwater fishes like shellfish, shrimp, Mussels, oysters, carp, trout, seabass, Anchovy, and salmon.
  • Chicken

Sweeteners

  • Maple syrup
  • Turbinado

Lifestyle Changes in Pitta Season

  • Doing exercise in the morning is the best option in summers.
  • Before bathing try to massage the skin with Pitta soothing oil like sunflower oil that helps in calming the nervous system.
  • Jasmine oil is the best fragrance that helps in cooling the mind.
  • Dress lightly and wear cotton or silk clothes that have cooling colors like purples, blues, or greens.
  • Before going to bed wash and massage your feet which will help in drawing down the heat from the body.
  • Always remember that sexual activity can aggravate the Pitta.
  • Perform Yoga like Shitali or Pranayam which will help in cooling down the mind and body.

Green Soup for Summers

Ingredients

  • One teaspoon Olive oil
  • One green onion
  • One celery stick
  • Kale
  • Two potatoes
  • Salt to taste
  • Prawns
  • Only one clove of garlic

Method of Preparation

Heat the pan on medium-high heat and add olive oil to eat. When the oil is hot add chopped green onion and celery to it, cook them for 5 to 6 minutes until it’s softened. Then add Kale and potato, stir them well. Add vegetable broth to it and boil it for 10 to 12 minutes until the potatoes are softened

Take out the mixture and blend it in a mixture until it’s smooth. Add more water if it’s too thick and pour the smooth mixture back into the pan. After 5 minutes add Prawn to and you are ready to drink healthy green summer soup.

Conclusion

Summer just wraps you around a warm blanket and it’s important to cool down that excess warmth from the body. To make yourself healthy you should follow these diets and healthy Ayurvedic tips to avoid any aggravation. Including these foods in the diet will help you in pacifying the Pitta Dosha and making you balanced in as well as out. “ENJOY SUMMER WITH HEALTHY BODY”