Ritucharya for Summer - Adapting to Seasonal changes

Ritucharya is all about how we adapt to the changes happening around us. Having said that, we are moving into Summer.

RITUCHARYA

Let’s see how to modify our lifestyle during the Pitta aggravation.

SUMMER

Summer is hot, bright and sharp.

Our lifestyle should adapt to balance the energy or change.

Diet:

Diet should be cool, heavy and bland. Include more fruits and vegetables (stock seasonal)

Prefer sweet, astringent and bitter taste.

Cook the meal during the morning hours as it becomes very hot in summer.

Drinks:

Include buttermilk, lassi, lime juice, watermelon and coconut juice as it will help to cool the body. Drink water and try to limit coffee and tea as these dehydrate the body.

Massage:

Do an oil massage in the morning hours with coconut or sesame oil

Dress:

Prefer cotton clothes as it will allow the skin to breathe. Go for colors like white, grey, lavender, and pastel green

Activities:

Swimming, walking in green grass, taking a 10-minute short nap after lunch

Yoga:

Practice Surya namaskar in the morning hours. Exercise and stop when you begin to sweat.

Herbs:

Amalaki and Licorice

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Tea for Summer:

4 cups of water

1 tsp mint and Spearmint leaves

1/8 tsp saffron fibers

1 tsp sugar(optional)

Preparation:

Heat water in a pot, add the mint and spearmint leaves, boil for 3 minutes. Cool and add the saffron. Strain and serve.

Enjoy the summer and remember to stay hydrated!