Embrace the power of Ayurveda with these cooling recipes designed for those seeking to reduce inflammation, and refresh both body and mind.
As per Ayurveda, the Pitta controls heat and metabolism in our bodies, and works on how we digest foods, metabolise sensory perceptions. Overall, Pitta is the essential digestive “Agni” or fire of the body. For those with a strong pitta, they may have fiery emotions, such as anger, and impatience. Such people are also warm physically, and have a strong appetite for spicy, acidic foods. They can be prone to loose stools, burning indigestion, rashes, redness, and skin irritation.
Mostly, the summer season is ruled by pitta dosha, but you can face it all year round. And if you also suffer from pitta imbalance, there are several cooling recipes and tips for managing it. Overall, you need to eat recipes that feature cucumber, since it is considered cool and sweet. Also, avocado, which is a good astringent and has a cooling effect. Check out two major pitta-soothing to quench the fire within you:
Raita is a side dish commonly found in Indian cuisine, and it helps in balancing out the heat of a spicy meal. The cucumber and mint raita is a perfect addition to any summer meal or snack.
1 medium-sized cucumber, peeled
1 cup full-fat or greek yogurt
5-10 fresh mint leaves
¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
¼ teaspoon coriander powder
a pinch of salt
Peel and chop the cucumber into ¼-½ inch rounds.
Put all ingredients in the blender and so that you get a coarsely chopped mixture. You can keep it a fully blended mixture or even chunky.
Pour into a bowl, and add a few mint leaves. Keep refrigerated.
Use it as a dip, spread, or salad dressing.
This salad is easy to prepare, and offers to be a perfect small meal to keep pitta dosha in check.
1 medium cucumber
1 medium avocado
8-12 fresh mint leaves
1 tablespoon fresh parsley leaves, finely chopped
juice of ¼ -½ lemon
a dash of salt
olive oil to taste
Peel and chop the cucumber into chunks.
Remove the pit, and slice the avocado into chunks.
Chop the mint and parsley leaves.
Mix the cucumber, avocado, mint, and parsley. Add lemon juice, and a dash of salt. Finally, using a drizzle of olive oil will add extra flavor.
