One of the many things I love about Ayurveda is its simplicity. The principle of “like reinforces like” and “opposites cancel out” applies. So the plan for the hot summer is actually quite clear:
Summer is Pitta time, dominated by the fiery dosha. So it is obvious that we need cooling down, be it through cooling yoga exercises, pranayamas or even food. Especially with the latter, coconut is indispensable.
Coconut is wonderful for balancing Pitta, making it the ideal companion for the hot season. The beauty of it? Coconut doesn’t just offer us welcome cooling on the plate. It’s versatile, so you can benefit from its Pitta-relieving properties even if you’re not a fan of the flavor.
Coconut milk
Most people are familiar with coconut milk. This is pureed coconut meat mixed with water, with a correspondingly creamy consistency. Thus, it is perfect for creamy curries and soups. But also coffee fans, who can’t survive without their favorite drink even during the Pitta period, should give coconut milk a chance. Mixed with coconut milk instead of cow’s milk, coffee, which is actually not really recommended in summer, gets a summery touch and perhaps pushes Pitta a little less.
Coconut oil
Coconut oil is no longer as exotic as it once was. It now sits among other cooking oils on supermarket shelves. It’s wonderful for frying and cooking because it can be heated to high temperatures, but it’s much more versatile than that. You can use it for oil pulling, for example, to do something good for your gums – Pitta types in particular are prone to inflammation in hot temperatures.
Your skin will also benefit from some cooling – and fragrant! – coconut oil. Use it as a balance after sunbathing, for example, or simply to moisturize your skin. If you’re going for a massage in the summer, you can also choose coconut oil for that.
If your hair is dry from the sun, leave some coconut oil on for a few hours and then wash your hair – you’ll be surprised how smooth it is afterwards.
Coconut water
The liquid from inside the unripe, still green nut is perfect for dehydration. With its isotonic yet cooling effect, it awakens your spirits on hot days and balances your pitta. You can just drink it straight, but you can also get creative and mix summery mocktails with fresh fruit juices. If you like to eat chia pudding, you can mix it with it for a change.
Coconut yogurt
Dairy products also have a balancing effect on Pitta, but why not give the plant-based alternative a chance? If you are vegan or lactose intolerant, you may have already discovered coconut yogurt. Or maybe you simply appreciate the summery taste or the fluffy consistency.
What’s best: combining fruit with cow’s milk is not good for our digestive tract and can lead to discomfort, especially in summer when our digestion is on the back burner. But if you like to combine fruit with yogurt, you’re on the safe side with coconut products.
Coconut blossom sugar
In Ayurveda, foods with the flavor “sweet” are considered to balance Pitta. Of course, that doesn’t mean you should stuff yourself with chocolate during summer. There are also healthy sweeteners, such as dates.
If you want to sweeten drinks or perhaps bake, try coconut blossom sugar. Unlike industrial sugar, it causes blood sugar levels to rise slowly and steadily – a real plus, even for diabetics.
Essential oil
We can also use scents to affect the doshas. If you like the smell, get a good coconut essential oil for your diffuser. There will be a Caribbean feeling in your home and by the way, it will be very good for your Pitta.
Are you already a coconut fan or are you not (yet) comfortable with it? Which of the summer coconut tips will you try first? Share it with me in the comments!
