Tips for Hot Summer Days

2025 December 27

Ayurveda distinguishes three basic functional principles, the so-called "Doshas": Vata, Pitta and Kapha. They act both in our physiology and in all of nature.

For a good and healthy functioning of body and mind, it is important that these doshas are in balance. Many factors influence the balance of the doshas, such as our work, our diet and the seasons. When temperatures rise in summer, Pitta (= heat) in the environment increases. Because the body has the natural tendency to create balance, it reduces its internal Agni (= fire). This leads to a throttling of heat production, a lowering of metabolism and a reduction of digestive power. In the heat, any activity is more difficult and the appetite is not very great, you certainly know this from your own experience.

Give in to this natural tendency and adapt your diet and activity to the external circumstances. Maharishi Ayurveda gives you some recommendations on how to stay "cool" even in great heat.

Daily routine

Never expose yourself to direct sunlight for too long, you'll still get a tan in the shade! Not just hotheads should make sure to keep their head cool. We recommend protecting your head from direct sunlight with suitable headwear. After too much sun exposure, Maharishi Ayurveda Aloe Vera Gel provides pleasant cooling and refreshment for the skin.

For sports activities in summer, the rule is: take it easy and don't overexert yourself. Swimming is particularly recommended now, as is walking in nature. The morning oil massage is best done with Pitta massage oil. The Pitta aroma oil creates a cooling atmosphere in your home or car.

Diet

Reduce salty, sour, spicy, and very hot food. Instead, prefer foods with sweet, bitter, and astringent flavors, as these balance increased Pitta. It is particularly important to eat only when you are hungry, because digestion works at a slow pace in great heat. For this reason, eat only in moderation.

Prefer light meals: vegetable soups, vegetable rice or pasta. Salads as a side dish are just right now. Fruit is also light and hardly burdens the body. Especially summer dishes with cucumbers, zucchini, pumpkin, carrots, asparagus, broccoli, cauliflower, salads, basmati rice, wheat, Ghee, cottage cheese, lassi, yellow mung beans, olive oil, coconut oil, almonds, sweet fruits, sharkara sugar, fresh garden herbs and mild spices (coriander, fennel, turmeric, fresh ginger in small quantities, cardamom, cinnamon, saffron). Season as desired with Pitta Churna and use ghee (clarified butter) or coconut oil for cooking.

If possible, reduce the following foods:

Beetroot, aubergines, radish, tomatoes, hot peppers, onions, garlic, millet, rye, corn, buckwheat, yogurt (unless prepared as lassi), quark, sour milk, cheese, sour fruits (oranges, grapefruit, lemons), olives, cashews, honey, molasses, hot and heating spices (pepper, chillies, anise, cloves, caraway), salt, vinegar, alcohol, (for non-vegetarians:) red meat.

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