The end of June marks the summer solstice and with summer comes the obvious: summer heat. And here in South Carolina, we are already starting to feel that heat. In TCM and Ayurveda, diet is an integral part of maintaining internal balance and harmony.
In Traditional Chinese Medicine, the season of summer is ruled by the element of Fire, the energy of Yang and its primary organ system is the Heart. This means a lot of outward expansion, growth, movement and circulation. Energy is high and allows for summers ruling emotion to come forward, which is joy.
Ayurveda is ancient medicine from India and focuses on three primary doshas and five elements. Summer is Pitta season which is often associated with the elements of fire and a little water and encompasses transformation, clarity, sharpness, intensity and healthy digestion.
But at times we can find our bodies becoming imbalanced and instead of feeling joy, energetic and clear, we start to feel lethargic, irritable or impatient. There can be sleep disruptions, our skin can be prone to more breakouts, redness and irritation and we can experience excessive sweating and sluggish digestion even when we're eating less. This is not "typical" summer behavior or issues our bodies experience, despite how common these issues can be. What it is, is a sign that our bodies need to become realigned by slowing down and cooling down. Let's break down the remedies by each medicine type.
Traditional Chinese Medicine Remedies to cool the fire:
- Specific foods to cool the body would be that of Yin energy such as: watermelon, cucumber, zucchini, peaches, mung beans and fish (due to its high water content).
- Herbs that help cool the fire: Peppermint, Dill, Lemon Balm and Honeysuckle
- When emotions are unsettled we need to allow for grounding and meditation to help bring the mind and body back into alignment.
Ayurvedic Remedies to cool that Pitta:
- Foods such as: Cucumber, Watermelon, Coconut and Mangoes
- Herbs such as: Rose, Mint, Coriander, Cilantro, Cardamon, Hibiscus and Butterfly Pea Flower
- Ayurveda also focuses heavily on taste: Avoid sour and spicy during pitta season and instead focus more on bitter, sweet and tart which helps cool the body.
- Rosewater can cool the skin when applied topically.
- If emotions are off yoga, walks and meditation can help calm the mind.
According to TCM and Ayurveda both agree with avoiding certain methods of cooking, as well as avoiding specific foods and drinks during the summer, especially if you're prone to imbalance. And I think you're going to be surprised and amused because it's in direct opposition to the spirit of a typical American summer!
- No barbecues! Crazy right? TCM and Ayurvedic medicine share the concept that food holds energy. In Ayurveda if you cook with the intention of love and positivity, that energy goes into your food and then into your body. If you cook while thinking negative thoughts that too will go into your food and your body. The concept of barbecuing and slow cooking means there is more energy sitting in the food. The more energy in the food, the more heat you're putting into your body! Our summer BBQ's and chili cook off's are simply adding fuel to the inner fire.
- Alcohol also adds to heat in the body. And we all know summertime fun usually involves a lot of beer and mixed drinks as we increase our social outings. Again, fuel to the fire.
- It is also recommended that you avoid oily, greasy, fried and spicy foods during the hot summer months. Warming spices such as pepper, cinnamon, ginger and cumin are best in very minimal amounts if not avoided altogether.
- And no matter how much you want to, DO NOT drink ice cold water! This can actually weaken your digestion. If you're taking water or any drink from the fridge, let it warm a little before drinking. And consider adding cucumber, mint or hibiscus to further cool you down.
The important lesson here is that we need to flow with each season and that includes eating with the seasons. Did you notice a pattern with the foods that cool the body? It's the foods typically in season during the summer! Foods such as coconut, and mangoes, flowers such as rose, orange blossom and hibiscus naturally thrive in warmer climates. Nature is literally giving us the remedies!
I encourage you to try something new this year, especially if you find your body feeling stressed by that summer sun. Maybe try one less barbecue this summer. Avoid that chili dog at the ball game. Drink a little less alcohol and a little more coconut water. Try a hibiscus tea or just try not drinking ice cold water and see what your body thinks. Do you notice any changes?