The fire element (Pitta dosha) is in full swing during August, and it will be increasing and accumulating as we move toward the Autumn Equinox in mid-September. This is the time to focus on cooling everything down, for as we know from Ayurveda, opposites balance! 

Below are a few quick and easy recommendations to ensure you stay cool from now until mid-September. If you focus on staying cool now, you’ll be less likely to experience heat-related imbalances in the fall and winter. 

Tips for staying cool include: 

1) Eating Cooling Foods 

We are the essence of what we eat, so eating cooling foods is one of the best ways to be and stay cool when it’s hot, hot, hot outside! Incorporate these foods into your daily meals: Mint, cilantro, cucumber, melons (watermelon, cantaloupe, honeydew, etc.), fruits (grapes, cherries, berries, etc.), celery, leafy greens, coconut (water, milk, meat, etc.), and aloe vera juice. Favor lime over lemon. 

Note: Fresh, raw fruits are best eaten away from other foods to allow everything to digest with ease.

2) Spray Yourself with Rosewater Hydrosol*

Rosewater (hydrosol*) spray is refreshing and a great way to quickly cool down your face, body, and space. The scent of the rose is sweet and can bring about a sense of peace and calm to the heart and mind. It can also uplift you into a state of love and compassion for yourself and others. 

*Hydrosol is the byproduct of steam distilling an essential oil. The steam is also infused with the aroma of the plant essence creating the hydrosol water. Be sure this is how your rosewater was created. 

Vibrance Ayurveda sells a lovely mixture of organic white and red rose hydrosol in a blue glass spray bottle.

3) Sheetali Breath Pranayama/Breathing Exercise

Roll the tongue in the mouth, and with the inhale, breathe through the tongue. Exhale through the nose. Repeat as many times as you need. You will feel a cooling effect on the head and body. If you're unable to roll your tongue, put your teeth together with the mouth open and breathe through your teeth with the inhale. Then close the mouth and exhale through the nose. This version is more drying to the mouth.

4) Watermelon Cooler Recipe

One of my all-time favorite summertime drinks! You’ll find it in my refrigerator on most summer days. 

Ingredients:*

• 4 cups fresh-cut watermelon, cut in cubes for ease
• 7-10 leaf sprigs of mint
• ½ lime juiced
• ½ cup coconut water
• ¼ tsp. salt

*All ingredients can be adjusted to meet your individual needs and taste.

Directions: 

Blend all ingredients. Store in the refrigerator. I use a blue mason jar to impart even more cooling energy with the color therapy of blue. Enjoy in 2-3 days. 

Remember, in the heat of the summer, the rule is to stay cool!