HOW TO SOOTHE THE EXCESSES OF SUMMER..
By the time we hit Late summer, we can feel totally frazzled. After the season we’ve all just experienced with non-stop heat waves, the accumulation of Pitta in our bodies and mind can leave us feeling irritated, overheated and craving a bit of coolness. It is not uncommon for the body to be displaying signs of imbalance, like acid reflux, skin disorders, excessive thirst, IBS, loose stools, hot flashes, and a tendency to be a little bit snappy.
Ayurveda asks us not to steam ahead and ignore signs of imbalance, but instead reflect and notice. With a few simple tweaks we can remedy the uncomfortable side effects of a very long hot season and avoid total burnout. Literally.
SO here are my top tips, plus favourite herbs for this time of year.
TOP TIPS
do less. find more space in your week for rest, time in nature, time for yourself
reduce stimulation. coffee, alcohol, loud noise, busy environments.
do stuff for the LOVE. that means going for a swim without counting your laps, going for a walk without charging about, being a beginner again, letting yourself enjoy the process rather than imrove.
slow down. you don’t have to say yes all the time. the world won’t crumble if you cancel a plan. being bored is GOOD.
get enough sleep. that means implementing a bed routine where you can and waking and sleeping at roughly the same time every day. If you need a day nap - Ayurveda allows it at this time of year.
eat more hydrating foods aka cucumber, melon, watermelon, sweet potato, pumpkin, cooked beets and don’t skip your meals!
HERBS
Hibiscus - make a soothing, cooling tea by infusing the petals in hot water and letting it cool.
Coriander seeds - infuse the seeds in hot water for a tea that reduces excessive heat in the gut.
Dandelion root - a bitter and astringent garden herbs that you can infuse in tea to support the liver
Liquorice - sweet and demulcent so it is soothing for those experiencing hot flashes, ulcers, and irritability
FOOD
I am all about eating in abundance and I never advocate a restrictive mindset when it comes to food, however, there are a few ingreditents at this time of year that we should start to avoid for a bit, just whilst we are trying to cool our bodies and minds.
REDUCE: Tomatoes, bell peppers, cayenne, chilli, fermented foods, coffee, wine, red meat, salmon, prawns, mustard, vinegar, horseradish, radish, raw onion, excessive use of salt.
ADD: pumpkin, sweet potato, courgettes, potato, basmati rice, green veggies
If you are interested in going deeper to align your diet and lifestyle or want a personalised plan to address any issues you are currently experiencing then why not book a 1:1 Consultation with me?
