My Favorite Summertime Practices to Stay Cool According to Ayurveda

My Favorite Ayurvedic Summer Practices and New Fall Classes

Greetings from Evanston, Illinois, where the temperature has soared to 100 degrees! In light of this heatwave, I wanted to share some cherished Ayurvedic practices and recipes that help keep the pitta (fire element) dosha in balance. The wisdom of Ayurveda empowers us to harmonize our bodies and minds with the changing seasons and the challenges posed by climate change.

Refreshing Anise Hyssop and Spearmint Tea

Let’s begin with a simple morning ritual that helps me stay cool during these scorching days. Each morning, as the sun rises, I step onto my porch, tending to my herbs and plants. I pluck a generous bunch of spearmint and Anise Hyssop, which carries a delightful licorice-like flavor and possesses excellent pitta-balancing qualities. After boiling water, I pour it over the herbs in a spacious glass jar. This infusion cools to room temperature as I go about my day. Sipping on this tea, infused with the pranic energy of freshly picked herbs, provides comfort and hydration. For an extra touch, you can include rose petals or fresh tulsi. This somagenic drink soothes and cools, making it a perfect companion for hot days. If fresh herbs are not available, dried one are perfectly fine,, though the vitality of freshly harvested herbs truly enriches the drink’s potency. Anise Hyssop Tea was introduced to me by Billy and Dawn Hunter, dear friends and SVA Practitioners with a vibrant farm in Fairfield, Iowa. They offered me a glass of this tea on a warm summer evening, as the sun dipped below the horizon, leaving me enamored with its naturally sweet flavor. By the way, did you know that observing the setting sun also aids in reducing pitta during the summer? In addition, sitting while drinking helps with absorption of water, standing while drinking is not recommended for this reason.

Ensuring Restful Summer Nights

The heat and stimulation of the day sometimes can at times  disrupt our sleep. A pre-bedtime shower, whether warm or cool, has proven effective in calming restlessness. To enhance relaxation, I apply a few drops of vetiver essential oil and/or sandalwood to my temples, third eye, and feet.  Vetiver has a very cooling affect and vetiver grasses are used as curtains in India to help keep people comfortable in the summer – the dry winds on the grasses emit a flora plus woody odor. Slipping into bed with light-colored or white 100% cotton sheets facilitates a peaceful night’s sleep. If restlessness persists, a scalp massage with Brahmi Coconut Massage Oil from Banyan Botanicals often does the trick. For those grappling with heightened heat, leading to irritability and itchiness, the traditional milk bath offers solace. Whether you soak your feet in an organic, room-temperature milk bath for 20 minutes or indulge in a full-body soak, enriched with gallons of milk and rose water, the calming effects are remarkable. Fresh rose petals and the presence of roses indoors further amplify the cooling influence. Despite the array of options, time constraints may hinder the pursuit of all these practices.

The Cooling Power of DGL Roll-On

It would be remiss not to highlight an essential summer and early fall product—Chandika’s DGL Roll-On. De-glycerized licorice (DGL) takes center stage in this remedy. Applying the roll-on to limbs, neck, and lower spine instantaneously dissipates bodily discomfort from excess heat. Emotional solace also accompanies its use. Suitable for day or night application, this product extends its benefits to the entire family, even proving effective for moody children. The fragrance is divine, a testament to its origins as one of Vaidya Mishra’s divine creations. I eagerly anticipate your feedback, as the DGL’s transdermal application ensures swift absorption and instantaneous relief.

These practices hold relevance not only throughout summer but also into fall. As summer triggers the accumulation of excess pitta, fall’s arrival can exacerbate pitta-related conditions, such as skin irritations, redness, headaches, and digestive acidity. For personalized recommendations, consider scheduling a consultation.

Inviting Autumn Classes

Anticipation swells as I unveil new classes for the upcoming fall season. Several months ago, Ayurveda Practitioner Riim van den Berg from the Netherlands extended an invitation to teach Ayurveda courses to her colleagues and clients. Given that these classes will be conducted online, I extend the invitation to all interested participants. The topics include an introduction to pulse with SV Samadhi Marma. For further details, follow this link: Ayurveda Courses.

Moreover, an Ayurveda Home Detox Class, aligned with my teacher’s Shaka Vansya Approach lineage, is on offer: Home Detox Class.

Additionally, delve into the Ayurvedic Practices for Aligning to the Rhythms of the Moon: Moon-aligned Practices.

Stay tuned for an upcoming introduction to Ayurveda Diet and Nutrition class, co-taught by Ayurveda Chef Susan Pack. More information will be shared later this month, with the course commencing in mid-October.

Furthermore, an exciting opportunity awaits those inclined toward professional training. The Ayurveda Health Coach Certificate Program, rooted in SV Ayurveda Knowledge, spans 10 months, commencing on October 18th. For comprehensive details, explore Ayurveda Health Coach Program.

I am eager to connect with you soon. Please don’t hesitate to reach out with your inquiries and concerns. Schedule a coaching session here: Coaching Session.

Warm regards,

Rose Carol