Summer is here and with it comes heat, sweat, and that unmistakable Pitta energy (elements of Fire and Water). According to Ayurveda, summer is ruled by the fiery Pitta dosha. When this energy goes unchecked, it can show up as irritability, inflammation, acne, acid reflux, or just feeling hot and bothered all the time.

The good news? Ayurveda gives us a beautiful toolkit of cooling herbs and spices to help balance Pitta and bring the body (and mind) back to harmony.

Whether you’re meal prepping, making a quick tea, or simply flavoring your food more mindfully, incorporating the right herbs and spices can keep you cool, calm, and collected even during the hottest months.

The Ayurvedic Approach to Summer Cooking

In the summer, we want to focus on:

Cooling, hydrating foods

Spices that soothe heat rather than stoke it

Fresh herbs with bitter, astringent, or sweet post-digestive effects

Avoiding overly spicy, oily, or salty ingredients that increase internal heat

Top Ayurvedic Herbs & Spices for Summer

Here are my favorite Ayurvedic picks to beat the heat:

1. Fennel

Cooling and sweet, fennel aids digestion without the fire. Sip fennel tea, chew fennel seeds after meals, or sprinkle into summer salads.

2. Coriander

Coriander helps reduce inflammation and calms Pitta. Use the seeds in cooking or make coriander tea with crushed seeds and hot water.

3. Mint

Hello, instant refreshment! Mint is a Pitta-pacifying superstar. Add to water, smoothies, or even homemade chutneys for a cool kick.

4. Cilantro

This is one of the most Pitta-soothing herbs around. Blend into a chutney or toss a generous handful on top of grain bowls and lentils.

5. Turmeric

While turmeric is warming, it’s anti-inflammatory and healing when used in moderation, it supports liver health and immunity during the summer.

6. Cumin

Cumin improves digestion without overheating the body. Try it toasted in a dry pan, then ground and added to veggies or rice dishes.

🧡 My Go-To: Paavani’s Pitta Spice Blend

If you don’t have time to source and mix all these herbs individually (because, life, right?), I highly recommend the Paavani Ayurveda Pitta Spice Blend.

✨ It’s an organic blend made specifically to cool and balance fiery Pitta.

✨ You can sprinkle it on veggies, stir it into soups, or sauté with ghee or coconut oil for an easy seasoning base.

✨ Bonus: It makes your kitchen smell like an Ayurvedic spa. You’re welcome.

Click here to grab it and use my code MOKSHA10 for 10% off your order!

💫 A Simple Cooling Summer Recipe

Here’s an easy Ayurvedic summer recipe using the Paavani Pitta Spice Blend:

Cooling Coconut Veggie Bowl

Ingredients:

1 cup cooked quinoa or rice

1 cup steamed zucchini

½ cup shredded carrots

1 tbsp coconut flakes

1 tsp Paavani Pitta Spice Blend

Squeeze of lime

Fresh cilantro + mint to garnish

Instructions:

Toss everything in a bowl and enjoy warm or at room temp. Hydrating, light, and satisfying.

🌞 Final Thoughts

Ayurveda reminds us that food isn’t just fuel, it’s medicine.

By tuning into the seasons and adjusting our herbs and spices, we can stay balanced, happy, and well even when the sun is blazing.

Whether you’re new to Ayurveda or have been practicing for years, don’t underestimate the power of your spice cabinet.

👉🏼Want more tips like this? Follow me on Instagram @ayurveda.bianca for everyday Ayurveda, holistic motherhood, and recipes that work IRL.

Stay Cool,

Bianca 🤍

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