9 Pitta Pacifying Foods to Help Keep Cool
Updated: Aug 28
When it comes to maintaining a sense of calm and balance in your life, incorporating pitta pacifying foods into your diet can be incredibly beneficial if you have a significant amount of Pitta dosha in your constitution or if you have a Pitta dosha imbalance.
Pitta is one of the three doshas in Ayurveda, representing the elements of fire and water.
If your pitta dosha is out of balance, you may experience irritability, anger, and inflammation.
Opt for cooking methods that are gentle and avoid using excessive spices or heating techniques that can further aggravate pitta.
Eating mindfully, in a calm and peaceful environment, can also support the pacifying effects of your food choices.
Overall, by incorporating pitta pacifying foods into your diet and adopting a mindful approach to eating, you can help to bring balance to your pitta dosha and promote a greater sense of calm and well-being in your life.
9 Pitta Pacifying Foods to Help Keep Cool
Here are 9 Pitta pacifying foods to help keep cool:
sweet pomegranate (just thinking about this one cools me down!)
ghee ❤️
asparagus (oh yum! One of the veggies I missed most while I was living in India)
But First, a Little Ayurveda Background
Definition of Doshas
The definition of dosha is "that which goes out of balance" or "fault".
Ayurveda identifies 3 doshas:
Vata
Pitta
Kapha
Ayurveda uses doshas to explain:
one's constitution
the current state of balance
the systems of the body.
Constitution--Prakriti
This is the particular combination of the three doshas that make up an individual.
Someone, like me, may have a predominance of Pitta and Kapha with less Vata in their constitution.
But someone else may have a predominance of Pitta and Vata with less Kapha in their constitution, or a predominance of Vata and Kapha with less Pitta.
But every individual has all three doshas within their bodies.
Some sources will talk about the possible constitution combinations as being:
Vata Pitta
Pitta Vata
Kapha Pitta
Pitta Kapha
Vata Kapha
Kapha Vata
tri-doshic--this is rare. It means that the individual is equally composed of all 3 doshas (33 1/3% Vata, 33 1/3% Pitta, 33 1/3% Kapha)
Which of the doshas are predominant in your constitution?
This may take some time to determine because imbalances often present themselves first, rather than the constitution.
There are many constitution quizzes out there to try, like this one from Athreya Herbs.
Just be sure to answer the questions based on what you were like as a child since this will give you the most accurate information.
Current State of Balance--Vikriti
At any given moment, the doshas can be assessed to determine if they are balanced.
Ayurveda does not look for all of the doshas to be equally of the same proportion (like in a tri-doshic constitution mentioned above), but rather that one's current state of balance of the doshas is the same as the constitution.
In Sanskrit terms, the vikriti equals the prakriti.
For example, a pulse reading may show an individual's constitution as something like
Vata-1, Pitta-3, Kapha-2.
Both the constitution and current state of balance should have this same proportion of each dosha.
If the current state of balance has changed in this individual to
Vata-2, Pitta-3, Kapha-2,
that would mean Vata is imbalanced, and for this individual Vata needs to be reduced back down to 1.
Your constitution should not look like my constitution, and the goal is not to have the same amount of each dosha present in your system.
The goal is to have your current state of balance (vikriti) be the same as your constitution (prakriti), or the proportion with which you were born.
Usually, when a dosha is out of balance, it means that there's too much of that dosha present in the body.
We call that either an increase in the dosha, an imbalanced dosha, or we may say that a dosha is high in quantity.
The General Rule of Ayurveda
The general rule of Ayurveda is that "like increases like, and opposites decrease."
For example, if you have a Pitta imbalance (meaning Pitta is high or in excess) you would want to eat foods and do activities that would calm or reduce the Pitta.
These would be activities and qualities having the opposite qualities (gunas) to Pitta dosha.
If you eat foods or do activities with the same qualities as Pitta, it will increase Pitta taking it further out of balance.
You can read more about the 20 Gunas (Qualities) here:
Why You Want to Keep the Doshas Balanced
Why is it important to keep the doshas balanced?
With a slight imbalance, you may notice some discomfort.
You might even go to a doctor to get some help, but be told that the tests are all fine and there is nothing wrong.
But you know that something is just not right.
If this imbalance is allowed to continue to go further and further out of balance, it may lead to an actual disease, something the doctors can detect with their tests.
However, by this point, it becomes much harder to correct.
I don't want this to sound alarming and make you feel like you need to panic.
Doshas go in and out of balance often, especially Vata dosha.
If you can learn how to live a balanced life, which includes not freaking out about whether or not the doshas are perfectly balanced, then you will be fine.
Brief Overview of Vata and Kapha Doshas
Vata dosha is the dosha composed of air and ether. It's much lighter than the other two doshas.
Its qualities are dry, light, rough, cold, subtle, mobile, and clear.
When balanced, Vata is characterized by freedom, joy, flexibility, and creativity.
When out of balance, Vata may create anxiety, worry, fear, insecurity, and loneliness.
Kapha dosha is composed of water and earth.
Its qualities are heavy, slow, cold, oily, smooth, dull, soft, stable, and cloudy/sticky.
When balanced, Kapha is characterized by love, stability, generosity, support, and being laid back.
When out of balance, Kapha may create stubbornness, jealousy, greed, and attachment.
Pitta Dosha
Pitta dosha is composed of fire and water.
It controls all transformation that occurs in the body and the mind.
Pitta Dosha is Responsible For:
synapsis of the brain
processing of emotions
hormones
enzymes necessary for digestion
red blood cells of the blood
and more
Qualities of Pitta Dosha
light
slightly oily
hot
spreading
fleshy-smelling
sharp/penetrating
liquid
Balanced Pitta Dosha
tend to be leaders
like organization (although may not always be organized)
enjoy using colored markers, Post-Its, and tabs to organize their work/papers/workspace
sharp intelligence
shrewd
Pitta Dosha Out of Balance
Pitta dosha out of balance may show up as:
anger
frustration
sharp words/actions
judgment and criticism of the self and/or others
Pitta DoshaTime of Life
Pitta dosha rules the middle years of life, from around puberty to menopause (or 50-60 for men) for everyone, no matter their constitution.
It's the time of life when one tends to be making their mark on the world, working and raising a family.
Pitta Dosha Time of Year
The Pitta dosha time of year in the US is summer.
The dates will vary from location to location based on proximity to the equator and elevation.
Pitta Dosha Time of Day
For everyone, no matter their constitution, there are two different Pitta dosha sections of a 24-hour day.
10 am to 2 pm
The first is from 10 am to 2 pm, making this time period the best time to eat the biggest meal of the day.
It may also be a time when you want to complete more focused work, using that Pitta dosha mental sharpness.
This is not the best time for a person with a Pitta dosha constitution or Pitta dosha imbalance to be out jogging in the sunshine, because it may create even more heat in the body leading to anger, frustration, judgment, and criticism.
10 pm to 2 am
The second section is from 10 pm to 2 am.
It is best to be asleep during this time, because if not, you may get a second wind and feel like you need to fix your entire life.
If people with a lot of Pitta dosha in their constitution or those with a Pitta dosha imbalance find that they are awake past 10 pm, they may not get back to sleep before 2 am.
Ayurveda also tells us that it's important to be asleep between 10 pm and 2 am because the body is doing a natural detox during that time (remember that Pitta dosha is responsible for transformation, even the transformation of toxins to waste products).
If you miss that detox time toxins may accumulate in the body.
To learn more about Pitta Dosha Characteristics, check out this blog post:
How Does Food Affect the Doshas?
As discussed earlier, Ayurveda states "like increases like, and opposites decrease."
If an excessive amount of foods aggravating to a dosha are consumed then that dosha may go out of balance.
If foods pacifying to a dosha are consumed, that dosha will reduce or calm down.
Pitta dosha benefits from eating foods that are:
sweet
bitter
astringent.
Pitta dosha is aggravated by foods that are
sour
salty
pungent.
Everyone needs all six tastes in every meal.
People with a predominantly Pitta dosha constitution or a Pitta dosha imbalance should eat more sweet, bitter, and astringent foods and less sour, salty, and pungent foods.
To learn more about The 6 Tastes of Ayurveda, read this post:
To Help Pacify Pitta Dosha, Eat Foods with These Tastes
Sweet Foods
Sweet foods are Pitta pacifying foods.
The sweet taste, in this context, is not referring to refined white sugar (which is actually aggravating to Pitta dosha).
Sweet, according to Ayurveda, are foods that are building in nature.
For example:
grains
sweet fruits (not sour)
sweet vegetables--like sweet potato
oils
dates
unrefined sugars
meats (although some meats are aggravating for Pitta)
Bitter Foods
Bitter foods are Pitta pacifying foods.
Bitter foods are just that, foods that feel bitter on the tongue.
Bitter foods are clearing for the body.
Many herbs fall into the category of bitter.
Examples of bitter foods include:
bitter greens, like dandelion or kale (but not mustard greens or nettle, which are warming in nature)
most green veggies have some bitterness
aloe vera
fenugreek
you might like to see coffee on this list, but, unfortunately, even though coffee is bitter in taste, the acidity is very Pitta-provoking
Astringent Foods
Astringent foods are Pitta pacifying foods.
Astringent is less of a flavor and more of a dry feeling in the mouth experienced after eating certain foods.
All of the moisture feels sucked out of the mouth.
Examples include:
pomegranate
green tea
most raw vegetables
legumes
To read more about these three tastes that pacify Pitta dosha, read this post:
And, Finally! 9 Pitta Pacifying Foods to Help Keep Cool
This list of 9 Pitta pacifying foods to help keep cool creates a great starting point.
Adding these foods into your diet will help to begin to reduce Pitta dosha.
You may also want to eat more of these foods during the summer, the Pitta time of year.
1. Sweet pomegranate
Benefits of this pitta pacifying food include:
boosting intelligence
improve immunity
relieve burning sensation
reduce fever
ease thirst
helps replenish iron
lessens ulcers in the gut
2. Dandelion:
Benefits of dandelion include:
diuretic
blood cleansing
laxative
anti-inflammatory
good for the liver, kidney, and spleen (Saumya Ayurveda)
3. Dates:
Benefits include:
provides strength
aphrodisiac
nervine
diuretic
cardiotonic (strengthens the heart) (EasyAyurveda)
4. Ghee
Benefits of ghee include:
aids digestion
increases absorption of nutrients
sharpens mind
acts as preservative
relieves mild burns
carries nutrients and herbs directly to the tissues of the body
increases memory
increases ojas (the super fine quality of Kapha which gives all of us juiciness)
5. Cow's milk
When possible, use whole, preferably non-homogenized (the closest to the cow you can find).
Benefits of good quality cow's milk include:
rejuvenating
strengthening
cardiac tonic
increases intellect
promotes virility1
6. Asparagus
Benefits of asparagus:
diuretic
detoxifies blood
soothes inflammation
cooling (JoyfullBelly)
7. Sweet potato
Benefits of sweet potato include:
eases diarrhea
wound healing
reduces hair loss
anti-wrinkle (1mg)
8. Fennel Bulb
Benefits of fennel bulbs include:
improves digestion
promotes mental clarity
cooling (LakshmiAyurveda)
9. Wheat
I know, wheat is avoided by many people, but Pitta benefits by having something substantial to digest, and wheat gives the body something substantial to digest in this Pitta pacifying food.
Benefits of wheat:
aphrodisiac
laxative
life-giving
creates steadiness
helps mend broken tissues
promotes strength2
it also gives strong Pitta dosha digestion something to work on for a while
Conclusion for 9 Pitta Pacifying Foods to Stay Cool
When it comes to pacifying Pitta dosha, it is essential to focus on incorporating Pitta pacifying foods that help balance the fiery nature of this dosha.
Pitta individuals tend to have a strong digestive fire, so it is crucial to choose Pitta pacifying foods that are cooling, hydrating, and calming to prevent any imbalance.
It is important to note that Pitta individuals should avoid or minimize the consumption of hot and spicy foods, caffeine, alcohol, and fried foods, as these can aggravate Pitta dosha and lead to various health issues.
By following a diet rich in Pitta pacifying foods and making mindful choices, individuals can maintain balance within their bodies and minds, promoting overall well-being and vitality.
Remember, listening to your body's needs and honoring its unique constitution is key to achieving optimal health and harmony.
To learn more about Pitta pacifying foods, book an online consultation:
Learn more about Pitta dosha with these blog posts:
Materia Medica of Ayurveda, New Delhi, Concept Publishing Company, 1980,141.
Materia Medica of Ayurveda, New Delhi, Concept Publishing Company, 1980, 246.
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