Cooling Ayurvedic Summer Drink
Now that we are in the midst of summer heat, you may be looking for more ways to stay cool. Summer is associated with pitta dosha, which means that this dosha is more likely to go out of balance during these warm months. How does an imbalance of pitta dosha manifest?
Some physical and mental signs of pitta dosha imbalance can include:
Red, inflamed skin
Acne
Acute inflammation in the body or joints
Acid reflux, gastric or peptic ulcers, heartburn
Nausea upon missing meals
Loose stools
red, inflamed or light-sensitive eyes
Excessive feeling of heat in the body
Frustration, anger, irritability
Judgment, impatience, criticism, intolerance
Excessive perfectionist tendencies
If you find yourself experiencing or exhibiting some of these signs, just take it as a cue to cool down. This might mean cooling down physically, or taking a mental break if you’re finding yourself overly frustrated or angry.
One of my favorite ways to stay cool in the summer is with this refreshing pomegranate aloe drink, which happens to be as therapeutic as it is refreshing. Not only is it the perfect alternative to a summer cocktail, it is full of health benefits.
The main ingredients of this simple drink are aloe juice and pomegranate, which are both considered tri-doshic, meaning that they are beneficial for all doshas.
Benefits of Aloe:
Aloe vera, known as kumari in Ayurveda, is bitter in taste and cold in potency, making it the perfect herb to balance the heat and inflammation that comes with summertime. Aloe is used both internally and topically in Ayurveda. It is most commonly used in the West as a sunburn treatment, since it calms the heat of the burn, while soothing irritated skin.
Drinking aloe vera juice is beneficial for skin health as well as the digestive tract, liver, blood and all of the body’s tissues. Aloe helps facilitate digestion and improves the functioning of the kidneys, liver and gallbladder. The anti-inflammatory fatty acids in aloe alkalize the digestive juices and prevent acidity — a common cause of indigestion. These fatty acids benefit not only the stomach but the small intestine and the colon as well.
When taken internally, aloe vera juice aids the digestion and absorption of nutrients, helps control blood sugar, increases energy production, promotes cardiovascular health, improves liver function, and boosts the immune system.
Benefits of Pomegranate:
Pomegranate is beneficial for all doshas. Not only is it great for quenching thirst, but it is also particularly good for promoting healthy digestion. Pomegranate juice calms IBS, reduces bloating, acidity and prevents constipation. Like aloe, pomegranate is very cooling and perfect for a summer drink. It quenches thirst, can help eliminate fever and promotes circulation. The heat of summer can cause the digestive system to become overstimulated. Pomegranate is very effective at relieving cases of intestinal discomfort or IBS.
Pomegranate is excellent for all heat conditions of the digestive tract, including nausea. Pomegranate helps to reduce hyperacidity in the stomach, which helps relieve a whole host of digestive issues.
Pomegranate also:
Is anti-inflammatory
Eases menstrual pain
Decreases biomarkers of oxidative stress
Inhibits the enzymes responsible for damaging the cartilage in patients suffering from osteoarthritis and bone inflammation
Contains flavonols help block the inflammation that contributes to osteoarthritis and cartilage damage
Ayurvedic Aloe and Pomegranate Drink
Ingredients:
2 Tbsp pomegranate juice concentrate (I use Jarrow Formulas or Dynamic Health brand)
½ cup aloe juice
Squeeze of lemon
1 ½ cups water
Mix all ingredients in a glass tumbler. Room temperature drinks are favored in Ayurveda since excessively cold drinks can be imbalancing to the digestive system. However, if the summer heat is really getting to you, feel free to add a couple of ice cubes.