Ayurvedic Tips and Reminders
Continuing the theme of ”cooling” for the summer, I thought I would write about some of natures’ delicious juicy and cooling fruits that are available locally to eat. The natural sugars and refreshing quality of fruit make it a wonderful substitute for refined and chemical sweeteners.Fruit also contains valuable minerals. enzymes, fiber and vitamins.
So if the summer heat has you thirsty and overheated at times , here are few fruits that can ” cool” you down. Remember, Ayurveda recommends eating fruit alone when possible; for example in the morning upon waking or between a meal.
Watermelon- Very cooling; a summer favorite .It influences the heart, bladder, and stomach; builds body fluids and can be a diuretic. It’s great for when you are thirsty. Not good for people who are anemic or with weak digestion.
Purple plum- Sweet and Sour in nature ,it builds bodily fluids. It is used for liver diseases and diabetes. Not good for people with intestinal ulcers or inflammation.
Peach-Cooling sweet and sour flavor; builds bodily fluids; moistens the lungs and intestines, used for a dry cough,relieves high blood pressure and can be applied on the face for a “peaches and cream” complexion. Squeeze the pulp onto the face then let dry and rinse.
Rasberries- Neutral thermal nature; benefits the liver and kidneys, enriches the blood and “purifies” it of toxins. Treats anemia and regulates menses.Blackberries have similar blood building properties. It can be used to treat diarrhea, and anemia.
Pineapple- Neutral thermal nature; sweet and removes summer heat. Contains the enzyme bromelin which increases digestive ability and destroys worms. It is good for anorexia, diarrhea, treats sunstroke, and edema. Pineapples should be very ripe sweet and juicy not acidic.
Eating with the seasons is a primary principle of Ayurveda. Ayur-veda means “science of life” . Dating back 5000 years, Ayurveda’s efficacy has withstood the test of time. It holds the keys to anti-aging and preventative health. Who doesn’t want some of that today?
But ………………from the “inside” out ! Don’t we have enough” outside “messages?
Namaste’
Gedalia