Happy summer!

The temps are reminding us that summer is here, and it's time to slooooowwwww waaaayyyy downnnnnn. Walk, don't run. Practice slow, steady yoga. Stay inside and rest in the heat of the day. Allow yourself time and space for coolness, peace, and gentle reflection. Fuel your body with lighter, cooler foods and herbs to support seasonal balance.

It's tempting in this heat to pour yourself a big glass of ice water, lemonade, or another ice cold beverage. But Ayurveda teaches us to resist the urge to douse our inner fire, even in the heat of summer. So we turn to cooling herbs, like mint, coriander, fennel, cardamom, and rose--those with sweet, bitter and astringent tastes. We eat more watermelon, pears, apples, grapes, figs, raisins and berries. Cooling vegetables are in season now, too, such as cucumbers, zucchini, asparagus, celery and summer squash. Raw spinach is cooling and beneficial, as is white rice, oats, barley, quinoa and farro. Cooking with coconut oil is best for these hot summer days, and you can also use it on your skin and to swish with in the morning. Reduce the amount of spicy and fried foods you eat, along with reducing caffeine and alcohol. All of these things aggravate and inflame us, which is not what we need this time of year.

A recipe

Here is a lovely recipe for Hibiscus Mint Sun Tea that will keep you cool, detox your liver, help digestion, and be sweet antidote to the heat of these days.