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Daniel was always battling heat—both inside and out. The scorching midday sun was one thing, but the heat emanating from his body was another. It wasn’t just the weather that was making him uncomfortable; his irritability, flushed skin, and queasy digestion were constant reminders that something inside him was out of balance.
After trying quick fixes like cold showers and air conditioning with no results, Daniel realized he needed a deeper solution. That’s when a friend introduced him to Ayurveda, the ancient Indian system of holistic health. He found out that managing heat wasn’t just about external solutions; it was about understanding his body and making conscious choices.
Pitta is the dosha that governs heat in Ayurveda, one of the three fundamental energies in the body. When Pitta is in balance it powers digestion, intellect, and vitality. When it’s out of balance it leads to overheating, irritability, and inflammation.
Pitta dosha affects the body’s temperature, and imbalances can result in increased heat, leading to various health issues. Fortunately, Ayurveda has many tools – from cooling foods and herbs to simple lifestyle changes—to bring balance and keep Pitta in check.
Whether you’re feeling weighed down by heat from a hot summer or an overworked body, Ayurveda has a gentle and natural way to cool and rejuvenate. Let’s dive in and see how this ancient wisdom can help you manage body heat and feel revitalized.

1. Understanding Body Heat in Ayurveda
Ayurveda, the ancient Indian system of holistic health, describes three fundamental energies or doshas —Vata, Pitta, and Kapha—that govern the body. Among these, Pitta dosha is responsible for heat, metabolism, and transformation.
While Pitta is necessary for digestion, intellect, and energy, its excess leads to overheating in the body and mind. This imbalance is often caused by hot weather, spicy or fried foods, stress, or a busy lifestyle. Excessive heat can lead to hyperthermia, a failure in the body’s heat regulation system that results in dangerously high internal temperatures.
Maintaining a balanced body temperature is crucial for overall health, as excessive heat can strain various bodily organs and systems.
1.1. Symptoms of Pitta Imbalance
The first step is to recognize the symptoms:
Skin: Acne, rashes or redness
Emotional: Irritability, anger, frustration
Physical: Sweating, heartburn, or feeling hot even in a cool environment
Digestive: Acid reflux, diarrhea, or burning sensation in the stomach
Breathing techniques like Left Nostril Breathing (Chandra Bhedana) can help regulate body temperatures and alleviate symptoms of Pitta imbalance. This type of pranayama activates the parasympathetic nervous system, leading to a calming effect and a reduction in body temperature.
1.2. Why Balance Matters
If left unbalanced, heat can lead to chronic issues like inflammation, emotional instability, and digestive problems. By balancing Pitta you not only cool your body but also digest better, stabilize emotions, and feel calm and harmonious. Reducing body heat through Ayurvedic practices is essential for maintaining overall health and well-being.
In Ayurveda, the balance of the 3 doshas—Vata, Pitta, and Kapha is the key to health and happiness. Vivan Vatsa (@VivanVatsa) an Ayurvedic advocate explains the importance of the Tridosha theory in the body. According to this theory, the interplay of these bio-energies governs not just our physical functions but also our emotional and mental states.
When the doshas are in balance they give us vitality, clarity, and inner peace. But when out of balance it can cause many problems including body heat due to an overactive Pitta dosha.
This is in line with the Ayurvedic approach to heat. By recognizing the signs of Pitta imbalance—irritability, inflammation, digestive issues—Ayurveda offers specific solutions to balance. Cooling foods like watermelon and cucumber, soothing herbs like mint and aloe vera, and lifestyle adjustments like calming breathing techniques are just a few examples of how we can follow this ancient wisdom.
The Tridosha theory not only helps us understand health but also enables us to take a personalized approach to wellness. By understanding the dynamic nature of our doshas and how they affect our body we can make informed choices to get into harmony and rejuvenation even during heat and discomfort.
Tridosha Theory: The concept of Vata, Pitta, and Kapha, the three doshas or bio-energies, is central to Ayurvedic medicine. Health is perceived as a balance of these doshas, and their imbalance leads to illness. pic.twitter.com/MAussuokRJ
— vivan. (@VivanVatsa) September 28, 2024
2. Understanding Body Heat and Pitta Dosha
Body heat is a natural phenomenon that occurs in the human body, and it is closely related to the concept of Pitta dosha in Ayurveda. Pitta dosha is one of the three primary energies in the body, and it is associated with the elements of fire and water. Pitta governs digestion, metabolism, temperature regulation, and energy production, playing a crucial role in maintaining the body’s temperature.
When Pitta dosha is balanced, it promotes vitality and intelligence, ensuring that your body functions optimally. However, when Pitta is imbalanced, it can lead to discomfort and various health issues. Excessive body heat is a common symptom of Pitta imbalance, manifesting in ways such as inflammation, hyperacidity, skin issues, and excessive sweating. Recognizing these signs early can help you take steps to restore balance and reduce body heat naturally.
3. Cooling Herbs with Cooling Properties: Nature’s Remedies
Herbs have been used in Ayurveda for centuries to pacify Pitta and cool the body. Here are three of the best ones with how to use them.
3.1. Mint
Mint’s cooling properties make it a must-have for anyone with internal heat. Its refreshing aroma and menthol content calms the body and uplifts the mind.
3.1.1. How to Use Mint:
Mint Tea: Steep fresh mint leaves in boiling water for 10 minutes. Drink warm to aid digestion or cold to cool down.
Infused Water: Add mint leaves to a pitcher of water with cucumber and lime slices for a hydrating infusion.
Mint Salads: Chop fresh mint leaves into salads or sprinkle over-cooked vegetables for extra flavor and cooling benefits.
3.2. Aloe Vera
Aloe vera is a hydration and cooling powerhouse for skin and digestion.
3.2.1. How to Use Aloe Vera:
Aloe Juice: Blend fresh aloe gel with coconut water, mint, or cucumber for a refreshing drink.
Aloe Skin Application: Apply aloe gel directly to sunburns, rashes, or heated skin to calm irritation.
Aloe Smoothie: Blend aloe gel with yogurt, honey, and a handful of spinach for a nutrient-rich cooling smoothie.

3.3. Coriander
Coriander is gentle and effective in reducing Pitta-related heat, especially when digestion is out of balance.
3.3.1. How to Use Coriander:
Coriander Tea: Simmer coriander seeds in water for 5-7 minutes, strain, and drink.
Coriander Chutney: Blend fresh coriander leaves with mint, green chilies (mildly if tolerable), and lime juice for a cooling condiment.
Spice Blends: Use coriander powder in your cooking to add a cooling element to your food.
4. Dietary Adjustments for Cooling the Body
What we eat affects our internal temperature. Ayurveda recommends including foods that naturally cool the body and avoid heat-increasing ingredients.
4.1. Cooling Foods to Eat:
Cucumber: Rich in water and electrolytes, cucumbers are great for salads, juices, or as a snack.
Melons: Watermelon and cantaloupe are perfect for hot days. Eat them fresh or blend them into smoothies.
Coconut: Coconut water hydrates and replenishes electrolytes. Grated coconut adds a cooling element to curries and salads.
Leafy Greens: Spinach, kale, and lettuce provide essential nutrients and pacify Pitta when eaten raw or lightly cooked.
Yogurt: Use yogurt to make raita (a savory yogurt dish) or sweet lassi, both of which calm digestion.
4.2. Foods to Avoid:
Hot Spices: Reduce or eliminate chili, black pepper, and cayenne.
Fried Foods: Oily and heavy food is harder to digest and generates heat.
Red Meat: Opt for lighter proteins like tofu, lentils, or white fish.
Alcohol and Caffeine: Both are dehydrating and increase Pitta.
Dr. Vishakha Moghe (@drmoghes) says to cool down the body naturally, especially if you have an overheated system. Her suggestions are in line with Ayurvedic practices, alkalizing, and hydrating foods that calm down an aggravated Pitta dosha. She recommends including fruits like melons, grapes, and black raisins in your diet as they are naturally cooling and help in hydration.
Also, vegetables from the gourd family like pumpkin and cucumbers are good for internal cooling of the body. Drinking water stored in an earthen pot is another simple and effective way to regulate body temperature as this traditional method cools down water naturally without any artificial means. Ripe coconut water with electrolytes quenches thirst and rejuvenates the system making it a perfect companion to combat heat.
So simple and so doable! Food and hydration can be your superpower to balance and be well. Try these and be cool and calm in any situation.
What can you do?
— Dr Vishakha Moghe (@drmoghes) September 22, 2022
1) Cooling down the body is the key.
If healthy & have good digestion, eat more alkalizing fruits like melon, grapes, black raisins, drink water stored in an earthen pot, eat more veggies from the gourd family, pumpkin, cucumbers, drink ripe coconut water
5. Lifestyle Practices for Cooling Relief
Ayurveda’s approach to cooling is holistic and involves not just a diet but also mindful lifestyle practices.
5.1. Cooling Your Space
Air Circulation: Open your windows during cooler parts of the day and use fans to increase airflow.
Natural Cooling: Keep indoor plants like aloe vera, peace lilies, or areca palms in your home for their cooling effect.
Light Fabrics: Wear cotton and linen to keep your body cool.
5.2. Cooling Self-Massage (Abhyanga)
Regular oil massage reduces heat, calms the nervous system, and promotes relaxation.
5.2.1. How to do Abhyanga:
- Warm coconut or sunflower oil in your hands.
- Massage the oil onto your skin, and use long strokes on limbs and circular motions on joints.
- Focus on heat-prone areas like the scalp, neck, and feet.
- Leave the oil on for 20-30 minutes and then shower with lukewarm water.
5.3. Sheetali Pranayama (Cooling Breath)
This simple breathing technique cools the body and calms the mind.
5.3.1. How to do Sheetali:
- Sit comfortably with your back straight.
- Roll your tongue into a tube and inhale deeply through it.
- Close your mouth and exhale slowly through your nose.
- Repeat for 5-10 minutes.

6. Additional Tips to Manage Body Heat
In addition to the tips mentioned earlier, here are some additional ways to manage body heat and reduce Pitta dosha:
Stay Hydrated: Drinking plenty of water is essential to reduce body heat. Include water-rich foods in your diet, such as watermelon, cucumber, and celery, to keep your body cool and hydrated.
Avoid Spicy Foods: Spicy foods can increase body heat and aggravate Pitta dosha. Opt for mild and cooling foods instead to maintain a normal body temperature.
Use Cooling Oils: Coconut oil, sesame oil, and olive oil have cooling properties that can help reduce body heat. Use them in your cooking and as a massage oil to benefit from their cooling effect.
Practice Relaxation Techniques: Stress and anxiety can increase body heat. Practice relaxation techniques like meditation, deep breathing, and yoga to calm your mind and body, helping to reduce body heat naturally.
Avoid Excessive Exercise: Excessive exercise can increase body heat and aggravate Pitta dosha. Opt for gentle and moderate exercise instead to keep your body cool.
Use Aloe Vera: Aloe vera has cooling properties that can help reduce body heat. Apply aloe vera gel directly to the skin or consume it as a juice to benefit from its cooling effect.
Drink Coconut Water: Coconut water is a natural coolant that can help reduce body heat. Drink it regularly to stay hydrated and cool, especially during hot weather.
Eat Cooling Ayurvedic Herbs: Certain Ayurvedic herbs like cilantro, coriander, and mint have cooling properties that can help reduce body heat. Include them in your diet to stay cool and balance Pitta dosha.
By following these tips, you can effectively manage body heat and reduce Pitta dosha. Remember to always consult with an Ayurvedic practitioner before making any significant changes to your diet or lifestyle.
Madhuri Agarwal (@usefultalk) says to align your lifestyle with nature to stay in balance and harmony in the body. She recommends pranayama, a controlled breathing technique to tap into your inner energy. Pranayama cools the body and gives mental clarity and emotional stability, it’s a must for Pitta dosha management.
Ayurveda says that the natural phases of the day, season, and life affect us differently based on our body type or doshas. By synchronizing your daily routine with these rhythms—like rising early, eating at regular intervals, and winding down before sunset – you can increase your energy, focus, and calmness.
So small habits can make a big difference. Whether it’s breathing calmly in the morning or adjusting your schedule to match the natural rhythm, these tweaks will get you feeling balanced, refreshed, and in sync.
Engage in practices like pranayama to harness this creative, spiritual energy.
— Madhuri Agarwal (@usefultalk) January 20, 2025
These phases affect one depending on their body type as per Ayurveda.
𝐏𝐫𝐨 𝐓𝐢𝐩: Sync your routine with these natural rhythms to balance your doshas and feel more energized, focused, and calm. pic.twitter.com/BZ9hGSan2f
7. Quick Cooling Remedies to Reduce Body Heat for Instant Relief
Sometimes instant relief is needed when heat becomes too much. Here’s how to cool down:
Cold Compress: Apply a cool cloth to your forehead, neck, or wrists.
Refreshing Drinks: Drink chilled coconut water, peppermint tea, or cucumber-infused water.
Cooling Snacks: Keep pre-sliced watermelon, cucumber, or yogurt handy for a quick fix.
Get Back in Balance, Feel Alive
By living in Ayurveda you can manage body heat naturally. Daniel learned that balance is not about being perfect—it’s about making small consistent choices. A mint tea here, a cooling massage there and a few minutes of mindful breathing can turn discomfort into calm.
Feeling hot or out of sorts? Start with one practice today—maybe a glass of coconut water or a self-massage. With Ayurveda as your guide, balance, and vitality is always within reach.
What will be your first step toward cooling down and embracing balance?
Last Updated on by Saket Kumar