On these hot summer days, we’re looking for things that help to cool us off often turning to cold beverages, cold teas, ice cream or cold sodas, though these cold favorites hamper what is called “Agni” or your digestive fire, and can diminish your capacity to digest foods correctly and the ability to fully assimilate all the nutrients and subtle components of what you eat.
A nice alternative on these hot days are Strawberries! When you are feeling the effects of the hot day… take a handful of strawberries and eat them. Within minutes the excess heat you are holding will start to dissipate from the body.
Energetics: Sweet, Sour, Astringent
Doshic Effect: Vata and Pitta decreasing, Kapha increasing in large amounts
Actions: Refrigerant, Relieves Thirst, alterative, Leaves are mildly astringent, the tea is an antacid
Other Indications: Similar to Raspberries; protects against viruses, cancer, DNA damage, herpes simplex, and skin disorders; they are high in Vitamin C, Fiber, Potassium, and contain many antioxidants. Strawberries are also useful for obesity, gout, arthritis, diabetes, constipation, hypertension and kidney stones.
Contraindications: The skin of the strawberry may aggravate Pitta (people with excess fire). Eating too many may also cause coughing and vomiting. When ingesting, eat them by themselves.
*Information from “The Ayurveda Encyclopedia” published in 2005
For more information about Strawberries, Joyful Belly has a very nice article about how Strawberries work on diminishing Liver heat, and other great information from an Ayurvedic perspective.