37. Cool Your Summer: Ayurveda Tips to Beat the Heat Naturally

Are you feeling irritable, inflamed, bloated, or just plain overheated? Summer brings a surge of energy and sunlight—but it can also push your body out of balance. In this solo episode of Everyday Ayurveda with Kate, Kate O’Donnell breaks down what’s happening in your body during the summer season, and how to work with nature (not against it) using time-tested Ayurvedic principles. Whether you’re dealing with digestion issues, summer skin flare-ups, or mood swings, Kate offers practical, soothing, and empowering strategies to help you feel light, clear, and calm all season long. 

In This Episode, You’ll Learn:

• Why summer weakens the body in Ayurveda—and what you can do about it
  
  
• Signs your Pitta dosha may be out of balance (hello, rashes, mood swings & acid indigestion)
  
  
• How to adjust your diet to support cooling, moisture-rich digestion
  
  
• The best and worst foods to eat in summer (spoiler: skip the fries)
  
  
• Ayurvedic hydration hacks, including how to make your own herbal water
  
  
• How air conditioning affects your doshas (and how to counteract it)
  
  
• Practical food swaps, herbal remedies, and lifestyle upgrades for summer
  
  
• Simple body care tips that keep you cool from the outside in
  
  
• Why fruits, especially plums, are your best friend this season
  
  
• How to reduce internal inflammation without giving up delicious food
  
  

Key Takeaways:

☀️ Summer increases the Pitta dosha, which can lead to inflammation, irritability, and digestive distress if not managed properly.

🥥 Cooling, hydrating foods like coconut, cucumber, and dark berries help balance heat.

🌀 Avoiding fried foods, heavy meats, strong ferments, and coffee can make a dramatic difference.

💧 Herbal waters, aloe juice, and smart hydration techniques support energy and digestion.

🛁 External practices like skipping antiperspirant and using aloe or coconut oil help regulate heat through the skin.

Kate’s Summer Favorites Mentioned in This Episode:

• Cooling Herbs & Spices: Fennel, coriander, mint, cilantro, turmeric
  
  
• Hydration Helpers: Aloe juice, cucumber water, lime & pink salt DIY electrolyte
  
  
• Digestive Aids: Triphala tea, fresh coconut, cooked greens, and legumes
  
  
• Body Care Tips: Coconut oil for dry climates; aloe gel for humid heat
  
  
• Smart Meal Ideas: Red lentils with quinoa, coconut-based summer soups, lightly steamed veggies
  
  

Connect with Kate:

🌿 Follow Kate on Instagram: @kateodonnell.ayurveda

🌿 Visit the Ayurvedic Living Institute for courses & resources

🌿 Shop Kate’s books on seasonal eating and Ayurvedic self-care wherever books are sold

Subscribe & Review:

If you loved this episode, please consider subscribing and leaving a 5-star review on your favorite podcast platform. It helps more people discover Ayurveda—and supports this free offering. Thank you for being part of our healing community!

Resources & Links:

• Visit Acknowledge Farms: https://acknowledge.co
• Follow on Instagram: @acknowledge_wellness
• Connect with Kate: https://www.healwithkate.org
• Summer Self Care Workshop: https://courses.ayurvedicliving.institute/courses/summer-self-care-workshop  
• Summer Bundle  https://courses.ayurvedicliving.institute/bundles/SummerBundle

Thanks to our Sponsor:

This episode is sponsored by Acknowledge, makers of full-spectrum hemp tinctures grown on a regenerative organic farm. Try the Sleep tincture with code KATE30 for 30% off your first order.