Depending upon the amount and strength of the rose petals, this drink provokes pitta. Otherwise, rose petals cool pitta mind, heart, as well as small intestine. Slightly astringent, rose petal can help reduce the sting of citric acid.

Asparagus Saffron Risotto with Lemon works best as an early summer blood purifier. Both saffron and asparagus are diuretics with noted blood purifying properties. By late summer, asparagus and saffron will assist in releasing the buildup of pitta but Vata types should take care to stay hydrated after eating. After a long summer of sweating, August is an important month to guard against fluid loss. This can be achieved by doubling the quantity of salt or drinking water 2-3hrs after eating to replenish fluid loss.

Saffron brings a healthy glow to the body. It is a nourishing purifier that invigorates and moves the blood while cooling it. Saffron's circulatory properties are useful in pitta disorders with blood stagnation, including inflammation, arthritis, acne, and hepatitis. It improves eyesight and enhances digestion. Saffron's blood moving qualities are particulary desirable among herbs that stimulate the release of oxytocin, the "tend and befriend" hormone, supporting saffron's use as an aphrodisiac when combined with milk and ghee. Click here for more information on saffron.

Asparagus is cooling, demulcent and astringent. Demulcent means that asparagus has a slightly 'slimy' effect, which serves to coat and soothe mucus membranes. These qualities altogether pacify pitta dosha and soothe Vata. Asparagus is high in potassium and saponins. Both are diuretics good for Kapha, making asparagus tridoshic. An acidic substance called asparagine produces an acetone smell in the urine after eating. It's astringency helps tone lax blood vessels. Asparagus is also easy to digest. As a cooling diuretic, like saffron, it purifies the blood.

Rose petals and fennel improve digestion yet are cooling. Raw sugar provides a bit of nourishment. Pitta should always be pleased: Rose petals and mint make this treat delectable.

Lassis digest easier than yogurt. Blending breaks up the gel and spices combat mucous. Lemon helps reduce the astringency of churned yogurt which can be slightly constipative.

The amount of water in a lassi varies with strength of digestion. Those with weaker digestion can use non fat yogurt with a 1:3 ratio of yogurt to water. For stronger digestions 3:1 ratio of yogurt to water.

Lemons are okay to mix with yogurt because it is already soured. Mixing lemons with milk, other the hand, curdles in the stomach!

Question: Isn't dairy contrindicated during a meal?
Answer: There is some disagreement in the community about the use of lassis after a meal. It is our experience that lassis, because of the spices and churning of the yogurt, help stimulate agni.