Summer Foods & Herbs List: An Ayurveda Perspective

INGREDIENTS FOR SUMMER

View By: Dosha Herbal Action Biocharacteristics (guna) Taste System Meal Season

Earth
EARTH
Resembles earth (prithvi) in quality - heavy, dense, solid, stable, hard.
SEE ALL 'EARTH' FOODS / HERBS

Adzuki Beans, Amaranth, Apricot (dried), Apricot (fresh), Avocado, Banana, Black Beans, Black-eyed Peas, Brown Lentil, Brown Rice Syrup, Butter Bean, Cantaloupe / Melons, Cherry, Chick Pea (Garbanzo), Chicken, Coconut Yogurt, Date Sugar, Egg Whites, Fava Beans, Fennel Stalk, Figs, Goji Berry, Green Beans, Green Plantain, Guava, Hibiscus, Honey Dew, Jackfruit, Jaggery, Kidney Beans, Kiwi, Lima Beans, Millet, Mulberry, Oat Bran, Oat Flour, Okra, Pinto Beans, Poha, Pomegranate, Pomegranate Molasses, Popped Amaranth, Purslane, Quinoa, Raisins, Raw Sugar, Red Lentils (Masoor Dal), Rhubarb, Risotto / Arborio Rice, Skim Milk Powder, Sorghum Flour, Soy Beans, Split Peas, Sunflower Oil, Sweet Peas, Turkey, Urad Dal, White Navy Bean, Yellow Lentil (Toor Dal)

Water
WATER
Resembles water (ap) in quality - fluid, sticky, soft, heavy, stable, cool.
SEE ALL 'WATER' FOODS / HERBS

Aloe Vera Gel, Aloe Vera Juice, Avocado, Banana, Blackberry, Blueberry, Brown Rice Syrup, Cantaloupe / Melons, Cherry, Coconut Milk, Coconut Water, Coconut Yogurt, Cranberry, Cranberry Juice, Cucumber, Date Sugar, Figs, Fish, Grape, Grapefruit, Green Mango, Honey Dew, Jackfruit, Kiwi, Lime, Mulberry, Orange, Orange Blossom Water, Papaya, Peaches, Pineapple, Plum, Pomegranate, Raspberry, Red Bell Pepper, Rice Milk, Rose Petals, Rose Water, Salmon, Soy Milk, Strawberries, Summer Squash, Sunflower Oil, Tomato, Watermelon, Zucchini

Air
AIR
Resembles air (vayu) in quality - highly mobile, drying, light, cold, subtle, rough.
SEE ALL 'AIR' FOODS / HERBS

Amaranth, Apricot (dried), Artichoke, Artichoke Hearts, Asparagus, Basmati Rice, Bean Sprouts, Blackberry, Blueberry, Cardamom, Chick Pea (Garbanzo), Cilantro, Dulse, Fennel Stalk, Goji Berry, Grape Leaves, Green Beans, Green Mango, Guava, Hibiscus, Lamb's Quarters, Lavender, Lima Beans, Lime Zest, Mint, Mung Bean, Oat Bran, Oat Flour, Okra, Pineapple, Pomegranate, Popped Amaranth, Red Lentils (Masoor Dal), Rhubarb, Rice Flour, Rose Petals, Rose Water, Saffron, Sorghum Flour, Tamarind

Anti Inflammatory
ANTI-INFLAMMATORY
Reduces inflammation in the body. Different herbs and carriers target different body systems.
SEE ALL 'ANTI-INFLAMMATORY' FOODS / HERBS

Acai, Aloe Vera Gel, Aloe Vera Juice, Blueberry, Cantaloupe / Melons, Cherry, Cilantro, Cranberry, Cranberry Juice, Cucumber, Grape, Green Plantain, Hibiscus, Jackfruit, Papaya, Pineapple, Pomegranate, Quinoa, Red Bell Pepper, Rose Petals, Sorghum Flour, Strawberries, Sweet Peas

Refrigerant
REFRIGERANT
An herb or substance that strongly cools the body. Can be helpful in cases of heat conditions.
SEE ALL 'REFRIGERANT' FOODS / HERBS

Acai, Bean Sprouts, Blueberry, Cantaloupe / Melons, Cilantro, Coconut Milk, Coconut Water, Cranberry, Cucumber, Hibiscus, Honey Dew, Jackfruit, Lime, Pomegranate, Rose Petals, Rose Water, Watermelon

Grounding
GROUNDING
Encourages feelings of stability and heaviness. Makes you feel settled, mentally relaxed. Mildly sedates the nervous system to ease stress. Can bring a spacey or anxious person back to earth.
SEE ALL 'GROUNDING' FOODS / HERBS

Acai, Amaranth, Avocado, Banana, Coconut Milk, Green Plantain, Jackfruit, Lima Beans, Millet, Popped Amaranth, Salmon, Sorghum Flour

Tonic
TONIC
A tonic herb restores function through strengthening tissue. This can happen through a combination of nourishing the tissue, and invigorating tissue metabolism. The tonic should not be withering, as in caffeine.
SEE ALL 'TONIC' FOODS / HERBS

Figs, Goji Berry, Grape, Honey Dew, Jackfruit, Jaggery, Lamb's Quarters, Quinoa, Sunflower Oil

Aphrodisiac
APHRODISIAC
Herbs that increase sexual arousal through various actions including increased circulation, relaxation, stimulation, or tonics that strengthen glandular health.
SEE ALL 'APHRODISIAC' FOODS / HERBS

Grape, Jackfruit, Rose Petals, Rose Water, Saffron, Tomato, Watermelon

Antimicrobial
ANTIMICROBIAL
An agent that kills microorganisms or inhibits their growth. Antimicrobial is an umbrella term that can be broken down into specific categories of target microorganism, such as anti-bacterials, fungals, and virals.
SEE ALL 'ANTIMICROBIAL' FOODS / HERBS

Aloe Vera Gel, Aloe Vera Juice, Cranberry, Cranberry Juice, Rose Petals

Uterine Tonic
UTERINE-TONIC
An herb that tonifies and strengthens the uterus. Helpful for menstrual difficulties and fertility. Often herbs that increase ojas, but also circulation to reproductive system.
SEE ALL 'UTERINE-TONIC' FOODS / HERBS

Grape, Rose Petals, Soy Milk

Relaxes Mind
RELAXES-MIND
Reduces mental agitation, irritation, stress and racing thoughts.
SEE ALL 'RELAXES-MIND' FOODS / HERBS

Rose Petals, Sorghum Flour, Turkey

Antidepressant
ANTIDEPRESSANT
Herbs that lift feelings of depression, benefit the mind and improve mental function.
SEE ALL 'ANTIDEPRESSANT' FOODS / HERBS

Rose Petals, Sorghum Flour

Estrogenic
ESTROGENIC
Increases estrogen, helpful in menopause. Estrogen is anabolic and increases muscle growth, bone density, and moisture.
SEE ALL 'ESTROGENIC' FOODS / HERBS

Rose Petals, Soy Beans

Cold
COLD
Cold refers to anything that reduces body temperature, metabolism, and blood flow.
SEE ALL 'COLD' FOODS / HERBS

Acai, Aloe Vera Gel, Aloe Vera Juice, Artichoke, Artichoke Hearts, Asparagus, Avocado, Basmati Rice, Bean Sprouts, Black Beans, Black-eyed Peas, Blackberry, Blueberry, Brown Lentil, Brown Rice Syrup, Butter Bean, Cantaloupe / Melons, Chick Pea (Garbanzo), Cilantro, Coconut Milk, Coconut Water, Cranberry, Cranberry Juice, Cucumber, Date Sugar, Fava Beans, Fennel Stalk, Figs, Grape, Grape Leaves, Green Beans, Green Plantain, Guava, Hibiscus, Honey Dew, Jackfruit, Kidney Beans, Kiwi, Lavender, Lima Beans, Lime, Mulberry, Mung Bean, Oat Flour, Okra, Pinto Beans, Poha, Pomegranate, Purslane, Quinoa, Raisins, Raspberry, Raw Sugar, Red Lentils (Masoor Dal), Rice Flour, Rice Milk, Risotto / Arborio Rice, Rose Petals, Rose Water, Sorghum Flour, Soy Beans, Soy Milk, Split Peas, Strawberries, Summer Squash, Sunflower Oil, Sweet Peas, Turbinado, Urad Dal, Watermelon, White Navy Bean, Yellow Lentil (Toor Dal), Zucchini

Dry
DRY
Dry is identified by lack of moisture, lack of fat, or anything that causes diuresis.
SEE ALL 'DRY' FOODS / HERBS

Adzuki Beans, Amaranth, Apricot (dried), Artichoke, Artichoke Hearts, Asparagus, Bean Sprouts, Black Beans, Black-eyed Peas, Brown Lentil, Butter Bean, Cardamom, Chick Pea (Garbanzo), Cilantro, Cranberry, Cranberry Juice, Fava Beans, Fennel Stalk, Grape Leaves, Green Plantain, Guava, Kidney Beans, Lavender, Lima Beans, Millet, Mint, Mung Bean, Pinto Beans, Plum, Poha, Popped Amaranth, Red Lentils (Masoor Dal), Rice Flour, Saffron, Sassafras Leaf, Soy Beans, Split Peas, Watermelon, White Navy Bean, Yellow Lentil (Toor Dal)

Heavy
HEAVY
Heavy is identified by sedation, sluggishness, or increased weight.
SEE ALL 'HEAVY' FOODS / HERBS

Adzuki Beans, Avocado, Banana, Basmati Rice, Black Beans, Black-eyed Peas, Brown Lentil, Brown Rice Syrup, Butter Bean, Chick Pea (Garbanzo), Chicken, Coconut Milk, Coconut Water, Date Sugar, Egg Whites, Fava Beans, Fish, Green Plantain, Kidney Beans, Lima Beans, Oat Flour, Papaya, Pinto Beans, Raisins, Raw Sugar, Red Lentils (Masoor Dal), Rice Flour, Risotto / Arborio Rice, Salmon, Skim Milk Powder, Soy Beans, Soy Milk, Split Peas, Sweet Peas, Tamarind, Turkey, Urad Dal, White Navy Bean, Yellow Lentil (Toor Dal)

Easy
EASY
Easy refers to anything easy to digest, or digests quickly.
SEE ALL 'EASY' FOODS / HERBS

Avocado, Banana, Basmati Rice, Blackberry, Blueberry, Cantaloupe / Melons, Cherry, Cilantro, Coconut Water, Egg Whites, Fish, Grape, Grapefruit, Green Beans, Honey Dew, Kiwi, Lime, Millet, Mint, Mulberry, Mung Bean, Okra, Orange, Papaya, Peaches, Pineapple, Poha, Pomegranate, Quinoa, Raspberry, Sorghum Flour, Strawberries, Summer Squash, Sweet Peas, Watermelon, Zucchini

Light
LIGHT
Lightness is identified by reduced weight.
SEE ALL 'LIGHT' FOODS / HERBS

Aloe Vera Gel, Aloe Vera Juice, Amaranth, Artichoke, Artichoke Hearts, Asparagus, Bean Sprouts, Blackberry, Blueberry, Cantaloupe / Melons, Cardamom, Cilantro, Fennel Stalk, Grape Leaves, Lime, Millet, Mint, Mung Bean, Okra, Popped Amaranth, Quinoa, Red Bell Pepper, Saffron, Sassafras Leaf, Sorghum Flour, Strawberries, Watermelon

Liquefied
LIQUEFIED
Substances that thin fluids (lower viscosity of blood plasma). These may include blood thinners or mucolytic herbs.
SEE ALL 'LIQUEFIED' FOODS / HERBS

Aloe Vera Gel, Aloe Vera Juice, Artichoke, Artichoke Hearts, Asparagus, Avocado, Bean Sprouts, Cardamom, Cherry, Cilantro, Cucumber, Fennel Stalk, Grapefruit, Hibiscus, Lime, Mint, Orange, Plum, Rhubarb, Rose Petals, Saffron, Sassafras Leaf, Summer Squash, Tamarind, Watermelon, Zucchini

Difficult
DIFFICULT
Difficult refers to anything that is difficult to digest, or takes a long time to digest.
SEE ALL 'DIFFICULT' FOODS / HERBS

Adzuki Beans, Black Beans, Black-eyed Peas, Brown Lentil, Butter Bean, Chick Pea (Garbanzo), Coconut Milk, Fava Beans, Jackfruit, Kidney Beans, Lima Beans, Oat Bran, Pinto Beans, Red Lentils (Masoor Dal), Rice Flour, Skim Milk Powder, Soy Beans, Split Peas, Tomato, Turkey, Urad Dal, White Navy Bean, Yellow Lentil (Toor Dal)

Clear
CLEAR
Clear refers to anything that cleanses or flushes out wastes, or that digests ama.
SEE ALL 'CLEAR' FOODS / HERBS

Aloe Vera Gel, Aloe Vera Juice, Artichoke, Artichoke Hearts, Asparagus, Cardamom, Cranberry, Cranberry Juice, Cucumber, Grapefruit, Lime, Mint, Mung Bean, Orange, Peaches, Rhubarb, Saffron, Tamarind, Watermelon

Gooey
GOOEY
Gooey is identified by anything gelatinous (such as oatmeal), or by mucus congestion.
SEE ALL 'GOOEY' FOODS / HERBS

Avocado, Banana, Brown Rice Syrup, Chicken, Egg Whites, Fish, Jackfruit, Jaggery, Oat Flour, Okra, Raw Sugar, Salmon, Skim Milk Powder, Sorghum Flour, Turbinado, Turkey

Mobile
MOBILE
Mobile refers to anything that stimulates the nervous system, muscles, or activity.
SEE ALL 'MOBILE' FOODS / HERBS

Aloe Vera Gel, Aloe Vera Juice, Artichoke, Artichoke Hearts, Bean Sprouts, Cardamom, Goji Berry, Grapefruit, Lamb's Quarters, Lime Zest, Mint, Orange, Pineapple, Raw Sugar, Saffron

Hot
HOT
Hot is identified by increased body temperature, metabolism, or inflammation.
SEE ALL 'HOT' FOODS / HERBS

Apricot (fresh), Cherry, Dulse, Jaggery, Millet, Orange, Papaya, Peaches, Pineapple, Red Bell Pepper, Tamarind

Oily
OILY
In Ayurveda, oily refers to anything moistening. More specifically, oily refers to building substances that increases fat, or are themselves fatty. For example, sugar is Oily.
SEE ALL 'OILY' FOODS / HERBS

Avocado, Chicken, Coconut Milk, Coconut Water, Fish, Jackfruit, Salmon, Sunflower Oil, Turkey, Urad Dal

Sweet
SWEET
Sweet refers to anything builds tissue, including macronutrients such as carbohydrates, proteins and fats.
SEE ALL 'SWEET' FOODS / HERBS

Acai, Adzuki Beans, Amaranth, Apricot (dried), Apricot (fresh), Asparagus, Avocado, Banana, Basmati Rice, Blackberry, Blueberry, Brown Rice Syrup, Cantaloupe / Melons, Cherry, Chicken, Coconut Milk, Coconut Water, Cranberry, Date Sugar, Fennel Stalk, Figs, Fish, Goji Berry, Grape, Grapefruit, Green Mango, Green Plantain, Honey Dew, Jackfruit, Jaggery, Kiwi, Millet, Mulberry, Oat Flour, Okra, Orange, Papaya, Peaches, Pineapple, Plum, Poha, Pomegranate, Pomegranate Molasses, Popped Amaranth, Quinoa, Raisins, Raspberry, Raw Sugar, Red Bell Pepper, Rhubarb, Rice Flour, Rice Milk, Risotto / Arborio Rice, Rose Petals, Rose Water, Salmon, Sassafras Leaf, Skim Milk Powder, Sorghum Flour, Soy Milk, Strawberries, Summer Squash, Sweet Peas, Tamarind, Tomato, Turbinado, Turkey, Watermelon

Astringent
ASTRINGENT
Astringency is characterized by constriction, drawing together, or drying.
SEE ALL 'ASTRINGENT' FOODS / HERBS

Acai, Adzuki Beans, Aloe Vera Gel, Aloe Vera Juice, Amaranth, Apricot (fresh), Artichoke, Artichoke Hearts, Asparagus, Bean Sprouts, Black Beans, Black-eyed Peas, Blackberry, Brown Lentil, Butter Bean, Chick Pea (Garbanzo), Cilantro, Cranberry, Cranberry Juice, Fava Beans, Grape Leaves, Green Beans, Green Mango, Green Plantain, Hibiscus, Jackfruit, Kidney Beans, Lamb's Quarters, Lavender, Lima Beans, Millet, Mulberry, Mung Bean, Okra, Pinto Beans, Pomegranate, Popped Amaranth, Raspberry, Red Lentils (Masoor Dal), Rhubarb, Rose Petals, Rose Water, Saffron, Sassafras Leaf, Sorghum Flour, Soy Beans, Split Peas, Strawberries, Tamarind, Urad Dal, White Navy Bean, Yellow Lentil (Toor Dal)

Sour
SOUR
Sour refers to anything fermented or acidic.
SEE ALL 'SOUR' FOODS / HERBS

Acai, Blackberry, Blueberry, Cherry, Cranberry, Cranberry Juice, Grape, Grape Leaves, Grapefruit, Green Mango, Hibiscus, Honey Dew, Jaggery, Lime, Mulberry, Orange, Peaches, Pineapple, Plum, Pomegranate, Pomegranate Molasses, Raisins, Raspberry, Rhubarb, Sassafras Leaf, Strawberries, Tamarind, Tomato

Bitter
BITTER
Bitter is disagreeable and stimulates rejection. It is a strong taste often associated with black coffee, dark chocolate, and most salad greens.
SEE ALL 'BITTER' FOODS / HERBS

Aloe Vera Gel, Aloe Vera Juice, Artichoke, Artichoke Hearts, Bean Sprouts, Cilantro, Cucumber, Dulse, Fennel Stalk, Grapefruit, Jaggery, Lamb's Quarters, Lime Zest, Plum, Red Bell Pepper, Rhubarb, Sorghum Flour

Bland
BLAND
Bland means doesn't have much taste. In Chinese medicine, bland taste refers to afood without little macronutrients, such as cabbage, radish or bok choy.
SEE ALL 'BLAND' FOODS / HERBS

Adzuki Beans, Aloe Vera Gel, Aloe Vera Juice, Artichoke, Artichoke Hearts, Asparagus, Fennel Stalk, Green Plantain, Honey Dew, Lima Beans, Millet, Summer Squash, Zucchini

Pungent
PUNGENT
Pungency is characterized by irritation, or sharp, spicy foods that irritate the mouth such as black pepper.
SEE ALL 'PUNGENT' FOODS / HERBS

Cardamom, Cilantro, Fennel Stalk, Mint, Pineapple, Purslane, Red Bell Pepper, Saffron, Tomato

Aromatic
AROMATIC
Herbs or spices with volatile essential oils that present strong aromas. Aromatic oils shock, refresh and numb tissue, with the end result of relaxing, opening and clearing stagnant fluids in tissues.
SEE ALL 'AROMATIC' FOODS / HERBS

Cardamom, Fennel Stalk, Lavender, Lime Zest, Mint, Saffron, Sassafras Leaf

Crunchy
CRUNCHY
Makes an audible noise when you eat them. Can provide fun texture variation.
SEE ALL 'CRUNCHY' FOODS / HERBS

Asparagus, Bean Sprouts, Pineapple

Salty
SALTY
Salty refers to anything with salt, or high mineral content.
SEE ALL 'SALTY' FOODS / HERBS

Dulse, Lamb's Quarters, Purslane

Bowel Poop Elimination

Adzuki Beans, Aloe Vera Gel, Aloe Vera Juice, Amaranth, Apricot (dried), Black Beans, Brown Lentil, Butter Bean, Chick Pea (Garbanzo), Cranberry, Cranberry Juice, Fava Beans, Figs, Grape Leaves, Green Plantain, Hibiscus, Kidney Beans, Lime, Millet, Mung Bean, Peaches, Pinto Beans, Popped Amaranth, Red Lentils (Masoor Dal), Rhubarb, Split Peas, Sweet Peas, Tamarind, Urad Dal, White Navy Bean, Yellow Lentil (Toor Dal)

Heart Circulation Blood

Acai, Black Beans, Blackberry, Blueberry, Butter Bean, Cherry, Cranberry, Cranberry Juice, Fava Beans, Grapefruit, Kidney Beans, Mint, Orange, Pinto Beans, Pomegranate, Quinoa, Raspberry, Salmon, Strawberries, White Navy Bean

Cleanse And Detox

Aloe Vera Gel, Aloe Vera Juice, Amaranth, Artichoke, Artichoke Hearts, Asparagus, Bean Sprouts, Black Beans, Brown Lentil, Butter Bean, Chick Pea (Garbanzo), Cilantro, Fava Beans, Grapefruit, Kidney Beans, Lima Beans, Pinto Beans, Popped Amaranth, White Navy Bean

Weight Loss

Avocado, Black Beans, Brown Lentil, Butter Bean, Chick Pea (Garbanzo), Fava Beans, Grapefruit, Honey Dew, Kidney Beans, Lima Beans, Orange, Pinto Beans, Quinoa, Salmon, Sassafras Leaf, White Navy Bean

Digestion

Asparagus, Banana, Black Beans, Butter Bean, Cardamom, Fava Beans, Grapefruit, Kidney Beans, Pineapple, Pinto Beans, Sassafras Leaf, Strawberries, White Navy Bean

Energy Vitality

Acai, Amaranth, Banana, Cilantro, Grapefruit, Jackfruit, Pineapple, Popped Amaranth, Quinoa, Salmon

Liver Gallbladder

Acai, Artichoke, Artichoke Hearts, Avocado, Chick Pea (Garbanzo), Cilantro, Grapefruit, Rose Petals, Strawberries

Kidney Bladder Urinary

Asparagus, Cilantro, Cranberry, Cranberry Juice, Cucumber, Quinoa, Sorghum Flour, Watermelon

Skin Care
SKIN-CARE
Includes skin care, and anything that nourishes epithelial membranes (of digestive, respiratory, urinary tract, blood vessels, etc).
SEE ALL 'SKIN-CARE' FOODS / HERBS

Aloe Vera Gel, Aloe Vera Juice, Avocado, Banana, Rose Petals, Sorghum Flour, Strawberries

Muscle Health

Amaranth, Banana, Popped Amaranth, Quinoa, Turkey

Mind Stress Sleep

Chick Pea (Garbanzo), Rose Petals, Salmon, Turkey

Respiratory Health

Avocado, Cardamom

Reproductive Health

Papaya, Rose Petals

Womens Health

Hibiscus, Papaya

Body Care

Aloe Vera Gel, Aloe Vera Juice

Anti Aging
ANTI-AGING
Geriatric conditions typically involve low agni / metabolism, poor circulation, weakness & debility, muscle weakening, poor digestion, a drop in sex hormones, and connective tissue degradation in bones & skin.
SEE ALL 'ANTI-AGING' FOODS / HERBS

Summer Squash

Snack Dessert

Apricot (dried), Apricot (fresh), Asparagus, Banana, Blackberry, Blueberry, Cantaloupe / Melons, Cherry, Chick Pea (Garbanzo), Cranberry, Cranberry Juice, Cucumber, Durian, Figs, Goji Berry, Grape, Grapefruit, Green Mango, Green Papaya, Guava, Honey Dew, Jackfruit, June Berry, Kiwi, Lime, Mulberry, Orange, Papaya, Peaches, Pineapple, Plum, Pomegranate, Raisins, Raspberry, Strawberries, Tamarind, Watermelon

Breakfast

Acai, Amaranth, Apricot (dried), Apricot (fresh), Banana, Blueberry, Cantaloupe / Melons, Cranberry, Durian, Goji Berry, Grapefruit, Green Papaya, Green Plantain, June Berry, Plum, Popped Amaranth, Quinoa, Watermelon

Drink

Acai, Coconut Water, Cranberry Juice, Jackfruit, Pineapple, Pomegranate, Rice Milk, Soy Milk

Lunch Dinner

Amaranth, Asparagus, Chick Pea (Garbanzo), Green Plantain, Jackfruit, Popped Amaranth, Quinoa, Sweet Peas

Hors Doeuvres

Asparagus, Cranberry, Cucumber, Goji Berry, Grape, Green Plantain

Spring

Adzuki Beans, Amaranth, Apricot (fresh), Artichoke, Artichoke Hearts, Avocado, Bean Sprouts, Black Beans, Brown Lentil, Butter Bean, Cardamom, Cherry, Fava Beans, Grapefruit, Green Plantain, Kidney Beans, Mint, Pinto Beans, Popped Amaranth, Quinoa, White Navy Bean

Autumn Winter

Apricot (dried), Avocado, Coconut Milk, Cranberry, Goji Berry, Raisins, Soy Milk, Split Peas

HERBS & SUPPLEMENTS FOR SUMMER

View By: Dosha Herbal Action Biocharacteristics (guna) Taste System

Neutral (Tridoshic)

Shankhapushpi

Reduces

Black Cohosh, Passionflower, Shatavari, Shatavari Ghee

Reduces

Black Walnut, Rose Hips, Witch Hazel

Anti Inflammatory
ANTI-INFLAMMATORY
Reduces inflammation in the body. Different herbs and carriers target different body systems.
SEE ALL 'ANTI-INFLAMMATORY' FOODS / HERBS

Black Cohosh, Rose Hips, Shatavari, Shatavari Ghee, Witch Hazel

Uterine Tonic
UTERINE-TONIC
An herb that tonifies and strengthens the uterus. Helpful for menstrual difficulties and fertility. Often herbs that increase ojas, but also circulation to reproductive system.
SEE ALL 'UTERINE-TONIC' FOODS / HERBS

Black Cohosh, Rose Hips, Shatavari, Shatavari Ghee, Witch Hazel

Tonic
TONIC
A tonic herb restores function through strengthening tissue. This can happen through a combination of nourishing the tissue, and invigorating tissue metabolism. The tonic should not be withering, as in caffeine.
SEE ALL 'TONIC' FOODS / HERBS

Black Cohosh, Shankhapushpi, Shatavari, Shatavari Ghee

Water
WATER
Resembles water (ap) in quality - fluid, sticky, soft, heavy, stable, cool.
SEE ALL 'WATER' FOODS / HERBS

Black Cohosh, Rose Hips, Shatavari, Shatavari Ghee

Antimicrobial
ANTIMICROBIAL
An agent that kills microorganisms or inhibits their growth. Antimicrobial is an umbrella term that can be broken down into specific categories of target microorganism, such as anti-bacterials, fungals, and virals.
SEE ALL 'ANTIMICROBIAL' FOODS / HERBS

Black Cohosh, Rose Hips, Shatavari, Shatavari Ghee

Estrogenic
ESTROGENIC
Increases estrogen, helpful in menopause. Estrogen is anabolic and increases muscle growth, bone density, and moisture.
SEE ALL 'ESTROGENIC' FOODS / HERBS

Black Cohosh, Rose Hips, Shatavari, Shatavari Ghee

Earth
EARTH
Resembles earth (prithvi) in quality - heavy, dense, solid, stable, hard.
SEE ALL 'EARTH' FOODS / HERBS

Passionflower, Shankhapushpi, Shatavari, Shatavari Ghee

Refrigerant
REFRIGERANT
An herb or substance that strongly cools the body. Can be helpful in cases of heat conditions.
SEE ALL 'REFRIGERANT' FOODS / HERBS

Rose Hips, Shatavari, Shatavari Ghee, Witch Hazel

Aphrodisiac
APHRODISIAC
Herbs that increase sexual arousal through various actions including increased circulation, relaxation, stimulation, or tonics that strengthen glandular health.
SEE ALL 'APHRODISIAC' FOODS / HERBS

Rose Hips, Shankhapushpi, Shatavari, Shatavari Ghee

Grounding
GROUNDING
Encourages feelings of stability and heaviness. Makes you feel settled, mentally relaxed. Mildly sedates the nervous system to ease stress. Can bring a spacey or anxious person back to earth.
SEE ALL 'GROUNDING' FOODS / HERBS

Black Cohosh, Passionflower, Shankhapushpi, Shatavari

Antidepressant
ANTIDEPRESSANT
Herbs that lift feelings of depression, benefit the mind and improve mental function.
SEE ALL 'ANTIDEPRESSANT' FOODS / HERBS

Black Cohosh, Passionflower, Rose Hips, Shankhapushpi

Relaxes Mind
RELAXES-MIND
Reduces mental agitation, irritation, stress and racing thoughts.
SEE ALL 'RELAXES-MIND' FOODS / HERBS

Black Cohosh, Passionflower, Rose Hips, Shankhapushpi

Air
AIR
Resembles air (vayu) in quality - highly mobile, drying, light, cold, subtle, rough.
SEE ALL 'AIR' FOODS / HERBS

Black Walnut, Rose Hips, Shankhapushpi, Witch Hazel

Heavy
HEAVY
Heavy is identified by sedation, sluggishness, or increased weight.
SEE ALL 'HEAVY' FOODS / HERBS

Black Cohosh, Passionflower, Shankhapushpi, Shatavari, Shatavari Ghee

Cold
COLD
Cold refers to anything that reduces body temperature, metabolism, and blood flow.
SEE ALL 'COLD' FOODS / HERBS

Black Walnut, Rose Hips, Shatavari, Shatavari Ghee, Witch Hazel

Gooey
GOOEY
Gooey is identified by anything gelatinous (such as oatmeal), or by mucus congestion.
SEE ALL 'GOOEY' FOODS / HERBS

Shankhapushpi, Shatavari

Oily
OILY
In Ayurveda, oily refers to anything moistening. More specifically, oily refers to building substances that increases fat, or are themselves fatty. For example, sugar is Oily.
SEE ALL 'OILY' FOODS / HERBS

Shankhapushpi, Shatavari Ghee

Clear
CLEAR
Clear refers to anything that cleanses or flushes out wastes, or that digests ama.
SEE ALL 'CLEAR' FOODS / HERBS

Black Walnut, Witch Hazel

Mobile
MOBILE
Mobile refers to anything that stimulates the nervous system, muscles, or activity.
SEE ALL 'MOBILE' FOODS / HERBS

Black Walnut

Easy
EASY
Easy refers to anything easy to digest, or digests quickly.
SEE ALL 'EASY' FOODS / HERBS

Passionflower

Dry
DRY
Dry is identified by lack of moisture, lack of fat, or anything that causes diuresis.
SEE ALL 'DRY' FOODS / HERBS

Witch Hazel

Liquefied
LIQUEFIED
Substances that thin fluids (lower viscosity of blood plasma). These may include blood thinners or mucolytic herbs.
SEE ALL 'LIQUEFIED' FOODS / HERBS

Rose Hips

Sweet
SWEET
Sweet refers to anything builds tissue, including macronutrients such as carbohydrates, proteins and fats.
SEE ALL 'SWEET' FOODS / HERBS

Black Cohosh, Passionflower, Rose Hips, Shatavari, Shatavari Ghee

Bitter
BITTER
Bitter is disagreeable and stimulates rejection. It is a strong taste often associated with black coffee, dark chocolate, and most salad greens.
SEE ALL 'BITTER' FOODS / HERBS

Black Cohosh, Black Walnut, Shankhapushpi, Shatavari

Bland
BLAND
Bland means doesn't have much taste. In Chinese medicine, bland taste refers to afood without little macronutrients, such as cabbage, radish or bok choy.
SEE ALL 'BLAND' FOODS / HERBS

Passionflower, Shatavari, Shatavari Ghee

Aromatic
AROMATIC
Herbs or spices with volatile essential oils that present strong aromas. Aromatic oils shock, refresh and numb tissue, with the end result of relaxing, opening and clearing stagnant fluids in tissues.
SEE ALL 'AROMATIC' FOODS / HERBS

Black Cohosh, Passionflower, Witch Hazel

Astringent
ASTRINGENT
Astringency is characterized by constriction, drawing together, or drying.
SEE ALL 'ASTRINGENT' FOODS / HERBS

Passionflower, Rose Hips, Witch Hazel

Salty
SALTY
Salty refers to anything with salt, or high mineral content.
SEE ALL 'SALTY' FOODS / HERBS

Black Cohosh

Sour
SOUR
Sour refers to anything fermented or acidic.
SEE ALL 'SOUR' FOODS / HERBS

Witch Hazel

Reproductive Health

Black Cohosh, Rose Hips, Shatavari, Shatavari Ghee

Womens Health

Black Cohosh, Shatavari, Shatavari Ghee

Mind Stress Sleep

Passionflower, Rose Hips, Shankhapushpi

Energy Vitality

Shatavari, Shatavari Ghee

Digestion

Black Walnut, Shatavari

Skin Care
SKIN-CARE
Includes skin care, and anything that nourishes epithelial membranes (of digestive, respiratory, urinary tract, blood vessels, etc).
SEE ALL 'SKIN-CARE' FOODS / HERBS

Rose Hips, Witch Hazel

Cleanse And Detox

Black Walnut

Heart Circulation Blood

Rose Hips

Liver Gallbladder

Rose Hips

School of Ayurvedic Diet & Digestion

WELLNESS COURSES

MY BODY TYPE

DIET & RECIPES

AYURVEDA 101

CLASSIFICATION OF FOOD, HERBS, & LIFESTYLE

Summer Foods & Herbs List: An Ayurveda Perspective

AYURVEDIC PERSPECTIVE ON SUMMER

Early Summer - Mid-May to Mid-July

Late Summer - Mid-July to Mid September

INGREDIENTS FOR SUMMER

Aggravates

Neutral (Tridoshic)

Reduces

Reduces

Aggravates

Reduces

Reduces

Reduces

Reduces

Incomplete

Earth EARTH Resembles earth (prithvi) in quality - heavy, dense, solid, stable, hard. SEE ALL 'EARTH' FOODS / HERBS

EARTH

Water WATER Resembles water (ap) in quality - fluid, sticky, soft, heavy, stable, cool. SEE ALL 'WATER' FOODS / HERBS

WATER

Air AIR Resembles air (vayu) in quality - highly mobile, drying, light, cold, subtle, rough. SEE ALL 'AIR' FOODS / HERBS

AIR

Anti Inflammatory ANTI-INFLAMMATORY Reduces inflammation in the body. Different herbs and carriers target different body systems. SEE ALL 'ANTI-INFLAMMATORY' FOODS / HERBS

ANTI-INFLAMMATORY

Refrigerant REFRIGERANT An herb or substance that strongly cools the body. Can be helpful in cases of heat conditions. SEE ALL 'REFRIGERANT' FOODS / HERBS

REFRIGERANT

Grounding GROUNDING Encourages feelings of stability and heaviness. Makes you feel settled, mentally relaxed. Mildly sedates the nervous system to ease stress. Can bring a spacey or anxious person back to earth. SEE ALL 'GROUNDING' FOODS / HERBS

GROUNDING

Tonic TONIC A tonic herb restores function through strengthening tissue. This can happen through a combination of nourishing the tissue, and invigorating tissue metabolism. The tonic should not be withering, as in caffeine. SEE ALL 'TONIC' FOODS / HERBS

TONIC

Aphrodisiac APHRODISIAC Herbs that increase sexual arousal through various actions including increased circulation, relaxation, stimulation, or tonics that strengthen glandular health. SEE ALL 'APHRODISIAC' FOODS / HERBS

APHRODISIAC

Antimicrobial ANTIMICROBIAL An agent that kills microorganisms or inhibits their growth. Antimicrobial is an umbrella term that can be broken down into specific categories of target microorganism, such as anti-bacterials, fungals, and virals. SEE ALL 'ANTIMICROBIAL' FOODS / HERBS

ANTIMICROBIAL

Uterine Tonic UTERINE-TONIC An herb that tonifies and strengthens the uterus. Helpful for menstrual difficulties and fertility. Often herbs that increase ojas, but also circulation to reproductive system. SEE ALL 'UTERINE-TONIC' FOODS / HERBS

UTERINE-TONIC

Relaxes Mind RELAXES-MIND Reduces mental agitation, irritation, stress and racing thoughts. SEE ALL 'RELAXES-MIND' FOODS / HERBS

RELAXES-MIND

Antidepressant ANTIDEPRESSANT Herbs that lift feelings of depression, benefit the mind and improve mental function. SEE ALL 'ANTIDEPRESSANT' FOODS / HERBS

ANTIDEPRESSANT

Estrogenic ESTROGENIC Increases estrogen, helpful in menopause. Estrogen is anabolic and increases muscle growth, bone density, and moisture. SEE ALL 'ESTROGENIC' FOODS / HERBS

ESTROGENIC

Cold COLD Cold refers to anything that reduces body temperature, metabolism, and blood flow. SEE ALL 'COLD' FOODS / HERBS

COLD

Dry DRY Dry is identified by lack of moisture, lack of fat, or anything that causes diuresis. SEE ALL 'DRY' FOODS / HERBS

DRY

Heavy HEAVY Heavy is identified by sedation, sluggishness, or increased weight. SEE ALL 'HEAVY' FOODS / HERBS

HEAVY

Easy EASY Easy refers to anything easy to digest, or digests quickly. SEE ALL 'EASY' FOODS / HERBS

EASY

Light LIGHT Lightness is identified by reduced weight. SEE ALL 'LIGHT' FOODS / HERBS

LIGHT

Liquefied LIQUEFIED Substances that thin fluids (lower viscosity of blood plasma). These may include blood thinners or mucolytic herbs. SEE ALL 'LIQUEFIED' FOODS / HERBS

LIQUEFIED

Difficult DIFFICULT Difficult refers to anything that is difficult to digest, or takes a long time to digest. SEE ALL 'DIFFICULT' FOODS / HERBS

DIFFICULT

Clear CLEAR Clear refers to anything that cleanses or flushes out wastes, or that digests ama. SEE ALL 'CLEAR' FOODS / HERBS

CLEAR

Gooey GOOEY Gooey is identified by anything gelatinous (such as oatmeal), or by mucus congestion. SEE ALL 'GOOEY' FOODS / HERBS

GOOEY

Mobile MOBILE Mobile refers to anything that stimulates the nervous system, muscles, or activity. SEE ALL 'MOBILE' FOODS / HERBS

MOBILE

Hot HOT Hot is identified by increased body temperature, metabolism, or inflammation. SEE ALL 'HOT' FOODS / HERBS

HOT

Oily OILY In Ayurveda, oily refers to anything moistening. More specifically, oily refers to building substances that increases fat, or are themselves fatty. For example, sugar is Oily. SEE ALL 'OILY' FOODS / HERBS

OILY

Sweet SWEET Sweet refers to anything builds tissue, including macronutrients such as carbohydrates, proteins and fats. SEE ALL 'SWEET' FOODS / HERBS

SWEET

Astringent ASTRINGENT Astringency is characterized by constriction, drawing together, or drying. SEE ALL 'ASTRINGENT' FOODS / HERBS

ASTRINGENT

Sour SOUR Sour refers to anything fermented or acidic. SEE ALL 'SOUR' FOODS / HERBS

SOUR

Bitter BITTER Bitter is disagreeable and stimulates rejection. It is a strong taste often associated with black coffee, dark chocolate, and most salad greens. SEE ALL 'BITTER' FOODS / HERBS

BITTER

Bland BLAND Bland means doesn't have much taste. In Chinese medicine, bland taste refers to afood without little macronutrients, such as cabbage, radish or bok choy. SEE ALL 'BLAND' FOODS / HERBS

Earth
EARTH
Resembles earth (prithvi) in quality - heavy, dense, solid, stable, hard.
SEE ALL 'EARTH' FOODS / HERBS

Water
WATER
Resembles water (ap) in quality - fluid, sticky, soft, heavy, stable, cool.
SEE ALL 'WATER' FOODS / HERBS

Air
AIR
Resembles air (vayu) in quality - highly mobile, drying, light, cold, subtle, rough.
SEE ALL 'AIR' FOODS / HERBS

Anti Inflammatory
ANTI-INFLAMMATORY
Reduces inflammation in the body. Different herbs and carriers target different body systems.
SEE ALL 'ANTI-INFLAMMATORY' FOODS / HERBS

Refrigerant
REFRIGERANT
An herb or substance that strongly cools the body. Can be helpful in cases of heat conditions.
SEE ALL 'REFRIGERANT' FOODS / HERBS

Grounding
GROUNDING
Encourages feelings of stability and heaviness. Makes you feel settled, mentally relaxed. Mildly sedates the nervous system to ease stress. Can bring a spacey or anxious person back to earth.
SEE ALL 'GROUNDING' FOODS / HERBS

Tonic
TONIC
A tonic herb restores function through strengthening tissue. This can happen through a combination of nourishing the tissue, and invigorating tissue metabolism. The tonic should not be withering, as in caffeine.
SEE ALL 'TONIC' FOODS / HERBS

Aphrodisiac
APHRODISIAC
Herbs that increase sexual arousal through various actions including increased circulation, relaxation, stimulation, or tonics that strengthen glandular health.
SEE ALL 'APHRODISIAC' FOODS / HERBS

Antimicrobial
ANTIMICROBIAL
An agent that kills microorganisms or inhibits their growth. Antimicrobial is an umbrella term that can be broken down into specific categories of target microorganism, such as anti-bacterials, fungals, and virals.
SEE ALL 'ANTIMICROBIAL' FOODS / HERBS

Uterine Tonic
UTERINE-TONIC
An herb that tonifies and strengthens the uterus. Helpful for menstrual difficulties and fertility. Often herbs that increase ojas, but also circulation to reproductive system.
SEE ALL 'UTERINE-TONIC' FOODS / HERBS

Relaxes Mind
RELAXES-MIND
Reduces mental agitation, irritation, stress and racing thoughts.
SEE ALL 'RELAXES-MIND' FOODS / HERBS

Antidepressant
ANTIDEPRESSANT
Herbs that lift feelings of depression, benefit the mind and improve mental function.
SEE ALL 'ANTIDEPRESSANT' FOODS / HERBS

Estrogenic
ESTROGENIC
Increases estrogen, helpful in menopause. Estrogen is anabolic and increases muscle growth, bone density, and moisture.
SEE ALL 'ESTROGENIC' FOODS / HERBS

Cold
COLD
Cold refers to anything that reduces body temperature, metabolism, and blood flow.
SEE ALL 'COLD' FOODS / HERBS

Dry
DRY
Dry is identified by lack of moisture, lack of fat, or anything that causes diuresis.
SEE ALL 'DRY' FOODS / HERBS

Heavy
HEAVY
Heavy is identified by sedation, sluggishness, or increased weight.
SEE ALL 'HEAVY' FOODS / HERBS

Easy
EASY
Easy refers to anything easy to digest, or digests quickly.
SEE ALL 'EASY' FOODS / HERBS

Light
LIGHT
Lightness is identified by reduced weight.
SEE ALL 'LIGHT' FOODS / HERBS

Liquefied
LIQUEFIED
Substances that thin fluids (lower viscosity of blood plasma). These may include blood thinners or mucolytic herbs.
SEE ALL 'LIQUEFIED' FOODS / HERBS

Difficult
DIFFICULT
Difficult refers to anything that is difficult to digest, or takes a long time to digest.
SEE ALL 'DIFFICULT' FOODS / HERBS

Clear
CLEAR
Clear refers to anything that cleanses or flushes out wastes, or that digests ama.
SEE ALL 'CLEAR' FOODS / HERBS

Gooey
GOOEY
Gooey is identified by anything gelatinous (such as oatmeal), or by mucus congestion.
SEE ALL 'GOOEY' FOODS / HERBS

Mobile
MOBILE
Mobile refers to anything that stimulates the nervous system, muscles, or activity.
SEE ALL 'MOBILE' FOODS / HERBS

Hot
HOT
Hot is identified by increased body temperature, metabolism, or inflammation.
SEE ALL 'HOT' FOODS / HERBS

Oily
OILY
In Ayurveda, oily refers to anything moistening. More specifically, oily refers to building substances that increases fat, or are themselves fatty. For example, sugar is Oily.
SEE ALL 'OILY' FOODS / HERBS

Sweet
SWEET
Sweet refers to anything builds tissue, including macronutrients such as carbohydrates, proteins and fats.
SEE ALL 'SWEET' FOODS / HERBS

Astringent
ASTRINGENT
Astringency is characterized by constriction, drawing together, or drying.
SEE ALL 'ASTRINGENT' FOODS / HERBS

Sour
SOUR
Sour refers to anything fermented or acidic.
SEE ALL 'SOUR' FOODS / HERBS

Bitter
BITTER
Bitter is disagreeable and stimulates rejection. It is a strong taste often associated with black coffee, dark chocolate, and most salad greens.
SEE ALL 'BITTER' FOODS / HERBS

Bland
BLAND
Bland means doesn't have much taste. In Chinese medicine, bland taste refers to afood without little macronutrients, such as cabbage, radish or bok choy.
SEE ALL 'BLAND' FOODS / HERBS

Pungent
PUNGENT
Pungency is characterized by irritation, or sharp, spicy foods that irritate the mouth such as black pepper.
SEE ALL 'PUNGENT' FOODS / HERBS

Aromatic
AROMATIC
Herbs or spices with volatile essential oils that present strong aromas. Aromatic oils shock, refresh and numb tissue, with the end result of relaxing, opening and clearing stagnant fluids in tissues.
SEE ALL 'AROMATIC' FOODS / HERBS

Crunchy
CRUNCHY
Makes an audible noise when you eat them. Can provide fun texture variation.
SEE ALL 'CRUNCHY' FOODS / HERBS

Salty
SALTY
Salty refers to anything with salt, or high mineral content.
SEE ALL 'SALTY' FOODS / HERBS

Skin Care
SKIN-CARE
Includes skin care, and anything that nourishes epithelial membranes (of digestive, respiratory, urinary tract, blood vessels, etc).
SEE ALL 'SKIN-CARE' FOODS / HERBS

Anti Aging
ANTI-AGING
Geriatric conditions typically involve low agni / metabolism, poor circulation, weakness & debility, muscle weakening, poor digestion, a drop in sex hormones, and connective tissue degradation in bones & skin.
SEE ALL 'ANTI-AGING' FOODS / HERBS

Anti Inflammatory
ANTI-INFLAMMATORY
Reduces inflammation in the body. Different herbs and carriers target different body systems.
SEE ALL 'ANTI-INFLAMMATORY' FOODS / HERBS

Uterine Tonic
UTERINE-TONIC
An herb that tonifies and strengthens the uterus. Helpful for menstrual difficulties and fertility. Often herbs that increase ojas, but also circulation to reproductive system.
SEE ALL 'UTERINE-TONIC' FOODS / HERBS

Tonic
TONIC
A tonic herb restores function through strengthening tissue. This can happen through a combination of nourishing the tissue, and invigorating tissue metabolism. The tonic should not be withering, as in caffeine.
SEE ALL 'TONIC' FOODS / HERBS

Water
WATER
Resembles water (ap) in quality - fluid, sticky, soft, heavy, stable, cool.
SEE ALL 'WATER' FOODS / HERBS

Antimicrobial
ANTIMICROBIAL
An agent that kills microorganisms or inhibits their growth. Antimicrobial is an umbrella term that can be broken down into specific categories of target microorganism, such as anti-bacterials, fungals, and virals.
SEE ALL 'ANTIMICROBIAL' FOODS / HERBS

Estrogenic
ESTROGENIC
Increases estrogen, helpful in menopause. Estrogen is anabolic and increases muscle growth, bone density, and moisture.
SEE ALL 'ESTROGENIC' FOODS / HERBS

Earth
EARTH
Resembles earth (prithvi) in quality - heavy, dense, solid, stable, hard.
SEE ALL 'EARTH' FOODS / HERBS

Refrigerant
REFRIGERANT
An herb or substance that strongly cools the body. Can be helpful in cases of heat conditions.
SEE ALL 'REFRIGERANT' FOODS / HERBS

Aphrodisiac
APHRODISIAC
Herbs that increase sexual arousal through various actions including increased circulation, relaxation, stimulation, or tonics that strengthen glandular health.
SEE ALL 'APHRODISIAC' FOODS / HERBS

Grounding
GROUNDING
Encourages feelings of stability and heaviness. Makes you feel settled, mentally relaxed. Mildly sedates the nervous system to ease stress. Can bring a spacey or anxious person back to earth.
SEE ALL 'GROUNDING' FOODS / HERBS

Antidepressant
ANTIDEPRESSANT
Herbs that lift feelings of depression, benefit the mind and improve mental function.
SEE ALL 'ANTIDEPRESSANT' FOODS / HERBS