Pitta is hot like the basic element which is derived from Agni or fire. It is also characterized as being sharp, sour, pungent, fluid, soothing and mobile (Ashtanga Sangraha). It is responsible for vision, hunger, thirst, and digestion, absorption, assimilation, nutrition, metabolism, the regulation of heat in the body, softness and luster in the complexion, cheerfulness, intellect, and sexual vigor (Ch.Su 18/52). Pitta arouses anger, hate, and jealousy. The small intestine, stomach, sweat glands, blood, fat, eyes, and skin are the locations of Pitta.
There are five types of Pitta which were first indicated by Acharya Susruta.
1. Pachaka Pitta
2.Ranjaka Pitta
3.Sadhaka Pitta
4.Alochaka Pitta
5.Bhrajaka Pitta.
Factor which increase Pitta | Sign of Vitiated Pitta | Treatment of Vitiated Pitta |
-Sharp, alkaline, salty, oily food; time factors -noon time - alcohol and cigarettes -overwork -overexertion -emotions like hostility, hatred, intolerance, and jealousy | -excessive perspiration | -sweet, bitter, astringent and cold measures |
Diets according to Pitta dosha.
- Warm but not steaming hot food.
- As very hot, spices, salty, alkaline food vitiate the Pitta, it is better not to take such foods.
- Whereas sweet, bitter, astringent and cold measures helps to keep it in equilibrium.
- Avoid pickles, yogurt, sour cream, and cheese. Avoid vinegar in salad dressing; use lemon juice instead. Alcoholic and fermented foods should be avoided. Their sour taste aggravates Pitta. Coffee is Pitta aggravating due to the acid in coffee.
- Avoid oily, hot, salty, and heavy foods such as fried food
- Prefer mint, licorice root tea are Pitta pacifying.
- Take dairy products like Butter, Ghee (clarified butter), Ice cream, milk, ghee, beans and grains like Barley, Oats, Wheat but not excess amount of fat and butter.
- Normally sweat and bitter taste vegetables are good such as Asparagus, Broccoli, Cabbage, Cauliflower, Celery, Cucumber, Green beans, Green (sweet) peppers, Leafy green vegetables, Lettuce, Mushrooms, Peas, Potatoes, Sweet potatoes etc. but not onion and garlic like vegetables having Pitta aggravating taste.
- Fruits like Apples, Avocados, Cherries, Coconut, Figs, Dark grapes, Mangoes, Melons, Oranges, Pears, Pineapples, Plums, Prunes, and Raisins are good. Reduce taking of bananas, papayas berries etc.
- Taking Red meat and sea food should be reduced.
- Coconut, Olive, Soy, Sunflower oils are helpful in aggravated Pitta whereas sesame, Almond, Corn, Safflower oils aggravate Pitta.
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