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Pitta Dosha
Pitta Say it: PIT-tuh
The dosha of fire and water: digestion, metabolism and sharp intelligence. How to keep Pitta cool, calm and balanced.
- ElementsFire + Water
- SeasonSummer and late spring
Pitta combines fire (agni) with a little water (jala). It governs transformation — digestion, metabolism, body temperature, vision and understanding. Balanced Pitta gives warmth, courage and clear thinking; excess Pitta overheats body and mind.
Qualities
- Hot
- Sharp
- Light
- Oily
- Liquid
- Spreading
Main seat in the body: Small intestine, also the stomach, liver, blood, eyes and skin
Strongest: 10 am–2 pm and 10 pm–2 am · Life stage: Adulthood (around 16–60)
In balance
- Focused, ambitious and articulate
- Strong digestion and appetite
- Warm, confident leadership
- Good complexion and sharp eyesight
Out of balance
- Irritability, impatience, criticism
- Heartburn, acidity, loose stools
- Skin rashes, redness, inflammation
- Overheating and excessive sweating
- Perfectionism and burnout
Diet
Favour
Cooling, fresh foods: cucumber, leafy greens, courgette, sweet fruit (melon, pears), coconut, basmati rice, oats, ghee, milk, coriander, fennel and mint. Tastes: sweet, bitter, astringent.
Reduce
Hot, spicy, oily, fried, sour and salty foods: chilli, tomatoes, vinegar, alcohol, red meat, excess coffee. Tastes: pungent, sour, salty.
Daily habits
- Avoid skipping meals, especially lunch
- Exercise in cooler parts of the day; avoid competitive overexertion
- Spend time in nature and near water
- Make time for play and rest
- Moonlight walks and cooling coconut oil massage in summer
Yoga and breath
Cooling, non-competitive practice: forward folds, twists, gentle backbends and moon salutations, practised at about 70% effort. Breath: Sheetali, Sheetkari and Nadi Shodhana.
An educational introduction to traditional knowledge. Specialist review is pending.
Safety
Persistent digestive pain, skin conditions or inflammation should be assessed by a healthcare professional.
Ayurveda is a traditional system of medicine. This guide is educational and does not replace advice from a doctor or qualified practitioner — never stop prescribed treatment based on it.
Questions
What foods cool Pitta?
Sweet, juicy and bitter foods — cucumber, melon, leafy greens, coconut, coriander and fennel.
Is coffee bad for Pitta?
In excess it is heating and acidic; Ayurveda suggests reducing it, especially in summer.