We are all addicted on some level... it is best to become addicted to God.

Over the past few years, recovery from additions has been made easier due to the incorporation of natural foods and Yoga into one's lifestyle. Now, the mother of all healing, Ayurveda, has gained much prominence in the field of recovery. Ayurveda, the science of life, is the first holistic approach, developed in India, over 2,000 years ago.

Not only was yoga and nutrition a part of Ayurveda, but healing systems from other cultures, like the Chinese Acupuncture, have their roots in India's ancient healing system. Although one may wonder if such an old system of healing is valid for today's health concerns, Ayurveda has proven its efficacy in recovery from drugs, alcohol, overeating and smoking. A person must sincerely want to recover for any healing system to work. Yet the problem is that the withdrawal symptoms seem to feel like one is being punished for trying to recover.

During the summer season, the sun shines high in the sky and in this severe heat we tend to get dehydrated much more than during any other part of the year. This reduces the kapha dosha and increases the vata dosha in the body. Here are some suggestions to reduce the negative effects of the summer season.

• During the summer season our hunger is typically low. So we should eat less, especially at night, when we should take more liquids.
• One should indulge in predominantly sweet & easily digestible food. Those liking non-vegetarian food should take meat soups of various types, especially at night.
• Overly spicy, salty and sour food should be avoided.
• Those having a preference for alcohol should try and abstain from it during this period or have it in a more diluted form. Otherwise it will produce weakness, excessive thirst and symptoms like gastritis.
• Heavy exercises should be avoided especially in the mid-day sun.
• Any baths that are taken should be with cold water.
• Ayurveda advocates napping during the summer. In no other season is it permitted.
• Avoid the direct heat of the day especially during the hours of 10am to 2pm.
• One should not drink water immediately after being in the sun. Ice cold water should always be avoided.

According to Ayurveda giving up the causative factors is treatment. So if one stays away from outside food, stays out of the scorching heat, drinks adequate quantity of fluids he/she may stay healthy and free from summer diseases.

In Indian cuisine, a chutney (British spelling), chatni (Urdu or Hindi transliteration) is a term for a variety of sweet and spicy condiments, originally from the Indo-Pakistani subcontinent. In its homeland, a chutney is often made to be eaten fresh, using whatever suitable strongly flavoured ingredients are locally traditional or available at the time. It would not normally contain preserving agents, since it is intended to be consumed soon after preparation. Try this mint chutney to cool off this summer.

1 c. fresh mint leaves, loosely packed
2 T grated coconut
1 T. sesame seeds seeds (optional, can be omitted for Pitta if you choose)
1 T. lemon juice or lime juice for pitta
1/2 t. sea salt
1 T. fresh ginger root, grated
1 t. barley malt or honey
1/4 c. water

Wash mint leaves, drain and chop. Put all ingredients into a blender and blend until smooth like a puree or paste. Put in covered container and store in refrigerator. Use sparingly. Keeps for 4 to 5 days.

Recipe is from The Ayurvedic Cookbook by Amadea Morningstar