Forest Sanctuary

Pitta

Fire + Water

All doshas

Pitta (Dosha)

Fire + Water

One of the three constitutional principles in Ayurveda. Understanding which dosha is affected helps you choose plants that bring balance — whether pacifying, harmonizing, or gently stimulating.

Qualities

Hot, sharp, light, oily, liquid, spreading

Governs

Digestion, metabolism, body heat, vision, intellect

Balancing Principle

Balanced by cooling, sweet, bitter, astringent foods and calm. Aggravated by heat, pungency, sourness, and intensity.

Choose one pacifying plant for this dosha and try it for a week.

Plants that affect Pitta (75)

Apple (espalier)

Apple (espalier)

Apple

Malus domestica

Air·Libra+House 7·Cardinal
Pacifies Pitta; balances KaphaTaste: Sweet; AstringentEnergy: Cooling
Helps with: Constipation, Sluggish digestion
Apple (orchard)

Apple (orchard)

Apple

Malus domestica

Air·Libra+House 7·Cardinal
Pacifies Pitta; balances KaphaTaste: Sweet; AstringentEnergy: Cooling
Helps with: Constipation, Sluggish digestion, High cholesterol
Apricot

Apricot

Prunus armeniaca

Fire·Leo+House 5·Fixed
Pacifies Vata & PittaTaste: Sweet; SourEnergy: Heating
Helps with: Constipation, Low energy & fatigue, Eye strain / weak vision
Asparagus

Asparagus

Asparagus officinalis

Earth·Capricorn+House 10·Cardinal·Dhanishtha
Pacifies Pitta & VataTaste: Sweet; Bitter; AstringentEnergy: Cooling
Helps with: Water retention / bloating, Low vitality, Urinary irritation
Beet

Beet

Beta vulgaris

Earth·Capricorn+House 10·Cardinal
Pacifies Vata; balances Pitta & KaphaTaste: Sweet; AstringentEnergy: Heating
Helps with: Low energy & fatigue, Poor circulation, Sluggish digestion, Anemia
Bitter Melon

Bitter Melon

Momordica charantia

Water·Cancer+House 4·Cardinal
Pacifies Kapha & PittaTaste: BitterEnergy: Cooling
Helps with: High blood sugar, Liver support, Detox / cleansing
Black Cohosh

Black Cohosh

Actaea racemosa

Water·Scorpio+House 8·Fixed
Pacifies Vata & PittaTaste: Bitter; PungentEnergy: Cooling
Helps with: Menstrual cramps, Menopausal symptoms, Muscle & joint pain
Blue Vervain

Blue Vervain

Verbena hastata

Air·Aquarius+House 11·Fixed
Pacifies Pitta & KaphaTaste: Bitter; PungentEnergy: Cooling
Helps with: Anxiety & stress, Nervous tension, Headache, Insomnia
Bok Choy

Bok Choy

Brassica rapa var. chinensis

Water·Cancer+House 4·Cardinal
Balances Kapha & PittaTaste: Sweet; Astringent; BitterEnergy: Cooling
Helps with: Sluggish digestion, Heat & inflammation
Borage

Borage

Borago officinalis

Water·Pisces+House 12·Mutable
Pacifies PittaTaste: Sweet, SaltyEnergy: Cooling
Helps with: Anxiety & stress, Hormonal imbalance / PMS, Skin inflammation & rash
Broccoli

Broccoli

Brassica oleracea var. italica

Fire·Leo+House 5·Fixed·Magha
Balances Kapha & Pitta; can increase Vata (gas)Taste: Astringent; Bitter; SweetEnergy: Cooling
Helps with: Sluggish digestion, Low immunity
Buckwheat

Buckwheat

Fagopyrum esculentum

Air·Gemini+House 3·Mutable·Mrigashira
Pacifies Pitta & KaphaTaste: Sweet; AstringentEnergy: Cooling
Helps with: Fragile capillaries / easy bruising, Poor circulation
Burdock

Burdock

Arctium lappa

Fire·Sagittarius+House 9·Mutable
Pacifies Pitta & Kapha; grounding for VataTaste: Sweet; Bitter; AstringentEnergy: Cooling
Helps with: Skin inflammation & rash, Acne / eczema, Sluggish digestion, Swollen lymph
Cabbage

Cabbage

Brassica oleracea var. capitata

Water·Cancer+House 4·Cardinal·Anuradha
Pacifies PittaTaste: Sweet, AstringentEnergy: Cooling
Helps with: Acid reflux / heartburn, Heat & inflammation
Calendula

Calendula

Pot Marigold

Calendula officinalis

Fire·Leo+House 5·Fixed
Pacifies Pitta & KaphaTaste: Bitter; PungentEnergy: Heating
Helps with: Skin inflammation & rash, Wounds & cuts, Minor burns
Carrot

Carrot

Daucus carota

Water·Cancer+House 4·Cardinal·Pushya
Pacifies Vata & PittaTaste: Sweet; AstringentEnergy: Cooling
Helps with: Eye strain / weak vision, Sluggish digestion, Low energy & fatigue
Catnip

Catnip

Nepeta cataria

Air·Libra+House 7·Cardinal·Swati
Pacifies Vata & PittaTaste: Pungent; BitterEnergy: Cooling
Helps with: Anxiety & stress, Insomnia, Indigestion / bloating, Fever
Cauliflower

Cauliflower

Brassica oleracea var. botrytis

Water·Cancer+House 4·Cardinal
Pacifies PittaTaste: Astringent, SweetEnergy: Cooling
Helps with: Heat & inflammation
Chamomile

Chamomile

Matricaria recutita

Water·Pisces+House 12·Mutable·Pushya
Pacifies Pitta & VataTaste: Bitter, SweetEnergy: Cooling
Helps with: Insomnia, Anxiety & stress, Indigestion / bloating, Skin inflammation & rash
Chamomile (German)

Chamomile (German)

Chamomile

Matricaria chamomilla

Fire·Leo+House 5·Fixed
Pacifies Pitta & VataTaste: Bitter; SweetEnergy: Cooling
Helps with: Anxiety & stress, Insomnia, Indigestion / bloating, Skin inflammation & rash
Cherry

Cherry

Prunus avium / cerasus

Water·Scorpio+House 8·Fixed
Pacifies Vata & PittaTaste: Sweet; Sour; AstringentEnergy: Heating
Helps with: Muscle & joint pain, Gout, Insomnia
Chestnut

Chestnut

Castanea (hybrid/American)

Earth·Capricorn+House 10·Cardinal
Pacifies Vata; balances Pitta & KaphaTaste: Sweet; AstringentEnergy: Heating
Helps with: Low energy & fatigue, Poor nutrition
Comfrey

Comfrey

Symphytum officinale

Earth·Capricorn+House 10·Cardinal
Pacifies Vata & PittaTaste: Sweet; AstringentEnergy: Cooling
Helps with: Sprains & strains, Bruises, Wounds & cuts, Muscle & joint pain
Corn

Corn

Zea mays

Air·Gemini+House 3·Mutable·Magha
Pacifies Pitta & VataTaste: SweetEnergy: Neutral
Helps with: Water retention / bloating, Urinary irritation
Corn Salad (Mache)

Corn Salad (Mache)

Corn Salad / Mache

Valerianella locusta

Earth·Taurus+House 2·Fixed
Pacifies Pitta & VataTaste: SweetEnergy: Cooling
Cowpea

Cowpea

Cowpea / Black-eyed Pea

Vigna unguiculata

Air·Libra+House 7·Cardinal·Vishakha
Pacifies Pitta & KaphaTaste: Sweet; AstringentEnergy: Cooling
Helps with: Low energy & fatigue, Sluggish digestion
Cucumber

Cucumber

Cucumis sativus

Water·Cancer+House 4·Cardinal
Pacifies PittaTaste: Sweet, AstringentEnergy: Cooling
Helps with: Heat & inflammation, Water retention / bloating
Dandelion

Dandelion

Taraxacum officinale

Fire·Sagittarius+House 9·Mutable
Pacifies Pitta & KaphaTaste: Bitter; SweetEnergy: Cooling
Helps with: Sluggish digestion, Water retention / bloating, Poor appetite, Skin inflammation & rash
Echinacea

Echinacea

Coneflower

Echinacea purpurea

Earth·Virgo+House 6·Mutable·Hasta
Pacifies Kapha & PittaTaste: Pungent; BitterEnergy: Cooling
Helps with: Cold & flu, Infection, Wounds & cuts, Swollen lymph
Fennel

Fennel

Foeniculum vulgare

Earth·Virgo+House 6·Mutable
Tridoshic; especially pacifies Vata & Pitta digestionTaste: Sweet; PungentEnergy: Cooling
Helps with: Indigestion / bloating, Gas, Menstrual cramps
Garlic

Garlic

Allium sativum

Water·Scorpio+House 8·Fixed·Ashwini
Pacifies Vata & Kapha; aggravates PittaTaste: Pungent (5 of 6 tastes)Energy: Heating
Helps with: Cold & flu, High blood pressure, High cholesterol, Infection
Gentian

Gentian

Yellow Gentian

Gentiana lutea

Earth·Virgo+House 6·Mutable
Pacifies Kapha & PittaTaste: BitterEnergy: Cooling
Helps with: Poor appetite, Indigestion / bloating, Sluggish digestion
Goji Berry

Goji Berry

Goji / Wolfberry

Lycium barbarum

Water·Cancer+House 4·Cardinal·Punarvasu
Pacifies Vata & PittaTaste: Sweet; SourEnergy: Cooling
Helps with: Low energy & fatigue, Eye strain / weak vision, Low immunity
Hibiscus

Hibiscus

Roselle / Hibiscus

Hibiscus sabdariffa

Air·Libra+House 7·Cardinal
Pacifies Pitta; balances KaphaTaste: Sour; AstringentEnergy: Cooling
Helps with: High blood pressure, Heat & inflammation
Horsetail

Horsetail

Equisetum arvense

Earth·Capricorn+House 10·Cardinal
Pacifies Pitta & KaphaTaste: Sweet; Bitter; AstringentEnergy: Cooling
Helps with: Brittle nails & hair, Urinary irritation, Wounds & cuts
Hyssop

Hyssop

Hyssopus officinalis

Fire·Sagittarius+House 9·Mutable
Pacifies Kapha & Vata; aggravates PittaTaste: Pungent; BitterEnergy: Heating
Helps with: Cough, Congestion, Cold & flu, Sore throat
Jelly Melon (Kiwano)

Jelly Melon (Kiwano)

Kiwano

Cucumis metuliferus

Water·Cancer+House 4·Cardinal
Pacifies PittaTaste: Sweet, SourEnergy: Cooling
Kale

Kale

Brassica oleracea var. sabellica

Water·Cancer+House 4·Cardinal
Balances Kapha & Pitta; increases VataTaste: Bitter; Astringent; SweetEnergy: Cooling
Helps with: Low energy & fatigue, Low immunity, Poor nutrition
Lady's Mantle

Lady's Mantle

Alchemilla vulgaris

Air·Libra+House 7·Cardinal
Pacifies Pitta & KaphaTaste: Bitter; AstringentEnergy: Cooling
Helps with: Heavy menstruation, Wounds & cuts, Diarrhea
Lavender

Lavender

Lavandula angustifolia

Air·Aquarius+House 11·Fixed
Pacifies Vata & Pitta; balances KaphaTaste: Pungent; BitterEnergy: Cooling
Helps with: Anxiety & stress, Headache, Insomnia, Low mood
Lemon Balm

Lemon Balm

Melissa officinalis

Water·Pisces+House 12·Mutable·Shravana
Pacifies Vata & PittaTaste: Sour, PungentEnergy: Cooling
Helps with: Anxiety & stress, Insomnia, Cold & flu, Indigestion / bloating
Lettuce

Lettuce

Lactuca sativa

Earth·Taurus+House 2·Fixed
Pacifies PittaTaste: Bitter, Sweet, AstringentEnergy: Cooling
Helps with: Insomnia, Heat & inflammation
Marshmallow

Marshmallow

Althaea officinalis

Water·Pisces+House 12·Mutable
Pacifies Pitta & VataTaste: SweetEnergy: Cooling
Helps with: Sore throat, Cough, Acid reflux / heartburn, Skin inflammation & rash
Melon (Muskmelon)

Melon (Muskmelon)

Melon

Cucumis melo

Water·Cancer+House 4·Cardinal·Rohini
Pacifies Pitta & VataTaste: SweetEnergy: Cooling
Mint

Mint

Mentha spicata / piperita

Water·Pisces+House 12·Mutable
Pacifies Pitta & KaphaTaste: Pungent, SweetEnergy: Cooling
Helps with: Indigestion / bloating, Nausea, Congestion
Motherwort

Motherwort

Leonurus cardiaca

Air·Aquarius+House 11·Fixed
Pacifies Pitta & KaphaTaste: Bitter; PungentEnergy: Cooling
Helps with: Palpitations, Anxiety & stress, Menstrual cramps, High blood pressure
Mugwort

Mugwort

Artemisia vulgaris

Water·Scorpio+House 8·Fixed
Pacifies Kapha & Vata; aggravates PittaTaste: Bitter; PungentEnergy: Heating
Helps with: Menstrual cramps, Sluggish digestion, Vivid dreams / dream recall
Nectarine

Nectarine

Prunus persica var. nucipersica

Fire·Leo+House 5·Fixed
Pacifies Vata & PittaTaste: Sweet; SourEnergy: Heating
Helps with: Low energy & fatigue, Constipation
Oregano

Oregano

Origanum vulgare

Fire·Sagittarius+House 9·Mutable
Pacifies Kapha & Vata; aggravates PittaTaste: Pungent; BitterEnergy: Heating
Helps with: Cold & flu, Infection, Indigestion / bloating, Sore throat
Passionflower

Passionflower

Passiflora incarnata

Air·Aquarius+House 11·Fixed
Pacifies Pitta & VataTaste: BitterEnergy: Cooling
Helps with: Insomnia, Anxiety & stress, Nervous tension, Racing thoughts
Peach

Peach

Prunus persica

Fire·Leo+House 5·Fixed
Pacifies Vata & PittaTaste: Sweet; Sour; AstringentEnergy: Heating
Helps with: Constipation, Low energy & fatigue, Dry skin
Pear

Pear

Pyrus communis

Air·Libra+House 7·Cardinal
Pacifies Pitta; balances KaphaTaste: Sweet; AstringentEnergy: Cooling
Helps with: Constipation, Heat & inflammation
Peas

Peas

Garden Peas

Pisum sativum

Earth·Taurus+House 2·Fixed
Pacifies PittaTaste: Sweet, AstringentEnergy: Cooling
Peppermint

Peppermint

Mentha × piperita

Earth·Virgo+House 6·Mutable
Pacifies Kapha & Pitta; can aggravate Vata in excessTaste: PungentEnergy: Cooling
Helps with: Indigestion / bloating, Nausea, Headache, Congestion
Plum

Plum

Prunus domestica

Water·Scorpio+House 8·Fixed
Pacifies Vata; balances PittaTaste: Sweet; Sour; AstringentEnergy: Cooling
Helps with: Constipation, Sluggish digestion
Pole Beans

Pole Beans

Phaseolus vulgaris

Air·Gemini+House 3·Mutable·Dhanishtha
Pacifies Pitta & KaphaTaste: Sweet, AstringentEnergy: Neutral
Potato

Potato

Solanum tuberosum

Earth·Capricorn+House 10·Cardinal
Pacifies Pitta & Vata; increases KaphaTaste: Sweet; AstringentEnergy: Cooling
Helps with: Low energy & fatigue, Acid reflux / heartburn
Rose

Rose

Rosa damascena / rugosa

Air·Libra+House 7·Cardinal
Pacifies all three; especially cools PittaTaste: Sweet; Bitter; AstringentEnergy: Cooling
Helps with: Low mood, Anxiety & stress, Skin inflammation & rash, Grief
Rosemary

Rosemary

Salvia rosmarinus

Fire·Leo+House 5·Fixed
Pacifies Vata & Kapha; aggravates PittaTaste: Pungent; BitterEnergy: Heating
Helps with: Poor circulation, Brain fog / poor focus, Indigestion / bloating, Headache
Runner Bean

Runner Bean

Scarlet Runner Bean

Phaseolus coccineus

Fire·Sagittarius+House 9·Mutable·Mula
Pacifies Pitta & KaphaTaste: Sweet; AstringentEnergy: Cooling
Helps with: Low energy & fatigue, Sluggish digestion
Sage

Sage

Garden Sage

Salvia officinalis

Fire·Sagittarius+House 9·Mutable
Pacifies Kapha & Vata; aggravates PittaTaste: Pungent; Bitter; AstringentEnergy: Heating
Helps with: Sore throat, Excess sweating, Brain fog / poor focus, Cold & flu
Skullcap

Skullcap

Scutellaria lateriflora

Earth·Virgo+House 6·Mutable
Pacifies Vata & PittaTaste: BitterEnergy: Cooling
Helps with: Anxiety & stress, Insomnia, Nervous tension, Headache
Snake Bean

Snake Bean

Yardlong Bean

Vigna unguiculata ssp. sesquipedalis

Water·Scorpio+House 8·Fixed·Anuradha
Pacifies Pitta & KaphaTaste: Sweet; AstringentEnergy: Cooling
Helps with: Low energy & fatigue, Constipation
Solomon's Seal

Solomon's Seal

Polygonatum biflorum

Earth·Capricorn+House 10·Cardinal
Pacifies Vata & PittaTaste: Sweet; BitterEnergy: Cooling
Helps with: Muscle & joint pain, Sprains & strains, Dry skin
Squash (Three Sisters)

Squash (Three Sisters)

Squash

Cucurbita maxima

Air·Gemini+House 3·Mutable
Pacifies Vata & PittaTaste: SweetEnergy: Neutral
Helps with: Eye strain / weak vision
St. John's Wort

St. John's Wort

Hypericum perforatum

Fire·Leo+House 5·Fixed
Pacifies Vata; balances PittaTaste: Bitter; AstringentEnergy: Cooling
Helps with: Low mood, Nerve pain, Wounds & cuts, Anxiety & stress
Stevia

Stevia

Stevia rebaudiana

Earth·Taurus+House 2·Fixed
Pacifies Kapha & PittaTaste: SweetEnergy: Cooling
Helps with: High blood sugar
Strawberry

Strawberry

Fragaria x ananassa

Earth·Taurus+House 2·Fixed·Purva Phalguni
Pacifies Pitta & VataTaste: Sweet, SourEnergy: Cooling
Summer Savory

Summer Savory

Satureja hortensis

Fire·Sagittarius+House 9·Mutable
Pacifies Vata & Kapha; aggravates PittaTaste: PungentEnergy: Heating
Helps with: Indigestion / bloating, Gas, Sore throat
Sunflower

Sunflower

Helianthus annuus

Fire·Leo+House 5·Fixed
Pacifies Vata; mildly heating to PittaTaste: SweetEnergy: Heating
Helps with: Low energy & fatigue, Dry cough
Tobacco (ceremonial)

Tobacco (ceremonial)

Flowering Tobacco

Nicotiana rustica / sylvestris

Air·Aquarius+House 11·Fixed·Shatabhisha
Aggravates Pitta; use only externally/ceremoniallyTaste: Pungent; BitterEnergy: Heating
Toothache Plant

Toothache Plant

Spilanthes / Buzz Button

Acmella oleracea

Fire·Aries+House 1·Cardinal·Ashwini
Pacifies Kapha & Vata; aggravates PittaTaste: Pungent; AstringentEnergy: Heating
Helps with: Toothache & gum pain, Sore throat, Mouth sores
Violet

Violet

Sweet Violet

Viola odorata

Air·Libra+House 7·Cardinal
Pacifies Pitta & VataTaste: Sweet; BitterEnergy: Cooling
Helps with: Dry cough, Sore throat, Skin inflammation & rash, Swollen lymph
Wormwood

Wormwood

Artemisia absinthium

Water·Scorpio+House 8·Fixed
Pacifies Kapha; aggravates Pitta & VataTaste: BitterEnergy: Heating
Helps with: Intestinal parasites, Poor appetite, Sluggish digestion
Yarrow

Yarrow

Achillea millefolium

Earth·Virgo+House 6·Mutable·Chitra
Pacifies Pitta & KaphaTaste: Bitter; Pungent; AstringentEnergy: Cooling
Helps with: Wounds & cuts, Fever, Heavy menstruation, Cold & flu
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211 E. Dixon Street, Forest, OH 45843 USA

In the village of Forest, Hardin County, Ohio.

Forest Sanctuary is a living lab of WholeFam, under True North Neuro, a registered Ohio nonprofit. There is nothing to buy and no membership — only an open door.

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Anything here about plants as old garden remedies is shared for learning and reflection, not as medical advice.