Let's Talk about the Choleric Temperament

The choleric temperament is most closely aligned with the qualities of summer - hot and dry. Those with a predominantly choleric nature are often ambitious, driven, decisive, and full of energy. They tend to be strong-willed, sometimes with dominant personalities. Internally, their bodies carry the qualities of heat and dryness, which fuel their active and dynamic nature. However, this excess heat can also make them quick-tempered or easily irritable, and they may be prone to inflammation, dehydration, or dryness in the body.

The summer season and the choleric temperament both embody the fire of passion, action, and transformation. One of the unique strengths of the choleric nature is its ability to mature and reshape, much like how fire melts metal and gives it a new form. Similarly, choleric individuals have a remarkable capacity to initiate meaningful change - within themselves and in the world around them.

This powerful quality is beautifully reflected in the personality of ʿUmar ibn al-Khaṭṭāb (RA) during his caliphate. His bold leadership, strong presence, and unwavering sense of justice illustrate the essence of the choleric temperament. Yet, beneath this strength was also a deeply emotional and sensitive heart. Just as Prophet Musa (AS) stood firm before Pharaoh and split the sea, choleric individuals carry the potential to move mountains, open doors to transformation, and revive what has been lost - like the reopening of Jerusalem under ʿUmar’s leadership.

As emphasized in Unani Tibb, balance is the foundation of health. To make the most of the summer season, we are encouraged to embrace its strengths - clarity, vitality, and personal growth - while tempering its excesses with cooling foods, adequate rest, hydration, and emotional regulation. By living in harmony with the seasons and understanding our individual temperament, we not only protect our well-being but also align ourselves with the natural rhythms of life. Their internal “fire” fuels action and passion, but when imbalanced, it can lead to burnout, frustration, and physical symptoms like acidity, insomnia, and skin eruptions. Summer mirrors the hot and dry qualities of the choleric temperament. This amplifies the heat and dryness in choleric individuals and can overstimulate even those of other temperaments.

Benefits of the Summer Season

Despite its intensity, summer offers many gifts:

• Clarity and ambition: Choleric energy promotes action and goal setting.
• Detox and purification: Sweating helps release toxins.
• Increased vitality: Longer days encourage productivity.
• Emotional expression: A time for social interaction and creativity. 
• Weight management: Digestive fire is strong - ideal for light detox and fat metabolism.

What to Watch Out For in Summer

• Headaches, migraines
• Skin rashes, boils, or acne
• Digestive upsets, especially acidity
• Irritability, impatience
• Insomnia or restless sleep
• Excessive thirst or dry mouth
• Fatigue or burnout from overwork

If these signs appear, it's a sign your internal heat is becoming excessive. Some wholistic ways to keep ourselves balanced and thriving during this choleric summer month.

1. Diet 

• Favor cooling, moist foods: cucumbers, melons, pomegranates, berries, yogurt, coconut water, lettuce, zucchini, peaches, and plums.
• Include bitters and mild sour flavors to support the liver (e.g., lemon water, arugula, bitter melon).
• Avoid spicy, fried, salty, and oily foods which increase internal heat.
• Eat smaller, lighter meals more frequently.
• Avoid red meat and overly heating foods during midday.

2. What to Drink 

• Barley water– soothes the liver and reduces excess bile.
• Watermelon with mint water
• Mint, fennel, coriander, and hibiscus teas – cooling and digestive.
• Rose petal and dates soaked in water (no longer then 12hrs)- Cools the heart and emotions, hydrating
• Avoid caffeine and carbonated sodas which dehydrate and heat the body.

3. Sleep & Rest 

• Sleep in a cool, dark, well-ventilated room.
• Afternoon naps/Qaylulah
• Try to rise early (before sunrise) and avoid staying up late - this aligns with the body’s natural rhythm in summer.
• Avoid excessive physical or mental exertion in the heat of the day.

4. External Cooling & Bathing 

• Take lukewarm or cool showers, ideally with sandalwood or rose-scented oils.
• Apply rosewater and aloe vera, for heat-related skin irritation.
• Wear light, breathable fabrics in white or pale colors.

Unani Tibb teaches us that health lies in harmony - with nature, with the seasons, and within ourselves. By eating cooling foods, resting well, staying hydrated, and adjusting our routine, we can thrive through summer’s intensity and use its energy to transform ourselves in purposeful, lasting ways.