As the summer sun blazes, finding natural ways to stay cool and refreshed becomes essential. Incorporating herbs into your daily routine can provide a delicious and healthful means of beating the heat. Here are the top 10 herbs to help you stay cool and refreshed this summer:
1. Peppermint
Peppermint is renowned for its cooling properties, thanks to its high menthol content. Whether enjoyed as a tea, added to a cold salad, or used in a refreshing body spray, peppermint can help cool your body and soothe your senses. Peppermint tea, served iced, is particularly effective at providing a quick cool-down on hot days .
2. Basil
Basil, especially the variety known as holy basil or tulsi, is celebrated for its adaptogenic properties, helping the body handle stress and heat. Fresh basil leaves can be added to salads, smoothies, or infused into water for a flavorful and refreshing drink. Basil's slightly spicy and aromatic flavor also makes it a delightful addition to summer dishes .
3. Lemon Balm
Lemon balm, with its mild lemony scent and taste, is another excellent herb for summer. It's known for its calming effects, making it perfect for those hot days when the heat can leave you feeling irritable. Enjoy lemon balm as an iced tea or use it to infuse water for a subtly flavored hydration boost .
4. Cilantro
Cilantro is not just a garnish but a potent herb that can help cool the body. Its detoxifying properties are especially beneficial during summer, as they help cleanse the body and promote overall well-being. Add fresh cilantro to salads, salsas, and smoothies for a refreshing twist .
5. Hibiscus
Hibiscus flowers are famous for their vibrant color and tart flavor. Hibiscus tea, often enjoyed iced, is not only delicious but also helps regulate body temperature and supports cardiovascular health. The antioxidants in hibiscus are an added bonus, providing skin protection from the summer sun .
6. Chamomile
Chamomile is traditionally known for its calming properties, but it also helps cool the body. Drinking chamomile tea, especially when iced, can reduce body heat and soothe sunburns when applied topically as a compress. Its gentle flavor makes it a versatile herb for both drinks and skincare remedies .
7. Fennel
Fennel seeds have been used for centuries to aid digestion and cool the body. Chewing on fennel seeds or drinking fennel tea can help reduce internal heat and alleviate summer bloating. Fennel’s mildly sweet flavor is a great addition to salads and cooling summer soups .
8. Rosemary
Rosemary, with its refreshing pine-like aroma, can invigorate and cool the body. It is particularly effective when used in cold infusions or added to baths for a refreshing soak. Rosemary’s ability to improve circulation also helps dissipate heat more effectively .
9. Mint Varieties
Beyond peppermint, other mint varieties like spearmint and chocolate mint offer cooling benefits. These mints can be used in similar ways—iced teas, infused waters, and as culinary herbs in a variety of dishes. Their versatility and refreshing taste make them a summer staple .
10. Aloe Vera
Aloe vera is well-known for its soothing and cooling properties, especially for sunburn relief. Consuming aloe vera juice can also help cool the body from the inside out. Aloe's hydrating properties are perfect for keeping your skin and body refreshed during hot summer months .
Conclusion
Integrating these cooling herbs into your summer routine can help you stay refreshed, hydrated, and healthy. Whether through refreshing beverages, culinary delights, or topical applications, these herbs offer natural and effective ways to beat the heat. Enjoy a herbal summer and embrace the power of nature to keep cool.
References
Peppermint Cooling Effects - Healthline
Holy Basil Benefits - WebMD
Lemon Balm Properties - Medical News Today
Cilantro Detoxifying Properties - Health.com
Hibiscus Tea Benefits - Harvard Health
Chamomile Cooling Effects - NCCIH
Fennel Seeds Benefits - Medical News Today
Rosemary for Circulation - Healthline
Spearmint Benefits - WebMD
Aloe Vera Cooling Properties - Mayo Clinic
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