Summer is the time when everyone looks for different ways to cool their body and enjoy the sun. Cooling your body in summer helps you to regulate internal temperature, preventing heat-related illnesses like heat stroke. It enhances comfort, promotes better sleep, boosts mood, and improves overall productivity and physical performance by reducing fatigue and enhancing endurance.
While people choose ice cream and cold drinks, they provide temporary relief. They are also not a healthy choice to cool your body temperature. There is also a difference between something cool to the touch or taste buds and something that cools your body down. If you want to cool your body inside out during summer, then natural herbs should be your first choice.
Let’s understand how to reduce internal body heat using herbs?
1. Mint
Mint also known as Pudina, is an excellent herb to cool your body during the summer. Milk leaves contain cooling properties. They stimulate the nerves in our skin which induces the cold-sensitive receptors to work overtime thereby bringing a cooling sensation to our bodies. Peppermint is the most popular variety of mint that people use to cool their bodies.
You can eat fresh mint leaves directly or add to your water or lemon juice. You can also add them to your salad or vegetables as a garnishing option.
2. Coriander
Coriander commonly known as Dhaniya is a staple in the Indian diet. Coriander leaves also help to cool the body temperature like mint leaves. A study found that coriander leaves provide antioxidants, anticancer, and neuroprotective properties (1).
You can add coriander leaves by adding it to salads, soups, and stir-fries for a burst of flavor. Use it as a garnish on dishes like curries, tacos, and grilled meats. Blend it into dressings or sauces for an extra zing.
3. Fennel Seeds
Fennel seeds are a popular mouth freshener that also has cooling properties. Fennel seeds help stimulate the intestinal juices and aid digestion. This reduces acid reflux and cools the body from the inside-out. Fennel also provides a soothing effect that helps you cope better in the summer.
It is super easy to add fennel seeds to your daily diet. You can chew them on after your meal. You can also sprinkle them over salads, yogurt, or oatmeal. You can also brew fennel seed tea for digestive benefits.
4. Aloe Vera
Yes, aloe vera is a herb that is quite popular for its cooling and soothing properties. Aloe vera is often used for treating sunburns, healing irritated skin and providing a natural glow. Aloe vera also helps to heal cells damaged from heatstroke. Aloe vera is often a key ingredient in many heat regulating supplements.
You can add aloe vera to your diet by blending the gel into smoothies or juices for added nutrition and hydration. You can also mix it into salad dressings or yogurt for a refreshing twist. Be cautious of the bitter taste and start with small amounts.
5. Chamomile
Chamomile helps cool the body during summer by promoting relaxation, which can reduce stress-induced heat. Its anti-inflammatory properties may also help soothe sunburns (2).
Chamomile tea is the best way to add this herb to your diet during the summer. Camomile oil is also another way to treat some conditions like rashes, eczema, arthritis, and back pain.
6. Tulsi
Tulsi is not just for cough, cold, flu and infections but it is also the best ayurvedic medicine to reduce body heat. Its cooling properties help regulate body temperature. Tulsi also has detoxifying properties that help to remove toxins from the body to keep you cool during the summer. Eat 3-4 Tulsi leaves in the morning or add it to your tea.
7. Turmeric
Turmeric or Haldi is the most commonly used spice in India. Turmeric, known for its various medicinal properties like antiseptic, antibacterial and anti-fungal is also a great colling agent. Turmeric regulates sweating which helps maintain body temperature which cools the body down.
8. Amalaki
Amla is more of a fruit than herb and is great for cooling down during the summer. Consuming amla helps you to get rid of the rashes caused by heat. Amla is an excellent antioxidant and works to reduce heat all the way from the upper respiratory area to the lower GI tract. Amla has been used in ayurvedic medicine for reducing heat in the body.
9. Fenugreek Seeds
Fenugreek seeds are effective in reducing blisters, nausea, rashes, and heat related issues. They have cooling properties that can reduce body temperature. You can incorporate them into your diet or soak them in water overnight for a cooling drink. They also aid in treating digestive issues such as diarrhea and bloating.
10. Cumins Seeds
Cumin seeds, widely used in Indian cooking, offer numerous health benefits. They aid in detoxification and reducing acidity and gas issues. You can consume them whole, incorporate them into meals, or add ground cumin powder to summer beverages like lemon soda and lassi for hydration and heatstroke prevention. They provide relief from indigestion and bloating, promoting comfort and ease.
11. Mulethi
Mulethi also known as liquorice, is a popular remedy for cough and cold. When chewed, it provides a cooling sensation in the throat, offering hydration and soothing relief from summer heat and pollution. It’s readily accessible in local stores, and you can chew the stick, mix the powder with water, or prepare mulethi tea by boiling a stick.
12. Hibiscus
Adding hibiscus to your diet is a great way to cool your body down in the summer. Hibiscus is full of antioxidants that will help you fight stressors related to UV rays. Hibiscus is also great to reduce bloating during summer. People tend to drink more water in summer which can lead to excess water weight. Hibiscus helps to remove some of this water weight. According to a study the positive phytonutrient profile in hibiscus tea may have benefits for inflammation and oxidative stress (3).
13. Rose
Rose helps cool the body during summer through various mechanisms. Rose water, a popular coolant, hydrates the body when ingested or applied topically, offering relief from heat. Its natural astringent properties help tighten pores, reducing sweat and promoting a cooling sensation on the skin.
Additionally, the fragrance of roses has a calming effect on the nervous system, which can help regulate body temperature and alleviate heat-induced stress. Consuming rose-infused beverages or incorporating rose petals into meals can further aid in cooling the body during hot weather.
14. Ginger
During summer, high temperatures increase susceptibility to oxidative stress. Consuming ginger helps your body combat heat stress and also fight against oxidative stress. Incorporate ginger into your diet by grating it into stir-fries, soups, or salad dressings for a zesty flavor boost. Brew ginger tea for a soothing beverage or blend it into smoothies for added warmth and spice.
15. Cardamom
Cardamom helps cool the body in summer by its natural cooling properties and ability to improve digestion. Consuming cardamom-infused beverages or adding it to meals can aid in regulating body temperature and promoting comfort during hot weather.
16. Amchur Powder
Amchur is made by drying mango and converting it into powder. Amchur is rich in antioxidants and possesses cooling properties, effectively addressing heat-induced acne. It promotes skin health by eliminating oil and sweat buildup. Incorporate amchur into fresh chutneys, fruits, pickles, and refreshing beverages. It’s available in markets or can be prepared at home for optimal health benefits.
Conclusion
Summer heat can cause dehydration, fatigue, headaches and even heatstroke. Hence, it is important to keep your body temperature low during hot summer days. While you may be tempted to choose the easier option like an ice cream or a cold drink, remember they are only temporary solutions and do not cool the body from inside. Adding herbs and spices mentioned in this blog will help your body cool down from the inside and provide long term protection against summer heat.
FAQs
1. How to cool down body heat?
To cool down body heat, stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water, consume cooling foods like watermelon and cucumber, include natural herbs and spices, avoid spicy and fatty foods, wear light clothing, use fans or air conditioning, and take cool showers or baths.
2. Is ginger a cooling herb?
Ginger is considered a cooling herb, it can have a cooling effect on the body by promoting perspiration and improving circulation.
3. How to remove heat from body according to the Ayurveda?
According to Ayurveda, to remove heat from the body, consume cooling foods and drinks like coconut water and cucumber, practice pranayama (breathing exercises), massage the body with cooling oils like coconut or sandalwood, and maintain a calm and peaceful mind.
4. What are the best home remedies to reduce body heat?
The best home remedies to reduce body heat include staying hydrated, consuming cool foods like watermelon and yogurt, taking cool showers, wearing light clothing, and avoiding spicy foods.