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Herbs that have inherent qualities to provide a cooling impact on the body are frequently used in food preparation and medicine to enhance general well-being, lower inflammation, and encourage hydration in the summertime.
Mint, cilantro, fennel, chamomile, lemongrass, and rose petals are a few typical herbs that have cooling properties. To stay hydrated and revitalised, try infusing these herbs into herbal teas, lemonades, pastas, curries or infused water. In addition to providing possible health benefits, they can be used in salads, soups, and desserts to give meals during the summer a refreshing and tasty touch.
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1. Coriander:
Coriander helps to lower body temperatures effectively during summer and helps in bearing these hot days. The best way to have coriander for a refreshing feel is to add fresh coriander leaves to salads and smoothies. This herb is added as a garnish to your curd-based chaats, green salad platter, stir-fried veggies, dal, rice and more. They are not only cooling but also elevate the flavour of these dishes. Coriander can be used to make a refreshing tea or even infused in water to beat the heat this summer.
2. Fennel:
Fennel is an herb that contains a large amount of nutrients and cooling properties and therefore helps with digestion and reduces the feeling of bloating. Fennel seeds can not only be used in the form of tea but they can also be directly eaten after a simple meal, which helps digestion and freshens breath as well. One of the best ways to have it is with fennel seed water. Soak some fennel seeds in hot water and cover them. On top of that, fennel can serve as an ingredient for recipes and can also be used in salads and soups to enhance flavour and digestive health.
3. Peppermint:
Peppermint is an herb that regulates body temperature, provides climatic relief to the skin and helps against sunburns and other heat-related irritations through the menthol properties present in this herb. For optimal effects, enjoy peppermint in the following ways: prepare an iced tea with peppermint, add fresh mint leaves to smoothies or lemonade or add some drops of peppermint essential oil to your body oil.
4. Alovera:
Because of its calming and moisturising qualities, aloe vera is a cooling herb that is particularly effective in the summer. Aloe vera juice can be consumed or added to beverages to help hydrate the body, soothe inflammation, and support healthy skin. The optimal method is to remove the gel from an aloe vera leaf, mix it with water or fruit juice, and consume it cold. Aloe vera gel can also be applied topically for a cooling and soothing effect on sunburns or sore skin.
5. Basil:
Basil stimulates sweating when heated, hence helping to cool the body. It is used for its full aromatic effect in salads, sandwiches and other chilled foods like gazpacho or caprese salsa. This will add the maximum amount of flavour to your meal. You can make a big batch of basil pesto that can be added to crostini, pasta, and sandwiches as a spread or a topping on pizzas and salads. Moreover, boil fresh basil leaves to make tea or simply infuse them in cool water to drink up as detox water throughout the day to stay cool. This will allow the body to stay hydrated and also maintain its body temperature.
6. Lemongrass:
Lemongrass is a cooling herb that helps regulate body temperature, encourages drinking plenty of water, and has a refreshing flavour. It contains substances that help reduce body temperature, such as citral, which has cooling qualities. For optimal benefits, steep fresh or dried lemongrass in boiling water for a few minutes to make lemongrass tea. Lemongrass can also be ground and added to Thai curries for that citrusy flavour and a cooling respite from the summer heat.
