Air Conditioners might seem a great option during summers but we have some natural ways via which you can beat the heat. Check out the natural ways to maintain body temperature and cool your body.
Yoga practitioners who value the earth may relish the feel of the sun on their bare skin and look forward to spending the weekend outside. But no matter how much you need sun warmth, it is equally essential to stay cool during summer. So, we have penned down some of the best natural herbal ways to maintain the cooling temperature of the body and balance your hot summer adventures.
What are 'Cooling' Herbs?
Ancient people classify herbs as heating, cooling as well as neutral depending on their properties. So, if you are suffering from heat issues, it is best to concentrate on herbal plants that serve cooling properties. In fact, some of the renowned experts claim that cooling plants can be classified as either refrigerants or diaphoretics.
Refrigerants help lower the temperature of the body and include lavender, peppermint, chamomile, lemon balm, and more for cooling tissues. Similarly, Diaphoretics like peppermint, elderflower, catnip, chamomile, and more encourage sweating or perspiration. Utilizing a herbal plant that promotes perspiration may seem illogical. However, Zappin points out that many cultures in hot climes utilize chili-based products to build up a sweat because sweating is essentially your body’s natural air conditioner.
Additionally, as per experts, the effects a herb or meal will have on your body are determined by how it tastes. For instance, in Ayurveda, chilies are regarded as both spicy and astringent. This indicates that while they have a spicy flavour and heat up the tissues, they also have some cooling properties.
Read More: Yoga Poses to Help with Summer Migraines
The Subtle Effects of Heat
According to herbal practices, heat is caused by more than just the weather. Zappin, herbalist, and co-founder of Five Flavors Herbs, claims that bodily manifestations of heat might also be mental or emotional. Pain, Swelling, Redness, Anger, Aggression, Worry, Racing Thoughts, and Recklessness are all signs and symptoms.
Additionally, while some may face issues due to heat, some find it beneficial. In response to heat, the body may have varied metabolic requirements. Some people react favorably and require it to feel more vibrant and active. Some find it to be overbearing.
Top Benefits and Uses of Cooling Herbs
Check out some of the top natural herbs that may help lower your body temperature.
Coriander (cilantro)
Coriander is one of the popular herbs with cooling properties. It might also include anticancer, antioxidant, and neuroprotective properties as per research held in 2017. More studies involving people are required, but 2018 research on rats showed it to have a favorable impact on blood sugar. You can simply add it to your dishes, salads, and soups for better results.
Mint
Another popular herb that offers a cooling sensation and is great for gastrointestinal issues. Some people even use it in lip balms, alcoholic drinks like mojito, and cough syrups. Spearmint and peppermint are the different types of mint used for illness and quick relief. Using peppermint oil can help in abdominal muscle relaxation, discomfort, and even IBS severity. You can add mint as tea or consume it in the form of a capsule for instant relief.
Rose
Rose is not any herb but a versatile plant with anti-inflammatory properties. You can use rose water to soothe your burns, reduce pain or depression, and even for improving sexual dysfunctionality.
Lavender
Another popular remedy used widely in soaps and cosmetics products for its fragrance and properties. You can diffuse and add it to your baths or beverages to reduce migraine headaches, anxiety issues, insomnia problems, and depression.
Cardamom
The delicious culinary spice cardamom is frequently used in traditional Indian cuisine. You can use it in baking or cooking curries or gingerbread cookies. It even plays a significant role in improving symptoms of metabolic disorders.
Read More: Home Remedies for Sunburn
Hibiscus
Beautiful ornamental blossoms from hibiscus trees can be utilized to create a number of medicines. It can help with oxidative stress, inflammation, and even insulin resistance.
Chamomile
Traditional uses of chamomile tea include relieving gastrointestinal discomfort, calming the mind, and promoting restful sleep. This delicate herb has a surprising amount of power that can help resolve headaches and migraine, nerve conditions, skin irritations, eye infections, and more. Apart from drinking it as tea, you can use it topically to relieve rashes, dermatitis, arthritis, and back pain.
Lemon Verbena
Lemon verbena comes with anticancer, antioxidant, and antimicrobial properties along with sedative effects. Additionally, it has a long history of use for rheumatism, flatulence, diarrhea, and sleeplessness. However, it’s significant to remember that the safety and effectiveness of lemon verbena in humans have not been completely investigated. You can use it for seasonings, jellies, and sauces.
Chickweed
Chickweed is quite popular for diabetes, inflammation, obesity, stomach cramps, and gastric ulcers. You can infuse it in oil, use it as tea, eat as raw, or apply it topically for better results.
Aloe
The cooling and calming properties of aloe are widely recognized. It includes anticancer, immunomodulatory, anti-inflammatory, gastro-protective, and antifungal properties that make it a perfect choice for keeping your body cool. You can add it to your food, smoothies, and drinks. Further, you may apply aloe topically for better results.
Important: Aloe vera plants come in a variety of edible forms. Generally speaking, both the skin and the gel inside of an aloe vera leaf are safe to consume. Since latex can be toxic to those who are pregnant, have digestive problems, or are taking certain medications, it is important to carefully wash the skin or gel to get rid of any traces of latex.
More Ways to Cool Off Your Body
- Consume vegetables, especially ones with high water content, such as lettuce, cucumber, and cabbage.
- Eat meals that are liquid-based, including stews and soups.
- Use less ice because it can make digestion more difficult.
- Concentrate on sweet, astringent, and bitter meals.
Conclusion
Herbs can provide relief when it’s hot outside. These adaptable herbs, which also have a number of health advantages, can help lower the temperature in your body and mind whether you use them in a tea, salad, sauce, or spritzer.
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