This summer has been record breaking with no signs of cooling off, relentless heatwave warnings issued in some parts of the world, temperatures soaring to unprecedented heights, and reports of heatstroke and related deaths rising almost daily. To beat the heat, we often turn to cold coffee, ice cream, chilled sodas and sugarcane juice for temporary relief.
As per Ayurveda, maintaining balance of doshas is very important in summers and this can be achieved by including cooling ingredients in your diet. And I don’t mean consuming loads of cold coffee, sodas and ice creams. The food you eat in summers should not only nourish but also hydrate your body. Here are some Ayurvedic herbs that can help you keep your body cool in the sweltering heat.
Tulsi
Tulsi is believed to boost immunity and relieve coughs and colds, but it also has a cooling effect on the body in summers. Tulsi helps in detoxifying and purifying the blood, contributing to cooling the entire body. It is often recommended to have a tulsi-infused drink to beat the summer heat. Drink tulsi tea daily or enjoy a mocktail infused with tulsi tea. You can also opt for Patanjali Tulsi Ghanvati, which is available in tablet form.
Jatamansi
Jatamansi is well known for its use in treating psychological issues such as stress and depression, but it also plays a vital role in cooling the body. In the relentless heat of summer, when sleeping without air conditioning seems impossible, jatamansi acts as a natural sedative to cool the body. Drink jatamansi infused water every night before going to sleep and experience the benefits.
coriander
Have you ever noticed that in the summer we are often advised to eat lighter, easier to digest foods? Digestive problems are common during this season, and coriander is surprisingly beneficial because of its antioxidant properties. Coriander has a cooling effect on the body and helps to ease digestive discomfort.
mint
Mint is perhaps the most commonly used herb during summers. Be it in raitas, mocktails or added to cooking, mint has numerous benefits for the body. Mint has cleansing and purifying properties, balances the doshas and has a cooling effect on the body.
In addition to these, you can also consider incorporating mulethi, cardamom, kus and other herbs known for their cooling properties during the hot summer months. Exposure to extreme heat can be dangerous to your health so make sure you take necessary precautions.
