My 3 Favorite Cooling Herbs To Beat The Heat
Summer is usually the optimal time to travel and spend time outdoors with friends and family. Everyone is at the beach, camping and hiking, having outdoor cookouts and pool parties, and/or all of the above. Here are some of my favorite herbs for keeping my cool, physically and emotionally, throughout the summer months. All three of these herbs are friendly for all ages and could be used individually or combined for your enjoyment as an iced tea, or herb infused lemonade.
1. Hibiscus Flower
Hibiscus Flowers tea is known for its beautiful, signature red color and tart, lemony flavor. It is naturally rich in red antioxidants, vitamin C, and complimentary bioflavonoids which nourish cardiovascular tissues, support strength and tone of veins and capillaries, and promote blood flow and blood pressure balance. Blood flow is essential to the body’s response to heat and frigidity, like coolant and antifreeze in a car. In the summer months, blood flow helps to support perspiration which naturally helps to release heat through the skin and cool the body. In addition to supporting the cardiovascular system, the nutrients from Hibiscus can assist to support blood sugar balance, assist the breakdown and elimination of uric acid build up, and promote fluid balance and elimination. In other words, another way of cooling the body, aside from perspiration, is a possible trip to the restroom, kind of like a coolant flush
2. Lemon Balm Leaf
Believe it or not, zesty Lemon Balm is also a member of the mint family. This herb is known for calming the nervous system both emotionally and physically. Less known is that it can also help to promote a response to heat in the body. Its minty flavor is more mild than other members of the mint family, and is somewhat overpowered by the lemony volatile oils which are considered the most active constituents of the plant. Nevertheless, it can still help to cool the body on a hot day and is a great option for those who are not fans of mint. Lemon Balm can also help to cool a heated child, or adult, who may be experiencing a meltdown due to heat, emotional/sensory overload, or both.
3. Spearmint Leaf
Sweeter and less pungent than Peppermint, Spearmint can be a great refreshing summertime favorite. When taken as a cold infusion, the volatile oils can help to promote a response to internal heat by activating the body’s natural cooling mechanisms. Mints help to promote blood flow which assists to simulate perspiration and naturally cools the body. It is also mildly calming to the nervous system but energizing to the mind. This makes Spearmint perfect for keeping your cool emotionally, while keeping your head in the game.
“Ruby Sipper” Lemonade
Anywhere can feel like home this summer with this herb-infused lemonade waiting in the cooler!
Ingredients
- 48 oz Filtered or Spring Water
- Juice from 3-4 freshly squeezed Lemons (approximately 1 cup)
- 1 Cup of Raw, Local Honey or sweetener of choice
- ⅔ Cup cut Hibiscus
- ⅔ Cup cut Lemon Balm
- ⅔ Cup cut Spearmint Leaf
Directions
- Measure and pour 48 oz of filtered or spring water into a pot, cover with a lid, and bring to a boil.
- While you wait for your water to boil, wash and juice your lemons. I like to use a hand juicer and I squeeze the juice directly into a half gallon mason jar.
- Add your 1 cup of honey to your mason jar. I use the measuring cup lines on the mason jar which cuts down on dishes.
- Once your water has reached a boil, turn off the fire and remove the pot from the heat. Add ⅔ cup each of your Hibiscus, Lemon Balm, and Spearmint to a large muslin cloth bag and drop it in the pot. Stir until you see red coming through, and cover it with the pot lid promptly to keep all of the steam inside. Allow the herbs to steep for approximately 30 minutes or until the water has cooled.
- Before discarding your herbs, give your muslin bag a good squeeze to get all of the goodness out of the fiber. Be careful, as the fiber may still be hot. At this point you can discard the herbs, and clean your muslin bag for future use.
- Add your herbal infusion to your lemon juice and honey in the mason jar. Cap the jar tightly and shake until evenly combined. Always shake or stir again before serving as the honey will naturally settle. This recipe can keep refrigerated for 2-3 days.
This recipe can be enjoyed in its full, flavorful glory or slightly watered down depending on your preference. Some people like their lemonade a little more tart and may opt to add their lemon peels during the steeping process for added zest. Others may prefer a sweeter flavor and may want to cut back on the amount of lemon juice. Either way, it is delicious and refreshing!
