Wellness
oi-Shivangi Karn
on April 10, 2021
As some fruits and vegetables like watermelon and cucumber are renowned for their cooling effects, there is a range of herbs that are mostly cold in nature and are known to provide a cooling effect to the body, thus preventing the summer heat.
These herbs can commonly be found in the Indian kitchen and have been used for thousands of years to prevent ‘pitta’ from aggravating during the summer season. Also, they help detoxify the body, improve digestion and refresh both mind and the body.
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In this article, we will bring to you a list of healthy and cooling herbs, from which you can prepare iced teas and enjoy the summer.
1. Lemon Balm Iced Tea
Lemon balm is a lemon-scented herb that belongs to the ‘Mint’ family and is highly known for its cooling and soothing abilities. On a hot summer day, drinking lemon balm iced tea can effectively reduce body heat and symptoms such as nausea, dizziness and can boost immunity due to the presence of tannins and polyphenols.
How to prepare
Ingredients
- One-fourth cup of fresh lemon balm leaves.
- A tablespoon of honey (or more as per your taste.
- 3-4 cups of water.
- Ice cubes.
Method
- Boil the water.
- In a jar, pour lemon balm leaves, honey and boiling water.
- Let the mixture steep for 20-30 minutes.
- In an iced tea glass, add ice cubes and then pour the liquid.
- You can also squeeze lemon to lift up the taste of the iced tea.
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2. Hibiscus Iced Tea
Hibiscus is a go-to summer herb as it may help bring the temperature of the body down due to its cooling effect. Some studies say that the hibiscus has thirst-quenching abilities as it helps keep the body hydrated and electrolyte-filled, which is often lost due to excessive sweating in the summer.
How to prepare
Ingredients
- 1-2 fresh hibiscus flowers or 1-2 tablespoons of dried herb.
- 2 cups of cold water.
Method
- In a glass jar, mix the herb in water and allow them to steep for around 3-5 hours at room temperature.
- In an iced tea glass, put some ice cubes and pour the tea after straining.
- You can preferably add the berries of your choice to enhance the taste.
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3. Mint Iced Tea
Mint has cold-induced compounds that may help trigger the TRPM8 receptors which are known to induce the sensation of cold in the body. This herb is also known to balance the electrolytes of the body by providing the essential sodium and potassium ions. [1]
How to prepare
Ingredients
- Three green tea bags.
- 4-5 cups of boiling water.
- 3-4 teaspoon of honey or as per the taste.
- One teaspoon of lemon juice.
- A bunch of fresh mint leaves.
Method
- In a jar, pour the hot water and brew tea with tea bags by letting it steep for around 10 minutes.
- In a pitcher, pour the brewed tea, add lemon, mint leaves and honey.
- Refrigerate for an hour and serve.
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4. Ginger Iced Tea
There’s a controversy in the usage of ginger during summer. Ginger is mainly known for its hyperthermic effect, meaning it can increase body heat. However, it is also a natural diaphoretic, meaning it may promote sweating and cause the release of the body heat, thus cooling the body in a hot environment.
How to prepare
Ingredients
- Four cups boiling water.
- Four tea bags.
- 3-4 tablespoons of honey or more if you want.
- Two teaspoons of freshly grated ginger.
Method
- In a jar, add boiling water, tea bags and let the mixture steep for 10-12 minutes.
- Discard the tea bags and let the tea cool for an hour.
- Mix honey and ginger and refrigerate for another half an hour.
- In an iced tea glass, put ice cubes.
- Strain the tea and pour it into the glass.
- Serve.
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5. Rose Petals Iced Tea
Rose petals have cooling and astringent properties. The astringent nature of the petals may help soothe the irritation of the digestive system while its cooling effect soothes the body interior heat and prevent complication related to summer heat.
How to prepare
Ingredients
- 4-5 large rose petals (keep in mind that the rose petals should not be from roses that are grown especially for decoration as they contain harmful pesticides. Use those which are organically grown or grown for food preparations.
- 2-3 cups of water.
- Two teaspoons of fresh lemon juice.
- Honey (optional)
Method
- Boil the water.
- Add rose petals, lemon juice, honey and allow it to steep for 4-5 hours.
- In an iced tea jar, add ice cubes and pour the liquid after straining.
- Serve.
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6. Fennel Iced Tea
Among the spices to reduce body heat, fennel seeds or saunf are the easily available and the most effective herb. Consumption of fennel seeds helps relieve the heat of the body, hydrate the skin and boost immunity due to the presence of vitamin C.
How to prepare
Ingredients
- 3 tea bags.
- 4-5 cups of cold water.
- A teaspoon of fennel seeds.
- 3-4 fresh mint leaves.
- Honey (optional).
- Two teaspoons of lemon juice.
Method
- Boil the water, add tea bags and let it steep for around 10 minutes.
- In a jar, add brewed tea, fennel seeds, mint leaves, lemon juice and honey.
- Stir well and allow to refrigerate for an hour.
- Put ice cubes in a glass and pour the liquid after straining.
- Serve.
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7. Chamomile Iced Tea
Chamomile is not only known to help promote good sleep and reduce stress, but it is also a potent herb to cool the body, soothe heat rash and prevent the body from the effect of sunburn. Chamomile tea is also the most widely consumed tea worldwide.
How to prepare
Ingredients
- 3-4 fresh chamomile flowers or dried flower buds. Mostly, the heads of the flowers are used to make teas and the petals are discarded. You can use both if you want.
- 2 teaspoons of lemon juice.
- 2 teaspoons of honey.
- A few mint leaves.
- Water.
Method
- In boiling water, put fresh or dried chamomile flowers.
- Let them steep for 5-7 minutes.
- Strain the herbs and allow the liquid to cool.
- In a pitcher, add the tea and mix honey and let it refrigerate for an hour.
- In an iced tea glass, put ice cubes and pour the tea.
- Add lemon juice and decorate with mint leaves.
- Serve.
So, which one do you like the most? Share your experience in the comment section
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Story first published: Saturday, April 10, 2021, 18:15 [IST]
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