Herbs To Help You Cool Down This Summer

Summer in Canada is glorious, but let’s be honest, the heat can get a little overwhelming. As a holistic nutritionist, I love turning to nature for support, and when it comes to staying cool, herbs are some of my favourite go-to remedies. Let’s explore a few refreshing herbal allies that can help you stay chill, balanced, and feeling your best all summer long.

Peppermint (Mentha piperita): The Refreshing Classic 

Peppermint, just the smell of it feels like a breath of fresh air, doesn’t it? But there’s more to this herb than its crisp, uplifting scent. Peppermint is a summertime staple for a reason:

• Naturally Cooling: Thanks to menthol, peppermint brings a noticeable cooling sensation to the body. Sipping on peppermint tea when it’s hot out can be surprisingly refreshing.

• Soothes Digestion: Summer heat (and summer treats) can throw digestion off. Peppermint is a go-to for easing bloating, gas, and indigestion, keeping your digestive system smooth and settled. 

• Eases Headaches: If the heat starts creeping into your head, peppermint’s calming, anti-inflammatory properties may help take the edge off tension headaches.

Chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla): Calm and Cool

We usually think of chamomile as a bedtime tea, but this gentle herb has some lovely cooling benefits too, perfect for those hot summer days (and nights).

• Ease Restlessness: Sticky, sleepless nights? Chamomile’s calming nature can help you unwind and get the rest your body needs to recharge after a long, hot day.

• Soothes the Skin: Its mild anti-inflammatory properties make chamomile great for calming heat-related skin flare-ups. Try a cooled tea bag as a compress for minor sunburns.

• Hydration Helper: Chamomile tea isn’t just relaxing, it’s hydrating too! Every sip counts toward keeping your system cool and well-balanced in the heat.

Lemon Balm (Melissa officinalis): The Uplifting Cooler

With its light citrusy scent and gentle nature, lemon balm is one of those herbs that just feels like sunshine in a cup, without the heat.

• Lifts the Mood: When the heat starts to weigh you down, lemon balm’s fresh aroma can offer a natural mood boost. Feeling lighter emotionally can help the whole day feel more manageable.

• Gently Cooling: This herb is a mild diaphoretic, which means it can support your body’s natural cooling process by encouraging a light, healthy sweat.

• Soothes the Nervous System: Like chamomile, lemon balm is also a calming nervine, helping to take the edge off summer stress and keep you feeling more grounded and relaxed.

Hibiscus (Hibiscus sabdariffa): Tart, Tangy & Incredibly Refreshing 

This beautiful flower isn’t just pretty to look at, hibiscus makes a deliciously tangy tea that’s perfect for cooling down on a hot summer day.

• Hydration + Electrolytes: Hibiscus tea helps you stay hydrated and naturally supports electrolyte balance, especially helpful when you’re sweating more than usual.

• Naturally Cooling: Its cooling properties and bright, tart flavour make it one of my favourite ways to beat the heat from the inside out.

• Antioxidant Support: Bonus, hibiscus is rich in antioxidants that help protect your body from the extra stress heat can bring.

​​Cooling Summer Herbal Infusion

Ingredients:

• 2 tbsp dried herb of choice (peppermint, lemon balm, chamomile or hibiscus)

• 1 litre (4 cups) of cold, filtered water

• Optional: a few slices of cucumber, lemon, or fresh mint for garnish

Instructions:

1. Add all dried herbs to a large mason jar or heat-safe glass pitcher.

2. Pour in the cold water, cover, and place in the fridge.

3. Let the herbs steep for at least 4 hours, or overnight for a stronger flavour (+ increased benefits!)

4. Strain the herbs and serve over ice. Add fresh garnish if desired.

   
   

Tips:

• This infusion will keep in the fridge for up to 3 days.

• For a touch of natural sweetness, you can add a bit of honey or maple syrup after straining.

• Want extra cooling power? Toss in a few ice cubes made from coconut water or cucumber juice. 

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Here’s to staying cool, feeling good, and letting a few simple herbs make summer just a little easier🍒🥥