Herbs have long been used to help the body adapt to seasonal changes. For this season, we’ve picked out 10 suitable herbs to help you manage the summer’s heat, that help regulate your body’s temperature, ease internal stress, and support hydration. Here’s how they work and how to drink them.
Hibiscus
How it cools you: Hibiscus is rich in antioxidants and boosts nitric oxide in your blood, which relaxes and widens vessels, helping flush heat and lower your body’s temperature.
Try this: Steep 1 Tbsp of dried petals for at least 10 minutes, in about 240–360 ml of water, add a pinch of roses, chill, then splash with some lemon or lime.
Mint
How it cools you: Menthol in mint activates TRPM8 receptors – your body’s “cold switches” – triggering both a cool sensation and real sweat to help cool skin.
Try this: Brew mint and lemon, chill and add some cucumber slices, then sip throughout the day.
Licorice Root
How it cools you: Glycyrrhizin in licorice helps manage the stress hormone, cortisol, and eases inflammation, letting your body handle heat stress smoother.
Try this: Let 1 Tbsp of licorice roots steep overnight after boiling them with water, strain, and drink chilled the second day. You can also add slices of apple to the brew, depending on the quantities you’re using.
Coriander Leaves & Seeds
How it cools you: Coriander acts as a mild diuretic and is anti-inflammatory, helping your system shed excess heat and calm digestion.
Try this: Add coriander leaves in salads or teas. You can also steep the crushed seeds with a few leaves, then sip this mixture throughout the day.
Fennel
How it cools you: Fennel oil has antioxidative and anti-inflammatory effects, and the gel-like compounds in it can calm your gut, retain hydration, and ease digestive heat.
Try this: Chew on some seeds after a meal, or brew them with mint, let them cool, and add honey for taste.
Chamomile
How it cools you: Chamomile is a mild sedative, it can soothe the gut, and its flavonoids have been shown to inhibit inflammatory markers in the body, which are key mediators of heat-related inflammation and stress.
Try this: Brew, chill, then add some rose water.
Lemon Balm (Melissa)
How it cools you: Citrusy and calming, lemon balm is a mild diaphoretic and nervine, helping the body release excess heat through sweating and eases nervous tension.
Quick tip: Be careful with confusing it with lemon verbena (Aloysia citrodora), which has long, narrow leaves and a much stronger lemon scent. Melissa has soft, heart-shaped leaves and a more delicate citrus aroma.
Try this: Brew the leaves, let them cool down then blend with mint.
Basil
How it cools you: Basil helps your body cool down under pressure because its antioxidants lower heat-triggered oxidative stress, while its anti-inflammatory compounds help your body respond better to summer heat by reducing your body’s physiological stress.
Try this: Blend basil with green tea, lemon, and honey.
Cumin
How it cools you: Cumin oils ease digestive strain after eating, reduce gut inflammation, and neutralize heat-triggered oxidative stress.
Try this: Toast cumin seeds and add them to your salad. You can also steep them with mint and lemon, chill and sip throughout the day. Another way is to steep equal parts of cumin, coriander and fennel seeds, then strain and drink.
Aloe Vera
How it cools you: Aloe Vera gel hydrates deeply because it retains water in the gut lining, supporting digestive health and internal hydration. It also soothes inflammation in your gut which is a great addition for an internal cool-down.
Try this: Drink a cool blend of aloe vera gel with coconut water and rose water or a spritz of lime.
Borage (Star Flower)
How it cools you: Borage has mild diuretic properties that help the body release excess fluid, which can ease internal heat. Its seed oil is a natural source of the fatty acid, GLA, known to reduce inflammation over time. Also its leaves and flowers contain mucilage content that coat and calm the gut lining, making it helpful during heat-related gut discomfort.
Try this: Brew dried flowers with mint and hibiscus, then drink it hot or cold.
Some Tips Before you Brew
Look for herbs that are vibrant in color, aromatic, and properly dried (not crumbly or musty).
Always check for reputable sourcing, ideally organically grown or from trusted sellers who store herbs in airtight containers away from direct sunlight.
Whole dried herbs (like full leaves or petals) retain potency longer than finely ground ones, which lose their oils faster.
Enjoy these herbs in moderation. Up to two or three cups a day is usually enough.
Let your tea cool a bit before adding honey – if it’s too hot, it can break down the honey’s enzymes and reduce its health benefits.
Brew herbs first with hot water to extract their active compounds, then drink them warm or let them cool.
Lastly, always make sure you’re not allergic or sensitive to any of these herbs, especially if you’re on a certain diet or medication plan.
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