Nature offers a plethora of herbs that are beneficial for us in numerous ways. We can enjoy cool, calm and centred summers with the help of these herbs. These summertime herbs focus on balancing the summer heat, thereby cooling the body and pacifying the heat which is in excess. The heat in excess is called Pitta in the language of Ayurveda. The heat or Pitta dosha is pacified through diaphoretic and refrigerant herbs.  The top Ayurvedic herbs include mint, rose, fennel, coriander, amla and aloe vera. These 6 herbs help in lowering the body’s temperature and soothing digestion as well. 

6 top cooling herbs and their uses 

• Mint: Mint – Pudina is known to be a premier cooling, therapeutic and soothing herb which is vital for balancing Pitta dosha. With its cooling properties, mint is beneficial in reducing body heat, improving digestion and calming inflammation, which makes it a versatile tool for wellness during summers. It can be used as: 

1. Mint water 
2. Mint chutney 
3. Mint leaves 

• Rose: In Ayurveda, rose is known to be the most effective, soothing, cooling, and rejuvenating agent for balancing the excess heat during the hot summer season. It helps in calming the intense emotions, cooling the blood and reducing the skin inflammation. It helps with dietary and internal cooling, topical skin cooling and care, as well as emotional and mental calm. It can be used as: 

1. Rose water mist 
2. Gulkand 
3. Rose tea 
4. Rose water drink 
5. Rose oil 

• Coriander: According to Ayurveda, coriander is considered to be one of the most effective cooling and soothing herbs for the purpose of managing excess Pitta dosha or heat during the hot summer season. This herb acts as a natural refrigerant, which quenches excessive thirst, thereby reducing body heat. Coriander also provides relief from burning sensations and inflammation. It is a Pitta pacifier, detoxifier, skin cooler and digestive tonic. You can use it in many forms: 

1. Coriander seed water 
2. CCF – Coriander Mint Fennel Tea 
3. Fresh cilantro in the form of leaves 
4. Cooling chutney 
5. Coriander powder 

• Fennel: In Ayurveda, fennel seeds are considered one of the best and most effective as well as gentle spices that help in the maintenance of balance during the hot summer season. It helps in the reduction of the excess internal heat, thereby calming irritation and soothing the digestive fire, which is called Agni, which usually weakens during summertime. Fennel is the perfect herb for summer as it offers cooling energy and is also a digestive tonic which helps in the reduction of gas, indigestion and bloating as well. This herb is Tridoshic, which balances all three doshas. Moreover, it is of a sattvic nature, which is beneficial in promoting calm, inner peace and clarity of mind. Fennel can be used in many forms: 

1. Fennel water 
2. Fennel seeds 
3. Fennel sharbat 
4. CCF tea 

• Aloe Vera: Also known as Ghrit Kumari, this herb is considered just a miracle herb and a vital Tridoshic remedy in order to balance the body as well as mind during the intense heat of summer seasons. It is known for soothing, cooling and bitter properties which are beneficial in reducing the excess heat, thereby healing the skin from sun damage and hydrating the body. It can be used for: 

1. Internal Cooling and Digestion as well: The bitter taste and cool potency of Aloe Vera help in the reduction of internal fire. You can consume it in its juice form or just pure gel. 
2. External skin and hair care: It is used for sunburn relief, eye care, hair mask, cooling face mask and summer moisturiser as well. 

• Amla: This is a premier superfood which is used to balance the body during the summer. Its cooling effect and nature help in reducing Pitta, which causes imbalances like skin rashes, inflammation and acidity as well. It is a natural hydrator. It can be used in forms such as: 

1. Juice 
2. Powder 
3. Chutney 

Conclusion 

These herbs help in maintaining hydration, thereby combating the summer heat very effectively and promoting calm inner harmony. These herbs can be taken in many forms, such as tea, juice or powders, in order to maintain inner cooling. But before taking any herb as a remedy, it is important to consult a well-qualified Ayurvedic doctor. You must visit Ananta Ayurveda and get the right remedies from Geetanjali Kansal. 

FAQS 

Q1: Does gulkand have cooling properties? Can I take it every day? 

A1: Yes, gulkand has excellent cooling properties, and it can be taken every day, but in moderation, as excess of everything is bad. 

Q2: Can adding sugar to Aloe Vera juice make it less healthy? 

A2: Yes, certainly. It is advised to drink aloe vera juice without adding anything else in order to make it healthy.