Beat the Heat? Try these 3 Herbal Remedies to Stay Cool
- Leonie Sinclair
- Feb 17
- 4 min read
Even though it's been a milder summer in Sydney - here are some tips if you are feeling the heat. As we age our bodies find it harder to regulate temperature. While air conditioning and cold drinks offer temporary respite, herbal teas and tinctures provide a natural and effective solution to staying cool and comfortable all summer long. Let's discover how you can beat the heat.
Understanding Heat Sensitivity
Did you know that some people feel the heat more intensely than others? This phenomenon, known as heat sensitivity, can be influenced by a variety of factors, including age, gender, genetics and underlying health conditions, including obesity and diabetes. Additionally, hormonal fluctuations, such as those experienced during menopause, can contribute to increased heat sensitivity and hot flashes in some individuals.
Harnessing the Power of Herbal Tinctures Herbal tinctures, potent extracts of medicinal plants, have long been valued for their therapeutic properties. These concentrated liquid remedies contain bioactive compounds that can have a range of effects on the body, including cooling and soothing effects.
Studies have shown that certain herbs used in tinctures, such as peppermint and lemon balm, contain menthol and other compounds that can activate cold-sensitive receptors in the skin, creating a cooling sensation and reducing feelings of heat stress.
Refreshing Peppermint Tea
Peppermint tea is a refreshing beverage that may provide instant relief on hot summer days. Simply dilute a few teaspoon leaves of peppermint in warm water, cover, and let it steep for 2 - 3 minutes. Add fresh leaves to your favourite cooling summer beverage for a revitalising pick-me-up. You can apply a tepid tea infusion to a cloth and apply it directly to the skin.
Soothing Lemon Balm Spritz Lemon balm is a herb that has calming and cooling properties, which makes it a great remedy for hot summer days. Add a few drops of lemon balm herb to a spray bottle filled with cold water (and shake) and mist yourself whenever you need a refreshing break from the heat.
Lemon balm contains rosmarinic acid, a compound with anti-inflammatory properties that can help soothe sunburned skin and reduce redness. Interestingly, Lemon Balm tea has been traditionally used to reduce fever. When used as a warm tea infusion, it increases blood flow, i.e. vasodilates the blood vessels, allowing more heat to be lost by the body and, therefore, drops body temperature.
Refreshing Rosemary Foot Soak
Beat the summer heat with homemade rosemary spray, harnessing Rosmarinus officinalis's cooling properties. Steep fresh rosemary in hot water, add essential oil, and refrigerate for a refreshing mist. Scientific studies confirm its ability to lower skin temperature and reduce sweat, offering a natural escape from the scorching sun. Or turn your rosemary infusion into a cooling and relaxing foot soak.
Reminders for beating the summer heat:
Stay Hydrated: Drink plenty of water throughout the day to prevent dehydration and maintain body temperature regulation.
Dress Appropriately: Wear lightweight, breathable clothing in light colours to reflect sunlight and keep your body cool.
Seek Shade: Limit direct sun exposure during peak hours (typically between 10 AM and 4 PM) by staying in shaded areas or using umbrellas.
Cool off: Take cool showers or baths, use fans or air conditioning.
Summer Chill Out Tea
1/2 teaspoon peppermint
1/2 teaspoon lemon balm
1/4 teaspoon chamomile and a touch of rose petals not only good for the heat but also to clear the mind.
References:
Kaciuba-Uscilko, H., & Grucza, R. (2001). Gender differences in thermoregulation. Current Opinion in Clinical Nutrition & Metabolic Care, 4(6), 533-536.
Hoffman, M. (2016). Genetic factors influencing individual susceptibility to heat: A review. Temperature, 3(2), 238-248.
Freeman, E. W., Sammel, M. D., Sanders, R. J., & Raphael, K. G. (2011). Menopause and the human hypothalamus: Evidence for the role of kisspeptin/neurokinin B neurons in the regulation of estrogen negative feedback. Peptides, 32(5), 981-989.\
Sayed, A. M., Khalifa, M. A., Mohamed, T. A., Fathy, M. M., El-Saber Batiha, G., & El-Tarabily, K. A. (2020). Peppermint Essential Oil: Chemical Composition, in vitro Antifungal, Antiaflatoxin, and Antioxidant Activities against Aspergillus flavus. Pathogens, 9(4), 312.
Dosoky, N. S., Setzer, W. N., & Vetter, J. C. (2021). Chemical composition of the essential oil of Melissa officinalis L. grown in Missouri and antifungal activity against Trichophyton rubrum. Journal of Essential Oil Research, 33(3), 207-216.
CONTENT DISCLAIMER
The information provided in this blog is for your personal or other non-commercial, educational purposes. It should not be considered as medical or professional advice. We recommend you consult with a GP or other healthcare professional before taking or omitting to take any action based on this blog. While the author uses best endeavours to provide accurate and true content, the author makes no guarantees or promises and assumes no liability regarding the accuracy, reliability or completeness of the information presented. The information, opinions, and recommendations presented in this blog are for general information only, and any reliance on the information provided in this blog is done at your own risk. Any third-party materials or content of any third-party site referenced in this blog/article/handout do not necessarily reflect the author’s opinion, standards or policies, and the author does not assume any liability for them whatsoever.
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