
I tend to have a hard time with heat (and this year we've had a lot!) and constant glaring, bright, sunny days. It may sound counter-intuitive (especially for someone who is an herbalist!), but summer has always been the season I struggle the most with. I can't be the only one who feels this way, right?!...
Perhaps it has something to do with growing up in extreme hot weather climates for so many years. I spent the majority of my life living in South Carolina AND in Texas, where most of the year is very bright, hot and sweaty.
For some people -- for some constitutions, that is -- the heat is simply too aggrevating. And I am no exception. This is why some people prefer cold foods over hot foods, or why some people wear tank tops in an air-conditioned room while others must wear a sweater. We are all so unique in our constitutions and what we crave, need or gravitate towards. This has always fascinated me.
But back to the heat: if you're like me and are having trouble with the current season there are plenty of things you can do to make yourself more comfortable until that first gentle whisper of autumn arrives.... Here are some of my favorite hot weather herbs and strategies:
1. Hibiscus
Hibiscus sabdariffa
Also, perhaps due in part to its tart flavor, it's very thirst-quenching and helps to keep us hydrated while we are sweating away in the summer heat. The taste is refreshing and flavorful, a bit sour and energizing, and many people find that it is almost addictive.
In my home as soon as one batch of hibiscus tea has disappeared I’ll make another one right away so that there is always plenty to gulp down when needed. You can also freeze the tea into ice cubes (or popsicles!) for a really refreshing treat.
Read more about hibiscus here....
2. Rose
Rosa spp.
Rose adds its gentle cooling touch and helps to bring aggravation or frustration down a notch. One of my favorite ways to use rose is by spritzing rose water on my body. Get a good quality, organic rose water and place it in a spray bottle and you have an instant magic potion that I find is indispensable for hot, humid days.
It feels so refreshing and makes everything seem just a little bit better.
3. Mint
Mentha spicata and Mentha x piperita
Mint is full of menthol which is an essential oil that gives the plant its active, cooling, anti-inflammatory properties. Just drinking iced mint tea is immensely refreshing.
However, there is a difference to note amongst the mints: we have peppermint, which is much more powerful and higher in menthol, and we also have spearmint, which is a bit more mellow. I tend to use spearmint more often because it blends nicely with other herbs, without overpowering the whole blend.
See which one you like best.
4. Dandelion
Taraxacum officinale
It is also a little bit bitter tasting, so it is nice to add some of the other herbs above to even out the flavor. As an extra benefit, dandelion is one of our most important herbs for liver health, so you are also doing this most vital organ a favor by drinking your dandy leaves.
Hibiscus, Rose & Mint Sun Tea
4 tablespoons dried hibiscus
2 tablespoons dried rose petals
1/2 - 1 tablespoon dried spearmint
Directions:
- Add all herbs to a quart-sized glass jar and cover completely with cold water. Give it a stir and then cap tightly.
- Place the jar in a sunny window and let it infuse for 3 to 6 hours until the desired flavor is reached.
- Strain out the herbs and enjoy iced! (The remaining herbs can be steeped again, but will be weaker the second time around.)
