Cooling Summertime Teas

Hot days call for cool herbs. In the heat of the summer there are many plant allies, some that may be growing near you, that can be utilized to cool us down. Let’s discuss a few of them.

Mint

Mint (Mentha spp.) may be the first that comes to mind for many. Whether it’s spearmint, peppermint or some other mint varietal, the menthol content in these mint plants will help you to experience a cooling sensation. While mint won’t actually work to cool down your body temperature, it will trick your mind into thinking it is. Plus, it is delicious as an iced tea.

Hibiscus

Hibiscus (Hibiscus spp.) flower is often grown as an ornamental, but it’s uses extend past the beauty of its blooms. The petals make an excellent cooling medicine. A cold tea of the fresh or dried flowers has a tart, sour flavor and a deep crimson color that is hard to resist.

Lemon Balm

Lemon Balm (Melissa officinalis) is a cooling herb, that can reduce heat in the body and mind. It is quite the balm for hyperactivity and anxiety. As you may know (or have guessed at this point) it has a lovely lemony flavor, and makes a great summer lemonade, with a bit of honey added it is so delicious. This plant is a great addition to any garden, though watch out it does like to spread.

Peach

Peach Leaf (Prunus persica) is one of the most effective plants a cooling us down on a hot summer day. Peach is a sedating herb, and in part due to its cyanogenic glycosides content it works to slow down the bodies processes. And it just so happens to be tasty as well.

Now that you know which plants you can use to cool down, consider making a sun tea with them, which is so easy! All you have to do is place some fresh or dried plant material in a clear container, perhaps one of those ones with the spout, and let the sun heat the water to extract the plants medicines. After a hot day in the sun, add some ice cubes to the tea, maybe some sweetener of your choice and enjoy the fruits of your labor.