The intense heat of summer can feel like heaven to those who run cold and the exact opposite to those who run hot!

If you’re in the latter category, it may be time to switch up your herbs and foods from warming varieties to those that cool from the inside out. 

Here, we’ll explore seven cooling herbs based on Ayurvedic principles to help you beat the summer heat while revving up your energy, digestion, and stamina.

What Are Cooling Herbs? An Ayurvedic Perspective

In Ayurveda, cooling herbs and foods are considered beneficial for balancing Pitta energy*, either due to internal imbalance and/or excess seasonal heat.

*Pitta is one of the three Dosha types. Doshas are vital energies made up of the five elements (earth, water, fire, air, and ether) that govern all physical, mental, and spiritual aspects of a person’s constitution

Everyone has a unique Doshic constitution (prakriti) with one primary Dosha. 

Those with strong Pitta energy tend to run hot and may deal with heat-related symptoms such as skin irritation, hot flashes, heartburn, a reactive or “hot” temper, and headaches.

These individuals would be recommended to focus on cooling foods and herbs to balance Pitta energy.

But even those without strong Pitta energy or Pitta imbalance can find relief in incorporating cooling herbs during the dog days of summer.

Some examples of cooling herbs and foods include:

• Cucumbers
• Melons
• Grapes
• Celery
• Zucchini
• Mangoes
• Quinoa
• White rice
• Oats
• Milk
• Yogurt
• Ghee
• Cilantro
• Mint
• Amla

We’ll share more detailed information on several cooling herbs in the next section.

7 Cooling Herbs To Support Energy, Digestion, Mood, & Stamina this Summer

Cooling herbs can have an immediate and profound effect on temperature regulation as well as other bodily functions such as digestion, energy, mood, and skin health.

Many also make a refreshing base for healthy drinks, like warm or iced tea and mocktails, and can be incorporated into savory recipes, too.

Here are seven cooling herbs to try this summer to help you beat the heat and get the most of the season.

1. Amla

Amla, also known as Amalaki and Indian Gooseberry, is cherished in Ayurveda where it’s used as a cooling herb, a rasayana (rejuvenator), a digestive aid, a superfood, a grounding herb, and for antioxidant support.

Naturally rich in vitamin C, Amls is a popular choice for overall immune and collagen support, is a key ingredient in the famous Ayurvedic Triphala “three fruits” formula, and is used as a natural hair dye.

As a cooling herb, Amla can be perfect for balancing Pitta energy, adding a deliciously tart flavor to recipes, and helping cool down body, mind, and spirit.

New to Amla? Try this Glow Amla Kiwi Smoothie recipe, a perfect combination of cooling, nutrient-rich Amla and Kiwi frui

2. Shatavari

Also known as the Queen of Herbs (alongside Tulsi), Shatavari is considered the ultimate female tonic, providing broad-spectrum support for women throughout all seasons of life.

As an adaptogen (stress reliever) and cooling herb, Shatavari has been traditionally used for menstrual complaints, perimenopause, menopause, digestive disturbances, low libido, immune support, respiratory support, to support a healthy pregnancy (check with your doctor first!), hot flashes, and to balance Pitta energy.

Learn more about this royal female ally in: Benefits of Shatavari for Female Wellness and find organic Shatavari in Organic India’s Shatavari Capsules and Essential Female Hormone Balance.

For a sweet taste of Shatavari’s cooling properties, try out this Sparkling Lavender Lemonade with Shatavari.

3. Neem

Also known as “the miracle tree”, Neem is an indispensable herb used in various Ayurvedic formulas for body, skin, and oral care.

Versatile, cooling, bitter, drying, and astringent, Neem is helpful for regulating Pitta and Kapha doshas and for relieving heat- and water-related concerns, such as itchy skin, fat storage, swollen gums, and fluid retention.

You can find Neem in various Ayurvedic skin, hair, and oral care products, and as a supplement, like Organic India’s Neem Capsules, or oil.

Again, its flavor is quite bitter and tastes best when complemented with sweet palate-cleansing flavors, such as this Neem Beauty Spritzer with Cucumber, Lime,  and Mint.

4. Rose

Seasonal, fragrant, and intensely calming, Rose is a beautiful and beneficial cooling herb to enjoy in your favorite recipes this summer.

Yes! You can consume rose petals, which have been traditionally used to support

However, due to concerns about high pesticide use in commercial flower-growing operations, we recommend using only organically grown roses for internal consumption (so forget about repurposing that rose bouquet from the florist or supermarket!).

You can also find rose water at specialty stores, which is lovely to use in drinks, rice, smoothies, custards, and other desserts.

For an easy dose of organic rose, try Organic India’s Tulsi Sweet Rose tea. A delicate, soothing, and romantic blend of organic regeneratively-grown Holy Basil (tulsi), Cabbage Rose petals, Chamomile flower, Lemon myrtle, and Stevia.

Or our Tulsi Sweet Rose Assam Black, for an energizing yet balanced caffeinated start to your day.

5. Gotu Kola

Known in Ayurveda as “the herb of longevity”, Gotu Kola is one of the original nootropics (herbs for cognitive function), and also an adaptogen (stress buster) and rasayana (rejuvenator).

Native to swampy areas, Gotu Kola’s bitter sweet flavor makes it naturally cooling, and it is often recommended to help “cool down” the brain, support nervous system regulation, and maintain a healthy, stable mood.

Most Americans aren’t used to consuming Gotu Kola, but its flavor is quite pleasant.

This Gotu Kola Granola recipe is perfect for a cool summer breakfast or treat. It marries Gotu Kola’s bittersweet flavor with the nuttiness of tahini, seeds, and coconut, sweet pure maple syrup, and spicy ceylon cinnamon.

6. Mint

If you’ve ever planted mint in your garden, you know it demands center-stage come summertime!

This robust and assertive plant is also one of the most familiar cooling herbs to Westerners. It’s also amazing for supporting digestive function, respiratory function, and soothing occasional tension headaches.

Mint is delicious and so easy to incorporate in dressings, salads, smoothies, desserts, pastas, rice, and iced teas.

It’s also lovely combined with other cooling herbs, like Hibiscus, Rose and Gotu Kola.

Try Organic India’s Tulsi Peppermint Tea for an invigorating and cooling stress buster any time.

7. Hibiscus

Bright red or fuchsia hibiscus flowers are a beautiful symbol of summer, and possess powerful astringent cooling properties.

Hibiscus beverages, like iced teas, are consumed liberally throughout hot climates in South America and Asia, and boast a gorgeous deep reddish pink, thanks to their high concentration of healthful antioxidants.

In Ayurveda, Hibiscus is often recommended to remove heat from the liver and gall bladder, help promote satiety, and support cardiovascular function.

Hibiscus' flavor is tart, bright, floral, and astringent and pairs beautifully with citrus, mints, anise, chamomile, berries, and Tulsi.

Try it for yourself, in Organic India’s Tulsi Hibiscus Tea, a calming, cooling, and uplifting blend of Organic Holy Basil var. Rama, Organic Holy Basil var. Krishna leaf, Organic Hibiscus Flower, and Organic African Basil var. Vana leaf.

Enjoy hot or iced for tranquil refreshment on a hot summer day.

Where To Find These Cooling Herbs

You can find these, and other cooling herbs, in Organic India’s certified organic and regenerative organic certified teas, supplements, gummies, and bulk products, including:

• Amla Capsules
• Amla Powder
• Shatavari Capsules
• Neem Capsules
• Gotu Kola Capsules
• Tulsi Sweet Rose Assam Black
• Tulsi Sweet Rose tea
• Tulsi Hibiscus Tea
• Tulsi Peppermint Tea
  

Wishing you cool vibes all summer long!