Sunday, March 13, 2022

Herbs that can help you stay cool this summer

 The heat of the summer seeps into our system, saps away our strength and leaves us dehydrated. This calls for having foods that cool our bodies and rejuvenate our minds. 

Ayurveda advises a regimen for all, which helps to avoid dehydration and to maintain vitality in the summer season [Grishma Ritucharya].

check out a range of easily available herbs that can help you stay cool this summer.

Sabja and chia seeds

Sabja and chia seeds are good sources of Omega 3 and 6 fatty acids, which have great anti-inflammatory properties. These can be used in multiple ways and have great health benefits. You can soak these seeds in water, coconut water or coconut milk for four-24 hours and then have them. The seeds can also be used in salad dressings, smoothies as a thickening agent, ice-creams and even lemonade for that flavoury creaminess.

Citrus

Lemon, orange and pomelo are great sources of vitamin C and ascorbic acid which help extract nutrients from our food. Lemon is also a good source of dietary fibre, citric acid and iron. We can use pomelos as core ingredients for salads. It tastes a bit sour, so we can add them to salads as syrup or eat raw flakes. They taste great as an iced juice too.

Leaves

Mint, rosemary, basil, thyme and oregano have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. These leafy herbs help with constipation. The detox drinks using various leaves have become popular after the pandemic. These detox drinks are fancy names but old concepts in Ayurveda. They make one feel energised and refreshed.

Khus, sandal and rose syrup

The sandal is not just applied externally but is very flavourful when added to summer drinks. Pure sandal powder may not get along very well with lemon, but the combination with rose syrup (sharbat) is great with a pinch of cinnamon. Herbs such as rose, khus and sandal have anti-inflammatory properties and are best to beat the summer heat.

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