What herbs are worth drinking during hot weather?
Summer is a time of high temperatures, during which the body needs special care and proper hydration. High temperatures cause increased sweating, and as a result - the body loses water and electrolytes, which are crucial for the proper functioning of internal organs, the circulatory system and the brain. During hot days, it is worth reaching for more than just water. Herbs from which you can prepare refreshing teas or lemonades will support the body, for which the heat is a demanding test. They will not only hydrate, but will also give the desired feeling of refreshment, help regulate body temperature and improve well-being. What herbs are best for hot weather?
Peppermint
We like to add mint leaves to water or other drinks. However, the herb should be treated not only as a flavoring agent that immediately refreshes. Thanks to the content of menthol, which has a cooling effect, even in the form of a warm infusion, mint will not only quench thirst, but also reduce sweating. Mint helps to lower the perceived body temperature. Additionally, it supports digestion and relieves nausea, which can appear during the hottest days.
Lemon balm
Some people reach for it when they have trouble falling asleep. Lemon balm turns out to be a much more versatile herb. It has a pleasant, refreshing taste and aroma, cools, and at the same time relaxes and unwinds, improves well-being, eliminates signs of fatigue and improves concentration, which can be weakened during tiring heat. Lemon balm reduces nervous tension and improves well-being. It perfectly quenches thirst and eliminates the feeling of fatigue.
Sage
It perfectly quenches thirst on hot days. Including sage drinks when the thermometers show a higher temperature helps to stop excessive sweating, which helps the body cope better with the heat. It is known as a plant that supports the body's natural thermoregulation processes. If its rather tart taste does not suit us, it can be sweetened with a teaspoon of honey or maple syrup.
Hibiscus
Hibiscus has a sour taste, so it is perfect for people who do not like overly sweet drinks. It tastes great cold, refreshes and supports circulation. Hibiscus also has a mild diuretic effect, thanks to which it helps to cleanse toxins and prevents water retention in the body.
Nettle
On hot days, it is worth remembering about nettle. Nettle is rich in microelements (including potassium and magnesium), which the body loses with sweat. A cool infusion will help protect us from deficiencies. Nettle also has a cleansing and strengthening effect on the body. It has diuretic properties, helps cleanse the body of toxins and excess acid, thus reducing swelling, which can bother us during the hottest days.
Lavender
Lavender has a pleasant, delicate and refreshing taste, perfect for making lemonade with ice. Lavender tea relaxes and unwinds, improves well-being and reduces signs of fatigue.
All of the above herbs have a hydrating, cooling and refreshing effect. Other herbs, such as horsetail, birch, dandelion or elderberry, also have similar properties. In addition to classic brewing and drinking warm infusions, these herbs can be used to prepare refreshing drinks. Simply cool the herbal tea and add lemon slices, a little honey, ice cubes or frozen fruit. Such a drink not only perfectly hydrates, but also provides valuable nutrients, such as potassium, which the body quickly gets rid of during intense sweating. Herbal infusions therefore have not only taste values, but also health benefits, supporting the maintenance of water and electrolyte balance. However, if for health reasons we cannot drink herbs during hot weather, it is worth using their beneficial properties externally - for example, by preparing a relaxing bath with the addition of mint or lavender.
