In such scorching weather, many seek relief by turning on the air conditioner or drinking iced sodas. But did you know the most sustainable and healthful way to cool down is by balancing your body from within?
According to traditional Thai and Chinese medicine, the foods we eat have warming or cooling properties. On hot, sweltering days, choosing herbs and foods with cooling effects is like turning on air conditioning for your blood and internal organs, helping reduce accumulated heat and instantly refreshing your body without relying on sugary treats.
Let's start with familiar cooling herbs in Thailand like " gotu kola". This dark green leafy herb is known not only for healing bruises but also for its excellent ability to disperse heat, lower body temperature, and balance blood pressure. Drinking chilled gotu kola juice can instantly refresh and reduce internal heat.
Next is "yanang leaves". Known as the queen of cooling herbs, yanang leaf juice is rich in chlorophyll, which effectively detoxifies fever, relieves heat toxicity, and significantly lowers blood heat.
Additionally, there is "chrysanthemum". This fragrant flower, when brewed into tea, quenches thirst, cools liver heat toxicity, and effectively relievesmouth ulcers and internal heat..
For meals, selecting ingredients with cooling properties transforms the dish into a perfect heat-relieving meal. " Cucurbit family vegetables and winter melon" are the stars here. For example, winter melon, which is mostly water, can be made into a clear soup. Despite the hot broth, it helps promote urination and detoxify heat in the body effectively.
"Cucumber" is a side vegetable that refreshes and reduces stomach heat, as does " bitter melon". Though bitter, it contains medicinal properties that purify the blood, reduce heat, and stimulate liver function, helping the body eliminate excess heat faster.
Finally, for cooling fruits that refresh immediately upon eating, the top choice is "watermelon". This juicy fruit is packed with vitamins and minerals that quench thirst, relieve heat, and dilate blood vessels. Improved circulation lowers body temperature accordingly. Also,
"coconut water" is like a natural electrolyte drink, replenishing fluids lost through sweat, lowering internal temperature, and instantly boosting energy, along with " dragon fruit" and "rose apple" which are high in fiber and water content, helping to relieve heat and hydrate body cells.
Eating these cooling foods and herbs not only quickly lowers blood temperature and relieves heat but also supports overall health, prevents heatstroke, and naturally reduces irritability caused by hot weather. This summer, try swapping sugary drinks or shaved ice for natural cooling ingredients. It will surely leave you feeling refreshed, comfortable, and healthier in the long run.natural ingredientsto cool your body. This guarantees freshness, comfort, and long-term health benefits.