Are you tired of the summer heat? Feeling lethargic and sleep deprived? Some people may also experience restlessness and irritability, even digestive problems, during this time of year. What can you do?
Turn to natural remedies to cool you down, keeping you hydrated and energized. When I first moved to Arizona from Canada, I truly enjoyed the 100 plus degree days (and nights sometimes). I felt like an ice cube melting in the endless sunny hot days. But, after a few years of sweating in the heat, interchangeably with hours of freezing in cold air-conditioned buildings, it started to affect my health and well-being. With these sudden temperature changes, the body has to work so hard, which can leave you feeling tired and lethargic. Lets look at some of my favorite herbs that support me during this transitional time to keep me cool, hydrated, calm, and energized.
Leilah's Top 7 Herbs For Summer Fatigue
Eleuthero (Siberian Ginseng)
This is my all-time favorite herb for energy, to reduce fatigue, improve cerebral circulation and mental alertness. Because it can be a great mood elevator, I like to call it "The Happy Pill"! Eleuthero, aka Siberian Ginseng, is known to balance endocrine activity (hormones). Russian athletes have used Eleuthero to promote strength, vitality, enthusiasm, mental clarity, and to strengthen the immune system, as well as to reduce stress. As a side note, Eleuthero was very helpful when I was going through menopause, to reduce my hot flashes, promote better sleep, prevent extreme weight gain, improve mental clarity, as well as for my emotional ups and downs.
Schisandra
Schisandra berries contain all five flavors - sweet, sour, salty, bitter and pungent, which nourishes and energizes all of our internal organs. I always keep a few berries in my purse to chew on when I need some quick energy and mental focus. It is not really used as a food, but more an herbal medicine. Schisandra is an amazing adaptogenic herb, which supports and enables the body to handle stress more gracefully. It may also be helpful for lung weakness, asthma, coughs, and night sweats. It is known by Herbalists to strengthen hypothalamic/adrenal function and normalize the nervous system and the activity of the immune system. As a non-habit forming stimulant, Schisandra may enhance athletic performance and stimulate metabolism. I like to chew them very well to get the full benefit. For people who do not like the "herby" flavor, Schisandra is available in capsule form.
Ashwagandha
This Ayurvedic herb is very often recommended by Healthcare practitioners to overcome insomnia, as well as for the person who sleeps well, but doesn't feel rested and refreshed in the morning. They feel edgy and fidgety during the day, irritated to the point where they are unable to calm down, be grounded and centered. Ashwagandha can be taken for stress-induced fatigue, nervous exhaustion and general debility. The name Ashwagandha translated from Sanskrit means "the frisky horse".
Stay cool with this classic summer energizing cooling tea. Hibiscus makes a beautiful and refreshing iced tea that may help you overcome fatigue and seasonal lethargy. Very often Hibiscus is blended with other herbs, such as Peppermint, Spearmint, and Rosehips. Researchers have discovered that Hibisicus has the ability to lower blood pressure and cool the body. There are numerous teas available that contain hibiscus.
Peppermint and Spearmint, when prepared cold or as iced tea, can have a cooling and energizing effect to help you beat the summer heat.
Placing your feet into a cold foot bath with a few drops of Peppermint essential oil can energize and cool your entire body. Peppermint and Spearmint essential oils can also be added to your bath, shampoo, conditioner and lotion to help you stay cool for hours. You can also use the essential oil to make a cooling roll-on.
Commonly known as Holy Basil, this Ayurvedic herb is used to purify and invigorate the body and mind. It may relieve stress, which robs you of your energy, as well as to improve mental focus. Tulsi tea may balance blood sugar levels, as well as curb cravings for sugar. Many Yoga studios serve Tulsi tea to assist with meditation and to support physical/mental balance.
Rose Water
When I was living in Phoenix, I would always have a spray bottle filled with rose water in my car to spritz on my face whenever I needed to cool off. Rose water can also calm you down when you are stuck in traffic. Take a deep breath and smell the roses. The natural scent of rose water affects the autonomic nervous system and makes you “feel good”. Rose water can be enjoyed in other ways:
- Spray Rose water on your face to moisturize and cool your skin. It is suitable for all skin types, but especially for dry, mature, sensitive and devitalized skin.
- Breathe in the aroma of Rose water to cheer you up.
- Apply Rose water eye compresses to moisturize dry eyes. It cools the eyes, removes redness and burning sensations.
- Add to your final hair rinse to give your hair an all-day lingering fragrance.
- Rose water can be added to desserts, ice creams, beverages, or a glass of champagne. Caution: Rose water has a cooling and cleansing effect, use in small quantities to avoid loose stool.
- Make sure to use rose distillate or hydrosol, and not Rose essential oil added to water. Be sure to carefully read the label.
Cooling Recipes
Summer Fruit Breakfast Plate
With all the fresh, juicy and cooling fruits available during the summer, I like to share one of my favorite fruit breakfast dishes. You can substitute any fruits in this recipe, but remember, melons should be eaten alone. The saying goes, eat it alone or leave it alone. This is especially true if you are having difficulties digesting melons.
Power Up Yogurt
During the hot summer months, I usually like to eat a very light and nutritious meal in the evening. I mix some plain yogurt or kefir with a grated vegetable, such as cucumber or carrot, and add one tablespoon of Power Up Shake. Power Up contains lots of vegetables that are high in minerals. Minerals alkalize the body, calm the nervous system, to allow for a good night sleep.
Other Energizing And Cooling Ideas
Get your day going with this blend of organic green tea blended with energizing Eleuthero and Ginkgo. This anti-oxidant rich tea promotes positive and uplifting energy.
Enjoy this beautiful and delicious tea to calm and cool you down from the top of your head all the way to your toes. This citrus infused tea can be used to relax at the end of the day and even calm an upset tummy.
Be Cool Roll-On was created to help you stay cool during the hot summer months. The carefully selected essential oils are known to keep the body cool. As a bonus, this blend reduces perspiration and makes an effective deodorant.
Tschau mitenand,
Leilah
* These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug administration. These products and statements are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent disease. Consult your doctor, pharmacist or herbalist before use.