Summers in the Indian sub-continent can take a toll on your health. The scorching heat combined with humidity, dry hot wind and a spell of heat wave leaves you exhausted and fatigued. While you cannot control the soaring temperatures, but what you can control is how your body responds to heat. By staying well hydrated and eating the right foods and herbs, you can stay healthy and active this summer season.
Here are some easily available Indian herbs that you should add to your diet this summer season:
1 . Coriander (Dhaniya)
The very sight of this herb has a freshening feeling to it. Coriander has been used as a cooling agent in tropical countries for ages. Besides cooling the body in the same way as mint, this green leafy ingredient aids digestion and controls blood pressure. Use chopped shoots in cooking and garnish everyday dishes with the leaves to lend a cooling appeal to them. Chutneys prepared with coriander leaves, mint leaves, black salt, chilies and other spices are great for the body as well.
2 . Mint (Pudina)
Mint leaves have excellent cooling properties. Mint stimulates the nerves in our skin which induces the cold-sensitive receptors to work overtime thereby bringing a cooling sensation to our bodies. Mint leaves can be added to salads or even main course dishes as a garnish. You can add fresh mint leaves to your water bottle and carry it to work or add them to nimbu paani, chaach and other cooling drinks.
3 . Fennel seeds (Saunf)
Our favorite mouth-freshener, fennel seeds or the popularly known ‘saunf’ has certain cooling properties that we all have felt but never realized. It works by stimulating the intestinal juices and aiding digestion. This reduces the acid reflux and cools the body from the inside-out. Try chewing a teaspoon full of saunf after heavy meals or soak two tablespoons of saunf in a glass of water overnight and drink the strained juice in the morning.
4 . Turmeric (Haldi)
Turmeric is probably the most widely used spice in India. It is used in curries and is famed for its antiseptic, antibacterial and anti-fungal properties. It heals constipation and prevents bloating. A lesser known fact about turmeric is that it has a cooling effect on our body as it promotes sweating. All the more reason for us to indulge in this delectable spice.
Also Read: Turmeric Benefits