On hot summer days, when the sun is scorching, many people easily feel dry mouth and throat, irritability, and even symptoms like internal heat and poor appetite. Instead of relying on cold drinks that may harm the stomach and spleen, try gentle herbal teas. Since ancient times, traditional Chinese medicine has emphasized "the same origin of medicine and food." Using natural herbs to brew tea can not only clear heat and reduce fire but also nourish the body and mind, making it the most considerate way to beat the summer heat. Below are five common cooling herbal teas, simple to make and safe to consume.
1. Honeysuckle Tea: The "Summer Guardian" for Clearing Heat and Detoxifying
Honeysuckle has been traditionally praised as an effective remedy for clearing heat and detoxifying. When feeling a dry throat, acne breakouts, or mild dry mouth, take a small amount of honeysuckle (about 3 grams) and pour boiling water over it in a cup, steeping for 5 minutes. A little honey can be added for taste. Honeysuckle is cold in nature, effectively dispersing wind-heat and eliminating summer heat, but those with weak spleen and stomach should avoid excessive consumption.
2. Chrysanthemum Tea: The "Cool Companion" for Clearing Liver and Improving Eyesight
For those who often stay up late, experience eye strain or headaches, chrysanthemum tea is an excellent choice. Take 5 to 8 white chrysanthemums or Hangzhou white chrysanthemums, add boiling water, and let it steep for 10 minutes. The fragrant aroma is appealing. Chrysanthemums are rich in flavonoids, which can soothe the liver, improve eyesight, and clear heat and reduce fire. If you find it too bland, adding a few goji berries can enhance its nourishing effects.
3. Mint Tea: The "Natural Air Conditioner" for Cooling and Refreshing
Mint is cool and pleasant, instantly dispelling the summer heat. Pick a few fresh mint leaves (or 3 grams of dried mint), pour hot water over them, and drink after cooling down. The menthol in mint can stimulate nerves and relieve gastrointestinal discomfort, especially suitable for drinking after meals to alleviate bloating or during afternoon drowsiness.
4. Lotus Leaf Tea: The "Light Body Tea" for Cooling and Removing Dampness
During summer, dampness is heavy, leading to feelings of physical heaviness and poor appetite. Take 5 grams of dried lotus leaves (or torn fresh lotus leaves), add water, and boil for 5 minutes to drink as tea. Lotus leaves contain lotus alkaloid, which can clear heat, relieve summer heat, and strengthen the spleen while removing dampness, especially suitable for those wanting to lose weight or reduce edema.
5. Licorice Tea: The "Sweet Guardian" for Harmonizing the Spleen and Stomach
Licorice is sweet and neutral in nature, capable of strengthening the spleen, invigorating qi, and clearing heat and detoxifying. Take 3 grams of raw licorice, add a little rock sugar, and pour boiling water over it. Its sweetness can relieve dry mouth and throat, and also balance the properties of other herbs. For those with weak spleen and stomach, licorice tea is a mild nourishing drink, but those with hypertension should be cautious.
Summary
The above five herbal teas use natural ingredients and are easy to prepare, helping the body to clear heat, remove dampness, and refresh gently. Remember to drink according to your own constitution in appropriate amounts, avoiding excess. At the same time, these teas are only for daily health care and cannot replace medicines. If severe discomfort occurs, seek medical attention promptly. May these natural beverages help you enjoy a cool summer and feel physically and mentally comfortable!