Cooling Herbs to Help You Stay Comfortable During Hot Weather
Extreme heat is becoming one of the fastest-growing health risks worldwide. As temperatures continue to rise, staying cool is an important way to protect your health. Research shows that for every 1°C increase in temperature, the risk of heat-related illness rises significantly, highlighting the growing importance of effective heat management strategies.
Alongside practical measures such as staying hydrated, limiting outdoor exposure, and wearing lightweight clothing, Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) offers a complementary approach through foods and herbs believed to help “clear heat” and restore internal balance.
In this blog, we’ll discover several TCM-inspired practices that may help you stay comfortable throughout the hot season.
Key takeaways:
Inside this article, you’ll learn about:
Understanding Heat in TCM
Approximately 489,000 heat-related deaths occur worldwide each year, according to the WHO. As temperatures continue to rise, staying hydrated and taking steps to keep your body cool are becoming increasingly important.
But unlike Western medicine, which measures body temperature directly, Traditional Chinese Medicine describes “heat” as a pattern of imbalance that may develop from environmental factors, diet, emotional stress, or illness.
Excess internal heat is traditionally associated with symptoms such as:
Feeling unusually warm
What Are Cooling Herbs in TCM?
In Traditional Chinese Medicine, herbs are classified according to their energetic properties rather than their chemical composition or nutritional value. During periods of intense heat, herbs with naturally cooling properties are traditionally used to help clear heat, support the body’s fluid balance, and restore internal harmony.
Many of these herbs are commonly used to make herbal teas or blended into customized formulas prescribed by qualified TCM physicians. While each herb has its own traditional uses, they are often selected based on an individual’s unique constitution and health needs.
Some of the most commonly used cooling herbs include:
Herbal tea |
How does it help cooldown the body |
|---|---|
Herbal tea
Chrysanthemum (Ju Hua)
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How does it help cooldown the bodyOne of the best-known cooling herbs in TCM, chrysanthemum flowers are commonly brewed into tea during hot weather.
Its light floral flavor also makes it an excellent iced herbal tea. Traditionally, they are used to:
|
Herbal tea
Honeysuckle Chrysanthemum Tea (Jin Yin Hua)
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How does it help cooldown the bodyHoneysuckle is commonly blended with chrysanthemum to create a refreshing summer tea.
It is used to:
|
Herbal tea
Peppermint (Bo He)
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How does it help cooldown the bodyServed cold, peppermint tea is a refreshing alternative to sugary beverages. It provides an immediate cooling sensation due to its natural menthol content.
It is commonly used to:
|
Herbal tea
Hawthorn (Shan Zha)
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How does it help cooldown the bodyAlthough best known for supporting digestion, hawthorn is frequently paired with mint in summer herbal teas.
Its naturally sweet-tart flavor makes one feel:
|
Herbal tea
Lotus Leaf (He Ye)
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How does it help cooldown the bodyLotus leaf has been traditionally consumed throughout Asia during the summer months.
In TCM, it is believed to:
Its mild, earthy taste makes it popular as a cooling herbal infusion. |
When Are Cooling Herbs Recommended in TCM?
Here’s what one patient shared about their experience with TCM herbal care:
“Through the herbs and acupuncture Carolyn administered, I was immediately experiencing major changes! Just a few days into the herbs, I was already noticing how much my mood was improving and how much better my body felt. Everyone at the office is friendly and caring, making each visit a pleasure. Carolyn is intelligent, caring, and dedicated, and I cannot recommend her work enough!
*If you develop symptoms such as confusion, fainting, persistent vomiting, or a high body temperature, seek immediate medical attention, as these may be signs of heat stroke.
Because herbal remedies are not suitable for everyone and may interact with certain medications or medical conditions, consult a licensed TCM practitioner like Dr. Carolyn Cook, before taking them regularly. A personalized consultation can help determine the most appropriate herbs for your individual needs.
Embrace a Cooler Summer the TCM Way
Indeed, TCM offers a holistic approach to managing hot weather by emphasizing internal balance through cooling herbs and seasonal nutrition.
While modern research continues to explore the science behind these traditional practices, cooling herbs remain a popular choice for supporting overall wellness during the warmer months.
At Miami Herbs, we believe these time-honored remedies work best when used alongside proven heat safety practices, such as staying hydrated, avoiding prolonged sun exposure, and maintaining a balanced lifestyle.
With guidance from our licensed TCM physicians, cooling herbs can become a valuable part of your summer wellness routine
About Us
Miami Herbs is a wellness clinic rooted in the principles of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), dedicated to helping individuals achieve better health through personalized, holistic care. From acupuncture and herbal medicine to tailored wellness treatments, our experienced practitioners support your journey toward balance, recovery, and overall well-being.
Sources:
Nine Ways to Stay Cool During Heatwave; Lifted from
https://www.unep.org/news-and-stories/story/nine-ways-stay-cool-during-heatwave
Cooling Herbs to Help You Beat the Heat; Lifted from
https://www.healthline.com/health/cooling-herbs-to-help-you-beat-the-heat
How to Fight Heat and Humidity with TCM?; Lifted from
https://makuang.com.sg/en/how-to-fight-heat-humidity-with-tcm/
Integrating traditional and herbal medicine into heatwave resilience and care; Lifted from
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC12827769/