28 Aug Beat the Heat – Herbal Remedies for Cooling Down & Combating Fatigue
Feeling hot and bothered?
Summer brims with long, sunshine-filled days and a multitude of outdoor activities. But while we revel in the warmth, the high temperatures can sometimes take a toll on the body, leading to a condition known as heat fatigue.
It’s common to experience mild symptoms of heat fatigue regularly throughout the summer season, especially people who are physically active outside. Mature women going through a hormonal shift in their 40s and 50s may also be particularly sensitive to the heat.
Most of the time, heat fatigue isn’t serious, but it can be really draining on the mind, body, and spirit. In my experience, herbs and energy work can help combat the worst symptoms and alleviate discomfort.
In this two-part blog, we’ll dive into what heat fatigue is, how it feels, and simple, quick fixes for feeling better. First, we’ll tackle herbal home remedies. Then, in the second blog, we’ll explore energy healing methods.
What The Heck is Heat Fatigue?
Heat fatigue, or heat exhaustion, occurs when prolonged exposure to hot temperatures causes the body to lose its ability to regulate its internal temperature effectively. This condition can leave you feeling physically and energetically drained from head to toe.
Signs of Heat Fatigue
Heat fatigue manifests in various ways, and recognizing the symptoms early on is crucial to avoiding more severe heat-related illnesses—or simply restoring comfort. Common symptoms include:
Excessive Sweating: Your body sweats profusely as it tries to cool down, leading to dehydration.
Fatigue: A feeling of exhaustion, even after minimal physical activity.
Dizziness or Lightheadedness: A common symptom, particularly when standing up suddenly.
Headache: A dull, drone-like headache can often accompany heat fatigue.
Muscle Cramps: Especially in the legs, due to loss of electrolytes through sweating.
Nausea: Sometimes accompanied by a feeling of unease or an upset stomach.
Mild swelling: Puffy ankles, feet, and hands are an uncomfortable, edema-like side-effect of overheating.
These symptoms can make it difficult to enjoy summer activities, but thankfully, nature offers simple and effective remedies that can help alleviate the discomfort of heat fatigue.
Disclaimer: The following suggestions are based purely on my own experience. They are not intended to advise on or cure serious health conditions. If you’re concerned about your heat-related symptoms, please consult with your health care provider.
Herbal Solutions for Cooling Down
Nature is abundant with herbs that can help your body cool down, rehydrate, and recover from the effects of heat fatigue. The following herbs are a few of my most effective herbal allies. They have a multitude of benefits, besides relieving heat fatigue, and are easily prepared at home. Enjoy!
Peppermint to Pacify
Peppermint is widely known for its cooling and invigorating properties, making it an ideal herb for combating heat fatigue. Its menthol content provides a natural cooling sensation, which can help lower body temperature and relieve headaches and nausea associated with heat exhaustion.
Preparation:
Peppermint Tea: Steep a handful of fresh peppermint leaves in boiling water for 5-10 minutes. Let it cool and enjoy it as a refreshing iced tea. Add a slice of lemon for extra flavour and a boost of vitamin C.
Peppermint Mist: Prepare a peppermint-infused water spray by steeping the leaves in hot water, letting it cool, and transferring it to a spray bottle. Mist your face and neck whenever you need a quick cooldown.
Chamomile for a Calming Compress
Chamomile is a gentle, soothing herb that helps calm the nervous system and reduce stress. It’s particularly effective for treating headaches and muscle cramps caused by heat fatigue.
Preparation:
Chamomile Tea: Steep dried chamomile flowers in hot water for 5-7 minutes. Drink it warm or chilled, as you prefer. Chamomile tea can also help you relax before bedtime, easing any lingering discomfort from a day spent in the heat.
Chamomile Compress: This is my daily go to! Soak a cloth in strong chamomile tea, cool it in the refrigerator, and apply it to your forehead or the back of your neck to soothe headaches and cool down.
Lemon Balm to Lighten the Mood
Lemon balm is another cooling herb, well-known for its mild sedative effects and ability to reduce anxiety. It’s a great herb to use when heat fatigue leaves you feeling restless and unable to relax.
Preparation
Lemon Balm Iced Tea: Steep fresh or dried lemon balm leaves in hot water for about 10 minutes, then cool it down with ice cubes. This tea is not only refreshing but also helps calm your nerves and uplift your mood.
Lemon Balm Bath: Add a few handfuls of fresh lemon balm leaves to your bathwater. Soak for at least 20 minutes to allow the herb’s calming and cooling properties to take effect on your overheated body.
Hibiscus for Heart Health
Hibiscus is rich in antioxidants and has natural cooling properties that help lower body temperature. It’s also known to support cardiovascular health, which can be beneficial when the heart is strained by excessive heat.
Preparation
Hibiscus Tea: Steep dried hibiscus flowers in hot water for 5-10 minutes. Cool it down and serve it over ice with a splash of honey or a squeeze of lime for a delicious, hydrating drink. This vibrant red tea is perfect for hot summer days.
Cucumber to Cool the Core
While technically not an herb, cucumber is a powerhouse of hydration and cooling benefits. High in water content, cucumbers help replenish lost fluids and offer a natural way to reduce body heat.
Preparation
Cucumber Infused Water: Slice up a cucumber and add it to a pitcher of cold water. Let it infuse for an hour, then sip throughout the day to stay hydrated.
Cucumber Eye Pads: Place cool cucumber slices over your eyes to reduce puffiness and provide a soothing sensation, especially after prolonged exposure to the sun.
Embrace Nature’s Cooling Power…
Heat fatigue can be a formidable opponent during the summer months, but with these simple, DIY herbal remedies, you can find relief and stay refreshed. Incorporating these herbs into your daily routine not only helps cool your body but also nurtures your overall well-being, making it easier to enjoy the season’s warmth without the overwhelming fatigue.
In our next blog, we’ll explore how energy healing practices can complement these herbal solutions to further alleviate the symptoms of heat fatigue and help you maintain your vitality all summer long.
In the meantime, grab your copy of my book to learn more about herbs for holistic wellness, available here: Nature’s Pantry Everyday Herbs for Herbal Remedies.