Cooling Remedies for Hot Weather

Written By Bex Shindler

In the heat of the summer, our first instinct is often to grab an iced drink or a frozen treat. While this may give temporary relief, it can actually aggravate Pitta - the energy associated with heat - making you feel hotter and more out of balance in the long run. Icy cold food and drinks can:

  • Shock the system, creating stress for your body

  • Weaken Agni (your digestive fire) - slowing down metabolism

  • Lead to bloating, gas, and dryness

Cooling isn’t just about temperature.

According to Ayurveda, every food and herb has an inherent quality (called virya) that either cools or heats you from the inside. It’s not just about whether something is served hot or cold. For example, drinking warm fennel tea can have a more cooling effect on your system than gulping an iced drink.

Sipping drinks warm or at room temperature helps to maintain steady digestion and avoids stressing your gut - it’s much better for long term health.

Naturally Cooling Ayurvedic Remedies

Here are some gentle, effective ways to cool down from within:

  • Rose water spritz - calming for mind and skin

  • Coriander seed water - soothes heat in the gut. Add 1 tsp coriander seeds to a cup of water and allow to infuse overnight. Strain and drink first thing on an empty stomach.

  • Cucumber - hydrating and pitta-pacifying (peeled for easier digestion)

  • Melon (eat alone) - digests best without mixing

  • Coconut water - replenishes electrolytes naturally

  • Mint tea - cools without chilling digestion

  • Hibiscus tea - soothing for Pitta

  • Fennel seeds - aids digestion while cooling

  • Cardamom - balances heat and supports the stomach

  • Raw sugar or jaggery - sweet, grounding, and pitta-friendly

  • Ghee - lubricates and cools an overheated gut

  • Sheetali Pranayama - “Cooling Breath,” curl your tongue and sip in cool air

  • Nadi Shodhana - “Alternate Nostril Breathing,” calms and balances energy

  • Swimming - in cool or lukewarm water, not icy cold (to avoid shocking Agni)

Gentle Summer Living Tips

  • Drink slowly, don’t chug

  • Eat lighter meals with fresh, seasonal produce - prioritise foods with the sweet, bitter & astringent tastes

  • Spend time outdoors in the shade or cooler hours of the day

  • Practice calming activities like yoga or meditation

  • Prioritise sleep

Ayurveda is never about quick fixes - it’s wisdom reminds us that the goal isn’t just to feel cool on the surface, but to create lasting inner balance. This way, your body and mind can handle summer’s heat with ease.

Bex Shindler
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