Natural Healing – Heatstroke is one of those things that sneaks up on you when you least expect it, especially during those sweltering summer days. I’ll be the first to admit that I didn’t always take the heat as seriously as I should have. There was that one camping trip when I pushed myself too hard, underestimating how intense the sun was that day. Long story short, I ended up feeling like I was going to pass out, and it took me a solid few days to fully recover. Ever since then, I’ve been a lot more careful about how I manage my body when it’s hot, but I’ve also turned to natural healing methods—specifically herbs—that help me both combat heatstroke and improve digestion (which, believe it or not, is also affected by heat).
I’ve learned a lot about herbs that can help you stay cool and keep your digestion in check, and I’m excited to share some of the best ones with you. If you’re someone who’s often on the go, loves outdoor adventures, or just doesn’t want to feel sluggish in the heat, these herbs can help. Let’s dive into my top five favorites!
Natural Healing: 5 Herbs to Combat Heatstroke and Improve Digestion
1. Peppermint
First up, peppermint is a total lifesaver when it comes to beating the heat. I discovered its cooling effect when I started making peppermint tea after long, hot hikes. The moment I took that first sip, I felt like a breeze had hit my face—even though I was sitting in the middle of a sweltering afternoon.
Peppermint has this natural cooling sensation that’s almost immediate. It contains menthol, which stimulates cold receptors in the skin and helps you feel more refreshed. But it’s not just for that cooling sensation. Peppermint also supports digestion by relaxing the muscles in your intestines, which can help relieve bloating and indigestion—issues that can be more common in the heat, thanks to dehydration and poor appetite.
My go-to is a simple peppermint tea, but I’ve also added fresh mint leaves to water. It’s refreshing and so easy to make. Pro tip: If you’re prone to heatstroke, keep peppermint essential oil on hand. A few drops on your temples or the back of your neck can provide quick relief when things start to feel a little too warm.
2. Ginger
Now, ginger is like that friend who always has your back, no matter what. Not only is it great for digestion (I mean, who hasn’t heard of ginger tea for an upset stomach?), but it’s also been a huge help when I’ve felt overheated.
Ginger can help with digestion by promoting bile production, which aids in breaking down fats. But what you might not know is that ginger can also help cool the body down. I know it seems counterintuitive since it’s spicy, but ginger actually stimulates circulation and increases sweat production, helping your body regulate its internal temperature. This is key when you’re feeling overheated.
I learned this after a long day at a summer festival—heat was pounding down, and I was starting to feel sluggish. I grabbed a cold ginger ale (not the sugary kind, of course) and felt much better within an hour. Now, I keep a piece of fresh ginger in my bag during the summer. It’s easy to slice and throw into water or make a ginger tea, and it helps both digestion and temperature regulation.
3. Coriander (Cilantro)
This is a herb that not a lot of people think about when it comes to heatstroke or digestion, but coriander (or cilantro, as it’s called in the culinary world) is pretty powerful. I came across this herb by accident when I was researching cooling herbs and was surprised by how much it can do.
Coriander helps with both digestion and body cooling, making it an excellent ally during hot days. It’s known for its ability to support liver function, which helps with detoxification—something that’s particularly important when you’ve been sweating a lot or eating heavy meals in the heat. Coriander also has mild diuretic properties, meaning it can help flush out excess heat from the body.
The best part? It’s easy to add to your diet. Whether you throw a handful of fresh cilantro in your salad, salsa, or smoothie, you’re adding an herb that can help keep your system cool. Just a little bit of coriander can make a big difference.
4. Fennel
If you’ve ever had fennel seeds after a heavy meal, you probably already know how well they aid digestion. But fennel is much more than just a digestive herb—it can also help with heat-related issues.
Fennel has been used for centuries as a natural remedy to treat bloating, indigestion, and heartburn. Its cooling nature helps regulate body temperature and reduce inflammation. It also works as a mild diuretic, helping your body to shed excess fluid—another great benefit in the summer heat.
I’ve been a big fan of fennel tea, especially during the hotter months. It’s soothing and refreshing, and I find it helps calm my stomach after a big meal, which is key when you’re feeling bloated or sluggish. To make fennel tea, you can steep a teaspoon of fennel seeds in boiling water for 5-10 minutes, strain, and sip slowly.
5. Lemon Balm
Lemon balm has this wonderfully light, lemony flavor that makes it perfect for refreshing iced teas. I first tried lemon balm when I was feeling super overheated during a heatwave and wasn’t sure how to cool off. A friend recommended lemon balm tea, and after that first sip, I was hooked.
Not only does lemon balm help to calm nerves (it’s great for stress relief), but it’s also known for its ability to improve digestion. It has anti-inflammatory properties and can soothe a stomach that’s feeling upset from the heat. Plus, its mild sedative effect can help you relax, which is important if you’ve been feeling exhausted from the heat.
If you’re not into hot tea in the summer, no worries. Lemon balm can be made into a nice, refreshing iced tea, or you can add the fresh leaves to your water. It’s an easy way to stay hydrated and cool while also helping your digestive system function better.
Final Thoughts
So, there you have it—five natural herbs that can help you combat heatstroke and improve digestion during the summer months. These herbs have been my go-to remedies for years, and I can personally vouch for their effectiveness. From the cooling properties of peppermint to the digestive benefits of fennel, they’ve all helped me feel more balanced when the heat is on.
The key is to keep these herbs in mind and use them regularly in your routine. Whether it’s a refreshing tea or just adding fresh leaves to your meals, these herbs can be a simple, natural way to support your body when the sun is at its hottest. So, go ahead, sip on some ginger tea, snack on coriander, or cool off with peppermint—it’s all part of staying healthy and feeling your best during those scorching summer days.
