Seasonal Herbal Focus: Cooling Herbs for Late Summer
Why Cooling Herbs Matter in Late Summer
As the energy of summer builds to its peak, the heat doesn’t just affect the environment — it lives in our bodies, minds, and emotions. According to traditional herbal wisdom and energetic medicine, late summer is a time to gently cool, clear, and restore before the inward pull of fall begins.
This is the season of fiery digestion, emotional reactivity, overstimulation, and even dryness or inflammation in the skin and system.
Thankfully, nature offers remedies — in the form of cooling herbs that balance our inner fire.
Key Cooling Herbs for Summer Wellness
Rose (Rosa spp.)
Energetics: Cooling, calming, heart-opening
Supports: Heat-induced anxiety, irritability, dry skin, grief
Rose is a sacred flower that cools not just the skin, but the emotions. It opens the heart while softening tension. You can mist rose water on your face or add dried petals to tea blends for beauty and mood support.
Use it in:
• Rose petal tea with lemon balm
• Body mists or face spritzes
• Summer bath rituals
Mint (Mentha spp.)
Energetics: Strongly cooling, stimulating, uplifting
Supports: Overheating, foggy mind, digestive discomfort
Mint is a classic for a reason — it’s the go-to herb for immediate internal cooling. Great after sun exposure, during travel, or to revive mental clarity. Also wonderful post-meal to soothe digestive fire.
Use it in:
• Iced tea infusions
• Tinctures or cooling syrups
• Foot soaks for heat release
Hibiscus (Hibiscus sabdariffa)
Energetics: Sour, moistening, cooling
Supports: Liver heat, dehydration, sluggishness, hot blood
Hibiscus is a tangy, ruby-colored flower that not only cools — it rejuvenates. It supports healthy blood, quenches thirst, and can gently lower blood pressure. Its vivid color also makes it ideal for ritual offerings or vibrant summer potions.
Use it in:
• Cold brew teas with mint or rose
• Cooling tonics with lemon or honey
• Herbal ice cubes for summer mocktails
Lemon Balm (Melissa officinalis)
Energetics: Slightly cooling, calming, nervine
Supports: Overactive thoughts, nervous system heat, sleeplessness
Lemon balm is like summer’s hug — it gently cools and calms without sedating. Great for children, empaths, and those processing a lot emotionally. Pair with rose or chamomile for a soft heart-healing blend.
Use it in:
• Evening tea blends
• Tincture for stress
• Mixed with rose in a calming mist