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12 min
07/06/2026
In Indian summers, your kitchen can play a major role in helping your body stay cool. Certain herbs, classified as “sheetal” in Ayurveda, naturally reduce body heat, support digestion, and improve hydration. From mint and coriander to fennel and khus, these ingredients are easily available in Indian kitchens and easy to include in daily meals. This guide looks at 8 such cooling herbs, their benefits, and simple ways to use them in your diet. Dive deeper to know more.
Indian summers are not just about high temperatures; they have a huge impact on digestion, hydration, and overall comfort of the human body. This is why traditional Indian diets often include ingredients that help balance internal heat.
In Ayurveda, certain herbs are classified as sheetal, which means they have cooling properties. These herbs work in different ways. Some improve digestion, some help the body release heat, and others calm the system internally.
Instead of relying only on cold drinks or air conditioning, adding these herbs to your diet can help regulate body temperature more naturally. The best part is that most of these ingredients are already present in Indian kitchens. Here’s a list of 8 such cooling herbs that can help your body regulate heat with summer.
Mint is one of the most widely used cooling herbs in Indian cooking. It contains menthol, which creates a cooling sensation and helps the body release heat.
How to use:
Add mint leaves to drinking water for a refreshing infused drink
Blend into chutneys with raw mango or coriander
Use in summer drinks like mint lemonade
Why it works:
Mint provides immediate relief from heat and refreshes the body quickly.
Both coriander leaves and seeds are known for their cooling and digestive properties. They are especially helpful in reducing acidity and internal heat.
How to use:
Soak coriander seeds overnight and drink the water in the morning
Use fresh coriander leaves as a garnish in dals, salads, and curries
Why it works:
It helps balance digestion and reduces heat in the digestive system.
Curry leaves are often used for flavour, but they also play a role in digestion. They help prevent the sluggish feeling that is common during hot weather.
How to use:
Add to tempering for dals and vegetables
Blend a few fresh leaves into buttermilk (chaas)
Why it works:
It improves digestion and prevents heaviness after meals.
Khus, or vetiver, is a fragrant root known for its strong cooling properties. It has been traditionally used to prevent heat-related issues like dehydration and sunstroke.
How to use:
Add a small bundle of clean khus roots to your drinking water
Store water in an earthen pot (matka) with khus for enhanced cooling
Why it works:
It naturally lowers body temperature and adds a refreshing, and earthy flavour to water.
Fennel seeds are commonly consumed after meals in India. They are alkaline in nature and help reduce acidity.
How to use:
Chew fennel seeds after meals
Soak in water for a few hours to make a cooling drink
Why it works:
It supports digestion and prevents heat-related acidity issues.
Lemongrass helps regulate body temperature by promoting perspiration, which is the body’s natural cooling mechanism.
How to use:
Prepare lemongrass tea and serve it chilled
Add to the infused water with lemon
Why it works:
It helps the body release heat naturally and keeps you refreshed.
Rose petals, especially in the form of gulkand, are known for their calming and cooling effects. They also help reduce heat-related skin issues.
How to use:
Mix gulkand into cold milk
Add to yoghurt or desserts
Why it works:
It cools the body and has a calming effect on the system.
Cardamom is a subtle yet effective cooling spice. It helps flush out toxins and supports digestion.
How to use:
Crush a pod and add to drinking water
Use in smoothies or desserts
Why it works:
It balances internal heat while adding a pleasant aroma.
Herb |
Primary Action |
Best Way To Consume |
Mint |
Instant Cooling |
Infused water, chutney |
Coriander |
Reduces acidity |
Soaked water, garnish |
Curry leaves |
Aids digestion |
In chaas or meals |
Khus |
Lowes body heat |
In drinking water |
Fennel |
Supports digestion |
After meals, soaked water |
Lemongrass |
Promotes cooling |
Iced tea |
Rose (Gulkand) |
Calms system |
With milk or yoghurt |
Cardamom |
Detox support |
In water or drinks |
Start your day with coriander seed water or fennel water
Add mint or cardamom to your drinking water
Include curry leaves in meals
Drink buttermilk with mint or sabja seeds
Have a glass of rose milk or lemongrass iced tea
Snack on fennel seeds after meals
They work with your body, not against it
They support digestion and hydration
They provide long-term benefits rather than temporary relief
Always use fresh herbs when possible
Avoid overuse; balance is important
Combine multiple herbs for better results
Store herbs properly to retain freshness
Cooling herbs are a simple and effective way to manage the heat during Indian summers. Instead of relying only on external cooling methods, these ingredients help regulate your body from within. By including herbs like mint, coriander, khus, and fennel in your daily routine, you can improve digestion, stay hydrated, and feel more comfortable throughout the day. These small additions can make a huge difference in your daily diet and help you stay refreshed and energised even during peak summer.
Cooling herbs are ingredients that help reduce body heat and improve digestion.
