Health & Life

The Benefits of Drinking Herbal Tea During Summer: A Guide to Doing it Right

On scorching summer days, many people turn to cooling beverages like herbal teas to beat the heat. But when it comes to safeguarding your health, there are a few things to keep in mind before sipping on these teas.

Administrator

11 July, 2024

Herbal tea is a popular choice during the summer for its cooling, detoxifying, and purifying properties. To ensure safety and optimize its benefits, there are a few things to keep in mind when consuming cooling herbal tea.

Note: The information in this article is for reference only and cannot substitute professional medical or healthcare advice.

1Drink Cooling Herbal Tea According to Your Body Constitution

In the summer, our bodies tend to lose water and minerals due to excessive sweating, leading to a feeling of internal heat and frequent thirst. According to Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), this condition is caused by depleted body fluids that need to be replenished promptly.

However, most cooling herbal teas consumed during the summer may have the opposite effect on individuals with a cold body constitution. Drinking cooling herbal tea that doesn’t match your body constitution can lead to symptoms such as diarrhea, nausea, and low blood pressure. Therefore, it is essential to choose a tea that suits your body type to maintain optimal health.

Additionally, those with “false heat” symptoms should refrain from drinking cooling herbal tea. False heat is characterized by a warm exterior but a cold interior, often due to a deficiency in yang energy and stagnant blood circulation.

If individuals with false heat symptoms consume cooling herbal tea, it will further cool down their bodies, potentially resulting in health issues such as diarrhea, nausea, and low blood pressure. Instead, they should focus on nourishing their yang energy and regulating blood circulation to address this condition.

Drink Cooling Herbal Tea According to Your Body Constitution

2Avoid Using Extremely Cooling Herbs Without Professional Advice

While Traditional Chinese Medicine offers a range of herbs that can be used to make cooling herbal tea, some of these herbs are extremely cooling and may affect digestion and deplete yang energy if consumed frequently and over the long term.

Drinking cooling herbal tea can help cool down the body, reduce internal heat, aid digestion, and boost immunity. However, it is crucial to select a tea that suits your body constitution and consume it in moderation.

Consuming cooling herbal tea that doesn’t match your body type or drinking excessive amounts can lead to problems such as diarrhea, nausea, abdominal pain, and low blood pressure. Moreover, extremely cooling herbs can deplete the body’s yang energy, resulting in symptoms like fatigue, chills, and a weakened immune system.

To ensure safety and effectiveness, it is best to consult a physician or a Traditional Chinese Medicine practitioner before drinking cooling herbal tea, especially if you have a unique body constitution.

Avoid Using Extremely Cooling Herbs Without Professional Advice

3Don’t Overconsume Cooling Herbal Tea

Just like Western medicine, Traditional Chinese Medicine and cooling herbal tea require adherence to appropriate dosages. Overconsuming cooling herbal tea can lead to undesirable side effects.

Drink cooling herbal tea in moderation, and avoid consuming more than two cups per day. Consult a physician or a Traditional Chinese Medicine practitioner to determine the right dosage for your needs.

Don’t Overconsume Cooling Herbal Tea

4Pay Attention to Your Body’s Response When Drinking Cooling Herbal Tea

Before consuming cooling herbal tea, assess whether your body is experiencing internal heat. During consumption, if you notice symptoms like fatigue, loss of vitality, bloating, indigestion, or diarrhea, stop drinking the tea immediately.

Listening to your body helps you recognize changes and make informed decisions to effectively care for your health. Consuming cooling herbal tea that doesn’t suit your body can lead to various adverse effects.

Pay Attention to Your Body’s Response When Drinking Cooling Herbal Tea

This article has provided insights into consuming cooling herbal tea safely and effectively. We hope that these tips will help you make the most of cooling herbal tea to enhance your well-being.

Source: Sức khỏe và Đời sống Newspaper

Frequently asked questions

Drinking herbal tea during the summer can offer a range of benefits for your health and well-being. Herbal teas are known for their cooling and hydrating properties, which can help beat the heat and keep you refreshed. Specific herbal teas can also boost your immune system, aid digestion, and provide essential nutrients and antioxidants to support your body during the warmer months.

Herbal tea is a great way to stay hydrated as it provides a source of fluid intake without the negative effects of drinks loaded with sugar or artificial sweeteners. Many herbal teas also contain minerals and electrolytes, which can help replenish and balance the body’s fluid levels, further supporting hydration.

Yes, certain herbal teas are especially suited for summer consumption. Mint tea, for example, is renowned for its cooling properties and can help soothe sunburn and cool you down from the inside out. Chamomile tea is another great option, as it has a gentle, calming effect and can aid in digestion, which is often welcomed after a heavy summer barbecue! Lemongrass tea is also refreshing, and its anti-inflammatory properties can help reduce any summer allergy symptoms.

To get the most out of your herbal tea, prepare it using fresh, high-quality ingredients. Brew the tea using hot water, but allow it to cool to room temperature or serve it chilled. Adding ice is an option, but be aware that this can dilute the flavor and beneficial properties. Avoid adding sugar or honey, as this can counteract the health benefits. Instead, consider adding a squeeze of fresh lemon or lime juice for a natural, healthy flavor boost.

While herbal tea is generally very safe, some people may find that certain herbs trigger allergies or intolerances. It’s always a good idea to check with a healthcare professional if you have any concerns or are taking medication, as some herbs can interact with certain drugs. Also, be mindful of the temperature when drinking hot tea in the summer; allow it to cool sufficiently to avoid burning your mouth or throat.