Caffeine-Free Alternatives to Tea That Will Cool Your Body Down This Summer

The wretched summer is upon us, draining of our energy and vitality. In these scorching months, it's absolutely important to maintain your core temperature by keeping your body cool. Rising mercury levels can cause a lot of health-related health problems. While refreshing shower may help you beat the heat to a certain extent, what you actually need is a drink that cools you off from the inside. A hot cup of tea and coffee may seem counterintuitive, but science shows that these hot beverages can actually help you cool down. The only problem is that tea and coffee are diuretic in nature, which means they expel water out of the body and cause dehydration. Here are some healthy caffeine-free alternatives to tea and coffee that will keep your body cool and hydrated during the summer months.

Sappanwood tea

Sappanwood is a medicinal bark of a tree that is prized for its ability to mitigate the effects of heat on the body. Additionally, it also has antimicrobial qualities and is full of beneficial antioxidants. Studies also say that the herb is good for heart health.

Barley tea

Barley is a summer favourite in many parts of the world, mainly for its cooling effects. It's also great for preventing urinary tract infections that are common in the summer months by increasing urine output. To make the tea, add a handful of barley grains to two cups of water and bring to a boil. Squeeze half a lemon into it and flavour with a teaspoon of honey.

Fennel tea

Fennel seeds aren't just good for freshening your mouth after a meal. They have cooling properties can help you beat the heat in the summer months. Additionally, they also help in calming frayed nerves and promoting a sense of peace.

Coriander tea

Coriander seeds are used for their cooling properties in traditional folk medicine. The sharp-tasting seeds are brewed like tea with water and sipped in summer to bring down body temperature. If you don't like the woody taste of the seeds, you can also use coriander leaves.

Peppermint tea

Who doesn't like the fresh taste of mint leaves, especially if it is served on a hot summer day? Apart from its refreshing taste, mint leaves also have cooling properties, which makes it an ideal addition to your beverages during the sweltering summer months. A few bruised leaves in a cup of hot water with a dash of lemon juice is all it takes to beat the heat.

Saffron tea

Saffron or kesar is an aromatic spice used in Indian cuisine to flavour everything from savouries to sweets. Usually saved for special occasions since it is a little expensive, saffron is packed with flavour and benefits, and a little can go a long way. A pinch of this exotic spice and some powdered cardamom in a cup of warm water is all you need to cool your body down.

These herbs and spices not only cool your body but also offer a wealth of health benefits. So ditch your caffeinated beverages that deplete your body of water in the summer months.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Mar 29, 2018 07:51 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).