Stay Chill: Cooling Herbs for Hot Summer Days

As the sun rises higher and the days stretch longer, summer brings warmth, beauty, and sometimes... a little too much heat. Just like we shift into lighter clothes and slower rhythms, it’s also a beautiful time to shift into herbs that help us stay cool, calm, and supported through the season.

As an herbalist, I often turn to nature to find balance, and these are some of my favorite cooling herbs to reach for when the heat gets heavy — both physically and energetically. Whether you’re sipping on a sun tea, enjoying a moment in the shade, or winding down after a day in the sun, these herbal allies can help you chill from the inside out.

Chamomile

Peppermint

Fresh, bright, and instantly cooling. Peppermint isn’t just a classic for flavor — it’s an herb that helps reduce internal heat and supports digestion (which can feel a little off during hot days). I love blending it into summer teas or making a simple iced infusion with fresh leaves.

Lemon Balm

Gentle and uplifting, lemon balm helps ease stress and emotional heat. It’s especially lovely if summer tends to make you feel overstimulated or restless. Plus, it has a naturally light, lemony flavor that’s so refreshing cold.

Hibiscus

Tart, ruby red, and a hydrating powerhouse. Hibiscus is a natural coolant, packed with vitamin C and known to support healthy blood pressure. It also gives your tea that beautiful blush hue — perfect for iced teas, mocktails, or sun infusions.

Chamomile

Soothing and soft, chamomile brings a calming energy that’s perfect for slowing down summer nights. While it’s not asstrongly cooling as mint or hibiscus, its relaxing nature helps ease the tension that heat and activity can bring.

Holy Basil

Tulsi (Holy Basil)

Tulsi is one of my favorite adaptogens — a grounding, heart-centered herb that supports the body through stress. While it carries a gentle warmth, it blends beautifully with other cooling herbs to bring emotional balance in the hottest months.

Lemongrass & Spearmint

Crisp, citrusy, and full of life. These two herbs help uplift your mood while refreshing your body. I love including them in blends designed for clarity and lightness.

Herbal Ways to Beat the Heat:

• Brew your favorite cooling herbs as a strong infusion and chill them for iced tea

• Try sun tea: let herbs steep in a glass jar under the sunlight for a few

  hours

• Add a slice of citrus or a sprig of fresh mint for an extra burst

• Use herbal blends as the base for a mocktail with sparkling water and honey

Many of these herbs will be featured in my upcoming Ignis Moon tea blends — each one intentionally crafted to bring balance, ease, and connection to the season. Whether you’re looking for calm, clarity, or a cool-down ritual, these blends are made with both heart and herbal wisdom.

So light a candle, pour something cold, and let nature help you slow down this summer. 💛

With love & herbs,

Crystal

Founder of Ignis Moon

Disclaimer:

This post is for educational and informational purposes only. The herbs mentioned are generally recognized as safe for most people when used appropriately. However, always consult with a qualified healthcare provider before using herbal products — especially if you are pregnant, nursing, have a medical condition, or are taking any medications. Some herbs may interact with prescription drugs or may not be suitable for certain individuals.