The weather had been insane recently, bringing extreme heat to all corners of the world.
I decided to share a few helpful tips on dealing with heat with ease, grace and naturally of course. While air conditioning and fans are an everyday go-to, exploring more natural and sustainable ways to beat the extreme heat could be essential. Let's take a look.
Herbal Teas: Nature's Coolant
In arid desert regions, where scorching heat can be relentless, traditional teas like Karkade (hibiscus tea) and various herbal infusions are vital in helping people cool down. Beyond Karkade, desert dwellers often turn to local herbs and plants, such as mint, spearmint, sage, and lemongrass. Mint and spearmint contain menthol, which has a natural cooling effect on the body. Here's how to make a soothing cup of herbal tea:
Pour boiling water over a handful of fresh or dried leaves.
Let it steep covered for 5-7 minutes.
Add a touch of honey or a squeeze of lemon for extra flavor.
Sip it warm or let it cool, and keep it in the fridge for a delightful iced version. Add a touch of honey for sweetness, and you've got a natural, hydrating elixir.
Sipping tea can help lower your body temperature and keep you cooled and revitalized during a heatwave.
Hydration With Electrolytes
In extreme heat, staying hydrated is crucial to maintaining your body's balance of electrolytes. Electrolytes are essential minerals like sodium, potassium, calcium, and magnesium, which help regulate various bodily functions, including temperature control. You can make your own electrolyte drink at home using natural ingredients:
Mix water with a pinch of sea salt and a squeeze of fresh citrus juice (like lemon or lime). Pure, unadulterated salts like Himalayan Pink or Celtic Gray are known for their rich mineral composition, including essential electrolytes like sodium, potassium, calcium, and magnesium. These minerals are crucial for maintaining proper hydration and supporting various bodily functions. Opting for salts as an electrolyte source promotes sustainability by reducing the need for single-use plastic bottles. Commercial electrolyte drinks are often sold in plastic bottles, contributing to plastic waste and environmental pollution. You can significantly reduce your plastic footprint by choosing a natural salt source.
Coconut water is naturally rich in potassium, while the salt helps replenish sodium lost through sweating.
Aloe Vera juice contains small amounts of essential electrolytes such as potassium and sodium. These minerals are vital for maintaining fluid balance, nerve function, and muscle contractions.
Chilled Hydrosols: A Refreshing Mist
Transform your skincare routine into a cooling ritual by incorporating refrigerated hydrosols. Hydrosols are co-products of essential oil distillation and offer a mild, soothing fragrance and cooling effect when sprayed on the skin.
Rose, rosemary, lavender, and cedarwood hydrosols can be spritzed on your face and body for instant refreshment. Keeping these floral waters in the refrigerator enhances their cooling effect.
The gentle aromas also invigorate the mind and uplift emotions, providing a dual benefit for your overall well-being.
To create a refreshing hydrosol spray to beat the heat:
Store a hydrosol in the refrigerator.
When you need to cool down, mist your face, neck, and arms with the chilled hydrosol.
The cold mist provides instant relief and a delightful aroma.
Another natural way to cool down in extreme heat is to choose your clothing wisely. Opt for loose-fitting, light-colored garments from breathable cotton, silk, or linen. These materials allow your skin to breathe and wick away sweat, helping to regulate your body temperature.
And Last But Not Least - Sweating
Perspiration is a vital physiological response to heat, and it should not be suppressed with antiperspirants. Sweat plays a crucial role in regulating body temperature by dissipating excess heat and maintaining our internal equilibrium.
Perspiration is a vital physiological response to heat, and it should not be suppressed with antiperspirants. Sweat plays a crucial role in regulating body temperature by dissipating excess heat and maintaining our internal equilibrium. However, sweat sometimes develops an unpleasant odor because bacteria thrive on our skin. These bacteria break down the components of sweat, such as proteins and fatty acids, into compounds that emit a foul smell.
Instead of simply masking the odor with conventional antiperspirants or deodorants, a more holistic approach involves using antimicrobial hydrosols. Hydrosols, like lavender, rosemary, or cedarwood, contain antimicrobial properties that help combat the odor-causing bacteria, leaving you feeling fresh without compromising your body's natural cooling mechanism.
So, let your body do its job and sweat it out, and consider harnessing the power of antimicrobial hydrosols to stay odor-free during hot and humid days.
In extreme heat, listening to your body and prioritizing rest is crucial. Take breaks in shaded areas, practice deep breathing exercises, and indulge in a few moments of mindfulness. Creating a calm mental space can significantly impact your body's ability to regulate temperature and cope with the heat more effectively.
I wish you to stay calm, refreshed, and savor the beauty of hot sunny days with these natural remedies!