I’m an herbalist, and here are 10 of my favorite cooling herbs. I encourage you to experiment with the individual plants and get to know their flavors and personalities, then mix and match according to your taste buds to help you feel refreshed all year long. Considered a galactogogue, shatavari has been shown to increase breast milk production4 by elevating prolactin levels. Also discussed by herbalists for fertility, shatavari translates as “having 100 husbands”! Positively impacting the digestive tract9, research in humans demonstrates mint can also help ease gastrointestinal symptoms (abdominal discomfort, diarrhea, constipation, etc.) and nausea. Nettle is more definitively known for its positive impact on metabolic health, via anti-inflammatory properties20 and its proven ability to reduce blood glucose21. Be sure to use pure stevia powder, which is bright green in color. (Packaged, white stevia products can contain MSG and other additives and preservatives.) If stevia’s not your thing, other natural sweeteners derived from plants you might consider include honey, monk fruit sweetener, and coconut sugar or nectar. Ingredients
- Boil 1 quart of water and pour over the dried herbs in a Mason jar or French press.
- Cover and let steep for 30 minutes.
- Move to the refrigerator until chilled. Strain and enjoy!
