How To Beat The Summer Heat Naturally?

August is popularly known as the “Dog Days of Summer.”  How can we beat the summer heat naturally with these extremely high temperatures? To be in harmony with the energy of summer which represents the “yang” principle in Chinese medicine.  Upon waking, reach outside for the sun as the plants do for their nourishment; enjoy work, play travel, be joyful and offer selfless service. Place fresh flowers near where you eat.

Summer offers a variety of produce and abundance and it’s the time to reflect that in your diet and surroundings. Cooking lightly and regularly sauteing foods or steaming them will allow your food to easily digest.

How To Keep Cool In The Summer Heat

Common fruits such as apples, watermelon, lemon and limes are best eaten during summer. Mung bean soup, replacing other heavy proteins is also a great remedy during these hot times however too many cold drinks, ice cream and ices will contract the stomach and stop digestion. The idea is to eat and think light.

Heavy foods on the other hand will cause sluggishness.. meat, eggs, excess of nuts, seeds and grains, things that most people do too much of during summer.

Don’t Let Summer Heat Take a Toll

Here are a few simple practices to beat the heat!

• Drink  flower and mint teas for cooling like peppermint, chrysanthemum and chamomile
• Drink aloe vera juice several times daily to cool digestion
• Use essential oils like lemon and peppermint, wintergreen ,to revive your energy and cool off. You can diffuse them, make a massage oil or simply inhale them from the bottle a few times a day. It’s fun.
• Replace minerals is very important.  By adding electrolyte power packs to your water, taking a mineral supplement or using magnesium oil transdermally or magnesium bath crystals at night before bed.
• For your skin, cool with pure aloe vera gel.. oh so nice.
• Think twice before barbecuing heavy  meats and proteins.. replace with tofu, steamed quinoa and lots of colorful veggies and cucumbers.

  

Summer is the time to play.. enjoy that simplicity as children do during this season!! Pack a picnic and head to some waterfalls!!

Lastly, don’t forget your natural bug spray.

Gedaliah Genin Naturopath/ Vibrational Medicine    www.gedaliahhealingarts.com