- May 7, 2025
Relax This Summer with 10+ Natural Cooling Remedies
Summer heat drives us to seek natural cooling remedies to improve our health and wellbeing. When temperatures rise, our bodies work overtime to maintain normal temperature, leading to fatigue, irritability, and sleep problems.
Instead of relying on air conditioners or electric fans, many people are discovering summer relaxation items from nature. These methods are safe, easy to apply, and provide long-lasting effects, helping the body adapt better to the environment.
This article introduces effective ways to cool down without air conditioning - from refreshing drinks to simple household items - helping you get through the sweltering summer as comfortably as possible.
Explore natural cooling remedies to overcome the hot summer in a comfortable and relaxing way
Simple natural cooling remedies to help your body and mind relax during hot weather
Cooling from Within: Natural cooling remedies from drinks and herbs
1. Pennywort (Centella asiatica)
Pennywort is a natural "heat filter" in Vietnam's treasury of soothing herbs with effective heat-clearing, detoxifying, and diuretic abilities. According to traditional medicine, pennywort has cooling properties that help reduce heat from deep within, especially beneficial for people with hot constitutions.
Pennywort - nature's 'cooling machine' that effectively clears heat and detoxifies during hot summer days.
How to use simply:
- Blend a handful of fresh pennywort with some water
- Strain and drink directly or add honey
- Cook soup with minced meat or mung beans
Note: People with cold constitutions should use pennywort in moderate amounts and combine it with ginger for balance.
2. Coconut Water
Fresh coconut water is an ideal drink among natural cooling remedies when the body loses water in summer. Rich in potassium, magnesium, and essential minerals, coconut water cools the body, boosts energy, benefits the liver, and effectively reduces stress on hot days.
Fresh coconut water - a natural electrolyte replenisher, reducing stress on hot days and bringing a refreshing sensation
Effective usage:
- Drink directly from fresh coconuts
- Combine with young coconut meat for increased effect
- Add a pinch of salt to replenish sodium and balance flavor
Ideal timing: Noon or mid-afternoon when temperature is highest.
Note: Avoid drinking on an empty stomach as it may cause a cold feeling in the stomach.
3. Green Tea
Green tea is a familiar drink in Asian culture and a "miracle cure" for summer heat. EGCG in green tea has strong antioxidant effects, calms nerves, and reduces stress.
Green tea - a natural cooling remedy that both cools the body and gently calms tense nerves.
Proper brewing method:
- Use hot water at 80-85°C to preserve nutrients
- Let cool naturally before drinking
- Add a slice of fresh lemon to enhance flavor and vitamin C
Important notes:
- Best to drink in the morning or early afternoon (contains caffeine)
- People with stomach issues should be careful due to tea's acidity
4. Arrowroot with Kumquat
This folk drink made from arrowroot powder and kumquat is a familiar summer refreshment in Vietnam. It's one of the most effective ways to cool down without air conditioning from the inside. Arrowroot powder contains isoflavones that increase blood flow to the brain, reduce blood pressure, and effectively lower temperature.
Kudzu with kumquat - a traditional drink that helps cool the body and improve blood circulation.
Simple preparation:
- Dissolve 2-3 tablespoons of arrowroot powder in cool water
- Add fresh kumquat juice and rock sugar/honey
- Stir until the mixture is smooth
Suitable timing: Hot noon or after intense activity.
Double benefit: Both cooling and helping detoxify the liver, cleanse the body, and improve digestion.
5. Mint – Instant Cooling Sensation
Mint, with menthol as its main component, brings an instant cooling sensation. This property makes mint a leading natural cooling remedy to soothe the body when temperatures rise.
Mint with its menthol component provides an instant cooling sensation, helping to reduce heat quickly.
Three effective ways to use mint:
- Mint tea: Steep fresh/dried mint leaves in hot water for 5-7 minutes, add honey and ice
- Mint essential oil: Add a few drops to warm water to drink
- Chew fresh leaves: The quickest way to feel the cooling effect and freshen breath
Double benefit: Both cooling and creating a refreshing sensation, relaxing the mind.
6. Chrysanthemum – Soothing the Mind, Improving Sleep
Chrysanthemum tea is famous for its mild sedative effect, soothing the mind, and improving sleep quality. On hot summer nights, a cup of warm chrysanthemum tea is a simple but effective summer relaxation item.
Chamomile tea - a summer relaxation item that soothes the mind and improves sleep on hot nights
Standard brewing method:
- Put dried chrysanthemum in a pot, pour boiling water and cover
- Steep for about 5-10 minutes
- Drink while still warm, 30-60 minutes before sleeping
- Add some honey to enhance the effect
Helpful tip: Combine chrysanthemum with licorice and jasmine to create a "three-flower" drink with powerful heat-clearing, detoxifying, and calming effects. This is one of the most effective soothing herbs in traditional medicine.
7. Aloe Vera – Cooling from Inside Out
Aloe vera is a "superfood" with comprehensive cooling properties, from inside the body to the skin surface. The clear gel inside the leaves contains many anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and skin-soothing compounds.
Aloe vera - a superfood that provides comprehensive cooling, from inside the body to sunburned skin.
Two effective uses:
Cooling drink:
- Blend aloe vera gel with water and fresh lemon
- Strain, add honey to drink
- Cools and cleanses the digestive system
Apply directly to skin:
- Cut a piece of aloe leaf, extract the clear gel
- Gently apply to sunburned or irritated skin
- Especially effective after prolonged sun exposure
Cooling from Outside: Items and natural cooling remedies for living spaces
1. Warm Bath Before Sleep – Regulating Body Temperature
It sounds strange, but taking a warm bath (instead of a cold one) is an effective natural cooling remedy to improve sleep on hot summer nights. When bathing in warm water, your body temperature initially rises, then drops quickly when you leave the bathroom.
Taking a warm bath before sleep - a cooling method without air conditioning that activates the body's natural cooling mechanism
Ideal timing: Bathing about 60-90 minutes before bedtime helps activate the natural cooling process, creating conditions for falling asleep faster.
Helpful tip: End the bath with 30 seconds of cool water (not too cold) to stimulate the cooling mechanism to work effectively. Add relaxing essential oils like lavender, lotus, or mint to both adjust temperature and relax the mind.
2. Indoor Plants – Natural Air Conditioning
Placing indoor plants creates a feeling of closeness to nature and is an effective way to cool down without air conditioning. During photosynthesis, plants absorb heat and release moisture through transpiration, helping living spaces become cooler.
Indoor plants - natural air conditioning that makes living spaces cooler and fresher
Effective cooling plants: Snake plant, peace lily, fern, aloe vera, and pothos. These plants not only cool living spaces but also filter air, removing harmful substances and dust.
To increase effectiveness: Place plants in well-ventilated areas, avoid direct sunlight, and water regularly. Lightly spraying leaves in the morning helps increase air humidity and cool the space.
3. Soft Night Light – Supporting Relaxation
Light greatly affects temperature sensation and relaxation ability. On hot summer nights, night lights with soft, warm yellow or light orange light create a quieter, more comfortable space than bright white light.
Soft light lamps - mind-soothing natural therapy, creating the optimal relaxation environment for summer sleep.
Benefits: Soft light reduces the feeling of heat and stimulates the body to produce melatonin – the hormone that regulates sleep. Conversely, blue light from electronic devices inhibits this process, making it difficult to sleep on hot nights.
Suggestion: Use Himalayan salt lamps to create soft light and purify the air. Essential oil lamps combining gentle light with pleasant scents are also excellent choices for relaxation before sleep.
Conclusion
Natural cooling remedies help soothe the body immediately and bring long-term health benefits that artificial methods can hardly achieve. CHUS has selected high-quality products to help you cope with heat intelligently and economically.
Don't let the heat exhaust you - choose summer relaxation items at CHUS and enjoy a cool, refreshing summer!
