Summer’s in full swing, and with it comes sweltering heat, sun exposure, and the occasional case of heat exhaustion. While staying hydrated and keeping cool are a must, Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) offers another layer of support: herbs that help clear internal heat and restore balance.
When it’s hot outside, certain health concerns like heat stroke, dehydration, and heat exhaustion are at risk. Too much heat in the body causes a Yang imbalance, which can cause concerning symptoms that lead to serious illnesses.
Fortunately, Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) has some remedies for you. There are herbs and herbal formulas that can help clear your body of excess heat to stay healthy in this sweltering weather (and year-round). Read on to discover more about the properties of cooling herbs and which ones you should add to your health regimen.
Properties of Cooling Herbs
In TCM, certain herbs are characterized by their cold or cool energy, which allows them to effectively clear heat and reduce inflammation in the body. This cool energy counteracts the opposing energy of heat, which can manifest in various ways, such as fever, sore throat, and skin rashes. The cold or cool energy of these herbs also helps slow down or calm excessive Yang energy. The heat and Yang energy are generally associated with summer ailments, but these herbs can help with fevers and inflammation all year long.
These herbs often have a bitter or sweet taste, which plays a role in their therapeutic effects. Bitter herbs, such as gardenia and chrysanthemum, are particularly effective at clearing heat and reducing inflammation. Sweet herbs, like licorice root, tend to harmonize the body’s energy to level out Yin and Yang.
Some cooling herbs also possess moistening properties, which help hydrate the body and counteract dryness, making them particularly useful in treating conditions like summer heat syndrome and dry cough.
Conditions Cooling Herbs Can Help With
Cooling herbs could be beneficial in easing health issues related to warm weather, but they have plenty of other uses as well that make them useful regardless of the climate. While “heat” can refer to the outdoor temperature’s impact on the body, it can also refer to fever and inflammation.
When it comes to health issues that arise in the summer, these herbs can help with conditions such as heat stroke, heat exhaustion, and even dehydration (when used in combination with water, cooled herbal teas, or hydrating foods). Some heat-clearing herbs can also be used topically to soothe common skin problems like sunburn or insect bites. They may also be helpful for acne and skin rashes.
Herbs that balance internal heat can help with illnesses that result in fevers. Coughs, colds, and even the flu can be aided with the help of herbal formulas by clearing out excess heat from the body and opening airways for easier breathing.
While they may not cause fevers, digestive issues can still result from too much heat in the body. Cooling herbs can reduce inflammation and aid in intestinal discomfort related to conditions such as stomach ulcers, diarrhea, and dysentery. They may also help with abdominal or gastrointestinal pain related to the menstrual cycle.
In TCM, it’s believed that excess heat can lead to emotional imbalances. Excess Yang energy can lead to irritability, anger, anxiety, and restlessness. Because of this, cooling herbs can also be used to restore emotional balance and promote better mental health and well-being. They may also calm the mind and help ease irritability tied to internal heat.
Popular Cooling Herbal Formulas
If you’re looking to treat a health condition with heat-clearing herbs, it’s best to talk to a TCM practitioner about your symptoms so they can help find the perfect formula for you. With that in mind, here are a few popular cooling herbal formulas that help with a variety of health conditions.
Bai Hu Tang
Bai Hu Tang (Gypsum Combination) is a cooling herbal formula that clears heat, relieves fever, and soothes the throat. This formula is commonly used to treat heatstroke, fever, and sore throats, and is often prescribed during the summer months when heat-related illnesses are more prevalent.
Qing Shu Yi Qi Tang
Qing Shu Yi Qi Tang (Astragalus & Atractylodes Combination) is another well-known herbal formula to keep around during the summer. It clears heat from the body and replenishes Qi that may be weakened by heat and sun exposure. It’s great for heat exhaustion and summer fatigue.
Yu Ping Feng San
Yu Ping Feng San (Astragalus & Siler Formula) clears heat and relieves cough. It is typically used to treat cough, wheezing, respiratory infections, and similar lung issues. It can be prescribed for patients with lung-related conditions. It can also strengthen the immune system and reduce excessive sweating.
Use Cooling Herbs To Clear Heat and Stay Healthy
Cooling herbs and herbal formulas can help you stay cool and healthy all year long, whether you’re experiencing a balmy summer day with heat exhaustion or a chilly winter evening with a fever. Soothe your body and mind by clearing excess heat and balancing your Yin and Yang energies.
At KPC Herbs, we aim to help our clients and customers feel healthy through every season. View our catalog of top-quality herbal supplements today.
*Please note: These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA. This article is not intended to suggest specific treatments for patients or that any supplements mentioned prevent or cure diseases or problems. Before taking any herbs, all patients should discuss their options with a licensed practitioner, including any other medications the patient is currently taking, as there may be contraindications between pharmaceuticals and herbs.
