Botanical beverages for hot seasons

During scorching temperatures, the body requires more than just hydration—it needs natural support for thermoregulation. Are icy drinks the optimal choice? It turns out there are herbal alternatives that not only cool the body but also promote cardiovascular health and metabolism. Discover which botanicals can provide relief on sweltering days!

Green tea is among the most widely consumed beverages globally. Currently, it accounts for approximately 22% of worldwide tea production, with this figure continuing to rise. It contains polyphenols, dietary fiber, proteins, caffeine, beta-carotene, and vitamins D, B, and C. Due to its polyphenol content, green tea offers several health benefits: – It exhibits antioxidant properties, – Helps lower cholesterol levels, – Reduces the risk of cardiovascular diseases, – Regulates blood pressure, – Demonstrates antibacterial, anticancer, and antiviral effects, – Aids in detoxifying the body from heavy metals and toxic substances. Additionally, it is recommended to consume green tea during hot weather. Research indicates that the polyphenols in green tea decrease the risk of skin cancer by inhibiting tumor-promoting substances and protecting skin cells from UV radiation. Regular consumption may therefore provide effective skin protection during intense summer sunlight. Notably, in many East Asian countries, hot teas are commonly consumed during hot weather. This practice stems from the body's thermoregulation mechanism: hot beverages stimulate oral receptors, leading to increased sweating and more effective body cooling compared to cold drinks, which only provide temporary relief.

As previously mentioned, consuming hot beverages during heatwaves serves as an effective method to counteract overheating of the body. Similarly, residents of Arab countries add mint leaves to warm tea due to its refreshing aroma, distinctive flavor, and stimulating effects. Furthermore, mint exhibits calming properties, effectively suppresses thirst, and promotes proper digestive function, making it an ideal choice for hot, summer days. In Poland, both mint extracts in hot form and leaves are used as additives to lemonades, water, or other cold drinks. Meanwhile, melissa is popular in Mediterranean cuisine for its refreshing qualities. Its characteristic taste makes it well-known in Poland primarily for its soothing effects. It serves excellently as a thirst-quenching and body-cooling beverage, as it dilates pores, aiding in the thermoregulation of an overheated body.

Karkade, a health-boosting beverage crafted from hibiscus flowers, enjoys immense popularity in Egypt, where numerous travelers have come to appreciate its unique flavor and therapeutic benefits. This tea offers a subtly tart and mildly bitter taste profile and is commonly served both hot and cold. Undoubtedly, it serves as an excellent choice for those seeking hydration, refreshment, and a rich supply of essential nutrients, including polysaccharides, flavonoids, vitamin C, and organic acids. Beyond its invigorating cooling effects, it also exhibits potent antioxidant properties, thereby reducing the likelihood of developing lifestyle-related ailments. The preparation process is remarkably straightforward: simply steep one tablespoon of dried hibiscus flowers in boiling water for approximately eight minutes until a deep red hue is achieved. Once brewed, the tea is ready to be enjoyed immediately!

Dried hibiscus flowers are infused in boiling water for several minutes, with an ideal steeping time of around 8 minutes. Once strained, the tea is sweetened with natural sweeteners or honey and enhanced with fresh mint leaves. Finally, ice cubes are added to the cooled infusion to create a refreshing, chilled beverage.

To prepare this beverage, pour boiling water over one teaspoon of dried green tea and let it steep for approximately 10 minutes. Then, strain the tea through a fine sieve to remove any remaining leaves. The final infusion should be robust and clear, free from any floating debris. To the cooled tea, add a teaspoon of honey, a slice of lemon, a teaspoon of lemon juice, fresh mint leaves, and a few ice cubes.

We prepare the black tea using the standard method and then add 1 teaspoon of raspberry juice, 2 teaspoons of crushed raspberries, and a few ice cubes to the filtered, leaf-free infusion. This way, you can create a unique, fruity summer drink using any seasonal fruits.

Frozen tea can also be prepared as a sweet dessert. Choose any tea, prepare it as instructed above, then add 1 teaspoon of pomegranate juice, half a teaspoon of honey, mint leaves, frozen blueberries, 2 slices of lime, and a few ice cubes to the cooled infusion. The resulting beverage will be both refreshing and visually appealing with its deep ruby-red hue. When selecting a drink for hot weather, it's beneficial to draw inspiration from residents of countries where high temperatures are common. By choosing the right ingredients, one can prevent overheating of the body. Cichoń Z. et al., "Properties of green tea", Scientific Papers No. 743 of the Krakow University of Economics, 2007. https://traveliger.pl/afryka-egipt/karkade-herbata-z-hibiskusa.html. Całka J. et al., "Some aspects of the therapeutic effects of green tea", BROMAT. CHEM. TOKSYKOL. – XLI, 2008, 1, pp. 5 – 14.