Cooling Herbs for the Dog Days of Summer

August brings the peak of summer heat—what the ancients called the dog days. While the gardens are bursting with life, many of us are wilting under the intensity of the sun. This is the time to lean into cooling herbs that help the body stay balanced, calm the nerves, and support healthy hydration.

One of my favorite herbs for the season is peppermint (Mentha piperita). With its high menthol content, peppermint has a cooling effect on the body and can help soothe digestion after those summer potlucks and family reunions. Try sipping a chilled peppermint infusion throughout the day. It’s refreshing and gives the digestive system some love at
the same time.

Another wonderful summer herb is lemon balm (Melissa officinalis). This gentle nervine is part of the mint family, and it’s a favorite for calming anxiety, improving sleep, and uplifting the mood. It pairs well with peppermint in a tea, and you can also infuse it into honey or vinegar for a delicious
herbal treat.

Let’s not forget red raspberry leaf (Rubus idaeus). Often associated with women’s health, this mineral-rich herb is a great tonic for anyone. It’s high in magnesium, iron, and calcium—just what we need to stay nourished during the hot summer months. Brew a quart of red raspberry leaf tea and add a
splash of fresh-squeezed lemon for a homemade electrolyte drink.

And if you’ve been out in the sun too long, aloe vera comes to the rescue. Keep a plant in your kitchen and slice open a leaf to apply the cooling gel directly to sun-kissed skin. Internally, aloe can also soothe inflammation and support digestion, but be sure
to use only the clear inner gel, not the yellow latex, which is a strong laxative.

As we move toward the end of summer, it’s a good time to slow down, hydrate well, and take advantage of the herbs that nature provides. Spend some time harvesting, drying, and preserving your favorite medicinal plants now so you can enjoy their gifts through the
colder months ahead.

Jo Franks is a Master Herbalist working at the School of Natural Healing.