Cooling Herbs for Spring & Summer: Stay Chill with Traditional Chinese Medicine

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Beating the heat isn't just about turning on a fan. Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) offers time-tested botanical allies that help cool the body from the inside out. Whether you're sweating through spring allergies or baking under summer sun, this guide dives into cooling Chinese herbs that refresh, balance, and revive. Spoiler: these herbs have been doing the job for 2,000+ years.

What Are Cooling Herbs?

In TCM, cooling herbs are those with a "cold" or "cool" energetic nature. They help clear internal heat, reduce inflammation, and soothe symptoms like irritability, red eyes, headaches, sweating, and restlessness. These herbs often enter the Lung, Liver, and Heart meridians to clear "wind-heat," "summerheat," or "fire."

Top Chinese Herbs to Cool You Down

1. Chrysanthemum Flower (Ju Hua)

• Nature: Sweet, bitter, slightly cold

• Can Be Used For: Eye redness, light sensitivity, headaches, mild fevers

• Why It Works: Clears wind-heat, soothes Liver Yang, benefits the eyes

2. Lotus Leaf (He Ye)

• Nature: Bitter, slightly cold

• Can Be Used For: Summerheat, heatstroke, poor appetite

• Why It Works: Clears summerheat, raises clear Yang, promotes healthy digestion

3. Mint (Bo He)

• Nature: Acrid, cool

• Can Be Used For: Sore throat, irritability, tension headaches, heat rash

• Why It Works: Disperses wind-heat, vents rashes, soothes emotional tension

4. Mung Bean (Lu Dou)

• Nature: Sweet, cold

• Can Be Used For: Toxic heat, acne, summer fatigue, inflammation

• Why It Works: Clears heat, detoxifies, quenches thirst

5. Honeysuckle Flower (Jin Yin Hua)

• Nature: Sweet, cold

• Can Be Used For: Sore throat, infections, red/inflamed skin

• Why It Works: Clears heat and toxicity, used in cooling teas and soups

6. Bamboo Leaf (Dan Zhu Ye)

• Nature: Sweet, bland, cold

• Can Be Used For: Mouth sores, restlessness, insomnia

• Why It Works: Clears Heart fire, promotes urination, reduces irritability

7. Mulberry Leaf (Sang Ye)

• Nature: Sweet, bitter, cold

• Can Be Used For: Dry cough, sore throat, hot flashes, red eyes

• Why It Works: Clears Lung heat, moistens dryness, cools Liver

Comparison Grid

Herb Name	Key Benefits	Can Be Used For	Common Formulas
Ju Hua	Clears wind-heat, brightens eyes	Headaches, red eyes, dizziness	Ju Hua Cha, Qi Ju Di Huang Wan
He Ye	Clears summerheat, aids digestion	Nausea, heaviness, appetite loss	Ba Zheng San
Bo He	Vents rashes, cools Liver	Sore throat, heat rash, emotional stress	Yin Qiao San
Lu Dou	Detoxifies, clears heat	Acne, thirst, heat exhaustion	Lu Dou Soup
Jin Yin Hua	Antibacterial, anti-inflammatory	Skin boils, colds, sore throat	Yin Qiao San
Dan Zhu Ye	Clears Heart fire	Restlessness, insomnia, mouth ulcers	Dao Chi San
Sang Ye	Clears Lung heat	Cough, dry throat, red itchy eyes	Sang Ju Yin

Recipe: Ju Hua & Goji Berry Summer Tea

Ingredients:

• 1 tbsp Chrysanthemum flowers (Ju Hua)

• 1 tsp Goji berries (Gou Qi Zi)

• 2 cups hot water

Instructions:

1. Place herbs into a teapot.

2. Pour hot water over and steep 5–8 minutes.

3. Strain and enjoy warm or iced. Drink 1–2 times daily.

Why this works: Ju Hua clears heat, while Goji berries nourish Liver and Kidney Yin, making it a perfect summer support tea.

FAQs

Q: Can I take these herbs daily during the summer?
A: Yes, especially in tea form. Adjust based on your constitution and consult a practitioner if unsure.

Q: Are cooling herbs safe for kids?
A: Many are safe in small doses, but consult a pediatric herbalist.

Q: What’s the difference between a cooling tea and a detox tea?
A: Cooling teas reduce internal heat. Detox teas focus more on elimination. Some, like Lu Dou, do both.

Q: Can I combine cooling herbs?
A: Yes. Chrysanthemum, Goji, and Honeysuckle make a great trio.

Final Thoughts

Heat has its place—on the beach, not in your bloodstream. These traditional cooling herbs are a smart, natural way to support your body through the seasonal heat. Want more guidance on how to use these herbs in decoctions, tinctures, or food? Visit our How to Use Herbs guide.