Cooling Herbs for Spring & Summer
Jun 3rd 2025
Cooling Herbs for Spring & Summer: Stay Chill with Traditional Chinese Medicine
Welcome to Our Herbal Wellness Space
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
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Chrysanthemum Flower (Ju Hua)
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Nature: Sweet, bitter, slightly cold
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Can Be Used For: Eye redness, light sensitivity, headaches, mild fevers
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Why It Works: Clears wind-heat, soothes Liver Yang, benefits the eyes
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Lotus Leaf (He Ye)
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Nature: Bitter, slightly cold
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Can Be Used For: Summerheat, heatstroke, poor appetite
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Why It Works: Clears summerheat, raises clear Yang, promotes healthy digestion
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Mint (Bo He)
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Nature: Acrid, cool
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Can Be Used For: Sore throat, irritability, tension headaches, heat rash
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Why It Works: Disperses wind-heat, vents rashes, soothes emotional tension
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Mung Bean (Lu Dou)
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Nature: Sweet, cold
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Can Be Used For: Toxic heat, acne, summer fatigue, inflammation
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Why It Works: Clears heat, detoxifies, quenches thirst
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Honeysuckle Flower (Jin Yin Hua)
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Nature: Sweet, cold
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Can Be Used For: Sore throat, infections, red/inflamed skin
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Why It Works: Clears heat and toxicity, used in cooling teas and soups
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Bamboo Leaf (Dan Zhu Ye)
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Nature: Sweet, bland, cold
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Can Be Used For: Mouth sores, restlessness, insomnia
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Why It Works: Clears Heart fire, promotes urination, reduces irritability
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Mulberry Leaf (Sang Ye)
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Nature: Sweet, bitter, cold
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Can Be Used For: Dry cough, sore throat, hot flashes, red eyes
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Why It Works: Clears Lung heat, moistens dryness, cools Liver
Comparison Grid
Herb Name | Key Benefits | Can Be Used For | Common Formulas |
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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:
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1 tbsp Chrysanthemum flowers (Ju Hua)
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1 tsp Goji berries (Gou Qi Zi)
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2 cups hot water
Instructions:
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Place herbs into a teapot.
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Pour hot water over and steep 5–8 minutes.
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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.