Summer is here once again and it's time to prepare for all the fun, excitement and leisure opportunities that the season brings. However, the thought of having to go through hot, humid days and uncomfortable sweat can leave you more anxious than excited. But cheer up! There are a variety of ways that you can beat the summer heat, keep your body fresh, and your mind fresh.

Herbal beverages

The hot weather encourages people to spend time outdoors - hitting the beach, exercising, strolling, going on a vacation, or simply just enjoying the sun. But with all the global warming and the risks caused by the sun's harmful UV rays, we are usually put under a very precarious condition during the summer season. Thus, it is very important that you arm yourself with a good sun protection lotion each time you need to be outdoors. Hydration is very important during the summer. Perhaps everyone has experienced a time when no matter how much water you drink, there seems to be no way to quench your thirst. You must have also felt a time when the humidity and the heat seems to penetrate right through your body and stays right there. When things like these happen again this summer, gulping down some soothing herb can help you get through the heat, with flying colors!

Herbs in the form of teas or other beverages can cool down your body naturally. Some of the most widely-used herbs include raspberry leaves, lemon balm, catnip, mint leaves, rose petals, chamomile, alfalfa, thyme, strawberry leaves and rose hips. Kitchen herbs such as rosemary, fennel and marjoram are also effective summer soothers. You can even make your own herbal tea blends to contain a combination of these refreshing and flavorful herbs. In fact, you can make your own mineral rich and zesty herbal drinks from almost any edible herb. Herbal beverages are quite simple to do. It can be as easy as adding just a few mint leaves when brewing your next cup of green tea. Or it can be as sophisticated as floating one bright blue borage flower petal over a glass of white wine. There are a variety of recipes and choices that you can choose from. The simplest refreshing herbal drink can be made by adding 6 ounces of boiling water into a teaspoon of fresh or dried herb, and allowing it to steep for about 5 to 10 minutes. You can add in honey or sugar afterwards, depending on your preference.

Herbal beverages are definitely more thirst-quenching than water. Herbal tonics and beverages not only quench your deep down thirst and help you avoid dehydration, but they naturally cool down your body from within. If you want something to go with your refreshing drink, you can pair it with salad greens topped with the zestiest seasoning and fresh herbs. These are definitely healthy and effortless ways to cool down your body naturally and to enjoy the weather. For sheer summer refreshment, nothing matches the soothing and wonderful effect that only a tall, glass of herbal brew can give!