Most of us crave cold desserts and cold-drinks when it comes to summer. These are loaded with calories and unhealthy fat. Keeping us hydrated is not enough to keep our body cold, but also foods that have cooling effects help to prevent irritation, rashes, sweating and sunstroke. Maintaining the body temperature by taking herbs and spices would be beneficial as these are the most potent plants in terms of antioxidants and bio-active compounds. The recommended cooling spices and herbs are as follows.

Mint–

Mint is an ultimate summer herb to add in the salad, fresh drinks, veggies or you can simply chew on one. It is packed with menthol which acts as a remedy for indigestion and chest pain during summer. Menthol stimulates cold-sensitive receptors, letting extra heat out.
Add chopped mint leaves in your masala buttermilk (masala chaas), salads, raita. Chopped leaves can also be added to an ice tray as well. Drop these cubes into your drinks, use them for smoothies as well. Fresh leaves can also be boiled with sugar to make syrup, add this syrup in drinks for a refreshing taste.

Cinnamon–

Cinnamon is associated with winter and summer as well. It counteracts heat and balances body temperature. The same can be used during winter to warm the body.
Add a pinch of cinnamon powder into tea, coffee, latte apart from using in our traditional biryani, gravies etc to enhance its aroma and flavour.

Fennel seeds (Saunf)–

Fennel seed is known as a mouth freshener. It is known to calm inflammation caused in the body due to heat. This is a great digesting aid and relieves cramps, gas and bloating.
This can be added to freshly prepared drinks, iced-tea, powdered fennel seeds are also added to some of the Indian gravies. Otherwise, you can simply soak fennel seeds in water and drink with a dash of salt and pepper powder.

Cumin seeds (Jeera)–

The use of cumin seeds could be cooling for your body. It also has an effect on stomach bloating after eating outside food, especially during summer. Regular consumption ensures the proper functioning of the stomach and is good for acidity.
Drinking lukewarm cumin seeds water is considered to re-hydrate the body and regulate bowel movements.

Cardamom–

Cardamom has its own distinct flavor and aroma which is referred to as a ‘queen of spices’. It relieves indigestion, gas flatulence constipation and increases appetite. It is believed that it also provides protection against heat stroke; keep few cardamom pods in your pockets during summer.
Apart from using in sweets, it also can be used in morning tea and chilled ice tea and other beverages as well. 

Carom seeds-

Carom seeds act as a key ingredient in cooking and are found effective against digestive disorders. We often feel exhausted and suffer from a lack of appetite in summer. Regular consumption increases appetite and keeps us energetic and reduces acidity.

Turmeric–

It is widely used in our Indian cooking. It is known for its cleansing properties because of heat. Curcumin is a polyphenol, which is considered an antioxidant and also has pain-relieving properties.
In addition to the use of turmeric in our day-to-day cooking, prepare turmeric-milk (haldi-doodh) by boiling turmeric powder in milk for about 15 mins, then strain and drink before going to bed. Consume this for a sound full sleep.