As temperatures rise, adjusting your diet becomes essential to keep your body cool and hydrated. Interestingly, many everyday Indian spices don’t just enhance flavor—they also have natural cooling properties that support digestion and help regulate body temperature.

Here are five such spices and the right way to use them during summer:

Mint (Pudina) Powder

Dried mint is one of the most effective cooling ingredients. It contains menthol, antioxidants, iron, and vitamin A, which help reduce body heat and improve digestion.
How to use: Mix mint powder in buttermilk, lemon water, or curd. You can also sprinkle it over salads or raita.

Coriander Seeds (Dhania)

Coriander seeds have a natural cooling effect and are rich in vitamin C, fiber, and antioxidants. They help prevent dehydration and support digestion.
How to use: Soak the seeds overnight in water and drink the water in the morning, or boil them to make a light herbal drink.

Cumin Seeds (Jeera)

Cumin helps maintain body temperature and strengthens digestion. It is rich in iron, magnesium, and antioxidants.
How to use: Drink cumin water (jeera water) after boiling and cooling it. It can also be added to buttermilk or curd.

Fennel Seeds (Saunf)

Fennel is widely known for its cooling and digestive properties. It contains fiber, potassium, and antioxidants that help the body stay cool.
How to use: Chew fennel seeds after meals or soak them in water and drink it. You can also add them to sherbets or summer drinks.

Cardamom (Elaichi)

Cardamom has a refreshing and cooling effect on the body. It also helps detoxify and improves digestion.
How to use: Add it to water, milk, tea, or summer drinks like sherbet for a refreshing boost.