Come summers, and you see everyone flocking at ice gola stalls. No wonder, there are now a zillion varieties, and some even offer valet parking! Ever thought about that?!

But also have you ever wondered that all these ice-creams, frozen yoghurts and golas we reach out to in summers really serve their intended purpose? In reality, they don’t. Yes, it is mere delusion we are living in. It’s just a temporary illusion we’re living in. While these cold treats can chill your mouth and feel refreshing for a moment, they don’t actually cool your body down. What actually does cool you down though, is all there in your kitchen:

1. Raisins: Usually labelled as ‘dry fruit’ are considered a winter snack, but have a surprising cooling effect on the body. Whether eaten as is, soaked, or added to puddings, they offer several benefits. Raisins are rich in antioxidants and essential minerals like potassium, which help maintain electrolyte balance and lower body temperature during hot weather.

2. Saunf: These tiny seeds are a summer lifesaver! in traditional Indian medicine for centuries to regulate body temperature. The best way is to drop a teaspoon of these seeds into your water bottle and carry along.
3. Khus Khus: Khus Khus is perfect for the heat. It hydrates, refreshes and helps lower body temperature; try adding it to your summer drinks.
4. Basil Seeds: Used in traditional remedies for centuries, basil seeds cool the body and aid digestion. Their high antioxidant content helps fight inflammation and protect the skin from sun damage. When soaked, they become gel-like and work best in smoothies and drinks.
5. Gond Kateera: Commonly used in traditional summer recipes, gond kateera has cooling properties that help regulate body temperature. It’s often added to sherbats or mixed with your regular squash syrup to boost hydration and keep you cool.

These kitchen treasures are all around us, just waiting to do their cooling magic. Yet, we often search for temporary relief in the most unhealthy or unhygienic options. Let’s embrace these natural remedies instead!