When it’s extremely hot outside most of us have learned we should drink more water, not wander around in the scorching midday sun without head cover, not wear synthetics, and ventilate the room before going to bed. While these are time-tested solutions there are additional somewhat unusual, highly effective strategies we can implement to cool down rapidly.
Here are a few.
Ice Massage
Do you remember the Tom and Jerry episode in which Jerry puts the cat in the freezer when it had a very high temperature? Current heat waves in certain areas of the world differ little from oven temperatures. If you’re in one of those environments or experiencing an atypical local heat wave an ice massage is one of the quickest ways to reduce the body’s internal heat and allow you to feel immediate relief.
Use two ice cubes from a small ice machine and gently massage your forehead and neck area with a soothing circular motion. Bioactive points that regulate blood pressure are located in these zones and are activated by the ice. Once this area has been activated place some additional ice cubes in small plastic bags and attach them to your elbows, knees, and ankles.
Lemon Balm with Rosemary
These herbs are great natural energizers. Simply brew a teaspoon of lemon balm and rosemary leaves together into 8 oz. of boiling water. Let the mixture cool then add some lemon juice and a sprig of mint for a very refreshing drink.
It’s best to be pro-active and prepare the beverage the night before. If you do so, then add 4 teaspoons of lemon balm/rosemary leaves to 33 oz. of water. Add remaining ingredients and chill overnight.
Avoid foods that heat you internally
Certain foods like honey and lard warm your insides when consumed. Don’t eat dense foods like meat before going to bed because digesting heavy foods cause an increase in body temperature. Products with a light astringent effect (e.g., persimmon or bananas) and all green or white-colored vegetables/fruits cool the body and help you handle the heat.
For lunch on a hot day eat vegetables and fruit containing a large percentage of water – e.g., cucumbers, tomatoes, apples, watermelons.
Cool Down In Warm Water
It’s inadvisable to jump into a cold river, lake or pool when it’s extremely hot. If you’re a fan of cooling off in the local river or lake please don’t hop out of a hot car (or immediately after walking on a hot trail) and dive into the water. The temperature drop can trigger a spasm of the heart vessels. So before jumping in cool your body in the shade. An alternative is to take a warm shower after being outside in searing heat. The ambient water temperature will feel cooler than it actually is.
Make A Homemade Air Conditioner
Not everyone has an air conditioner, but you make one yourself if you have a working fan. Just freeze some water in plastic bottles and build a pyramid shape in front of the fan. The air, passing between the bottles cools down and is dispersed by the blowing fan. This “air conditioner” can cool small rooms for 2-3 hours at a time. If possible have a sufficient number of bottles of water frozen so you can exchange them when the ones in use melt.
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