06/30/2026
It's 90-plus degrees Fahrenheit (32 Celsius for the rest of the world) today and the rest of this week in Providence. Definitely time for some iced tea! Remember to hydrate and get enough electrolytes.
Speaking of tea.... Sage (Salvia officinalis) is a mint family member. Here’s the crazy thing about sage: as a hot tea, it induces sweating. As a cold tea, though, it eases sweating. Try both hot and cold and see what your body likes.
Sage is also good for the nervous system when it’s been aggravated by heat — you know, all those hot tempers that flare up in heatwaves? Other heat conditions can arise, of course, aside from summer heat. Menopause is one good example. Sage is really wonderful for this transition, easing the heat and dryness in the body. Try a cool tea laced with honey (which, as a demulcent, draws moisture to the body) to ease any discomfort.
Don't forget your sunscreen if you have to be out for too long. You want that skin to look beautiful for as long as possible. There are some natural sunscreens out there most of which are mixed with zinc oxide. You have to be careful when researching them because the SPF is not exact. Peppermint oil or eucalyptus oil are good to help you feel cool.I'll spare the chemistry lesson, but menthol apparently has the ability to trick receptors in the brain into thinking that the body is cooler than it really is, most particularly the part of the body that is in contact with the menthol. The eucalpytol in Eucalyptus Oil acts similarly. Mix a few drops with water in a small spritzer bottle, just avoid the eyes. And good old Aloe Vera and Witch Hazel always awesome to help treat burns. Take care of yourself and keep shining 🌙