12 Must-Have Culinary Summer Plants for Every Indian Home

As the Indian sun climbs to its zenith, casting a warm golden hue across the land, it’s time to turn to Mother Nature’s own cooling agents – plants. These 12 must have culinary summer plants are not just about aesthetic appeal; they are about bringing a slice of nature’s serenity into your home and making the scorching days more bearable.

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1. Aloe Vera:

Aloe Vera is the desert’s gift to us, thriving in high temperatures and requiring minimal water. Its soothing gel is perfect for sunburns and skin hydration, making it a culinary summer plant essential for every Indian household.

Moreover, aloe vera will provide abundance benefits to your body. Such as it is good for skin and hair. You can make your aloe vera juice at home with fresh leaves of aloe vera. It has effective wound-healing properties.

2. Hibiscus:

This summer plant’s large, colorful blooms are a visual treat, and they love the summer sun. Hibiscus flowers are rich in antioxidants and can be used to make a refreshing tea that cools the body.

What is used for? Hibiscus leaves are traditionally used to treat skin diseases. Even you can use it in tea, it is good for liver health and for blood pressure. It is culinary summer plant that will provide you the fresh air as well as health benefits.

3. Neem:

Known for its medicinal properties, the Neem tree purifies the air and offers shade. Its leaves can be used in natural remedies to boost immunity, which is vital culinary summer plant during the hot months.

Having neem plant in home will help to treat head lice, skin diseases, wounds or skin ulcers. It is a blood-purifier and a bark extract of neem is used as a brush by Indians.

4. Tulsi (Holy Basil):

Tulsi is considered a sacred plant for Hindus. As well as it is good for health. Having tulsi tea will make your immunity stronger and packed with high vitamins and minerals.

Tulsi is not just a spiritual staple but also a practical one. It thrives in the heat and acts as a natural insect repellent. Consuming its leaves can help adapt to stress and fight infections.

5. Marigold:

The bright and cheerful Marigold is hardy against the summer heat. It’s a natural pest deterrent and is believed to promote skin health when used in topical applications.

According to Vastu, yellow marigold flowers brings good fortune and optimism. It attracts positivity and good energy into home and that what makes it a good choice of summer plant in the scorching summer heat .

6. Lemon Grass:

This aromatic plant is a natural mosquito repellent. It’s also used in teas and soups for its cooling effect on the body and its aid in digestion. It is a best culinary summer plant in summers even you can use your lemon grass to make a fresh cup of lemon tea after heavy meals.

Furthermore, this amazing herb provides an array of culinary delights and natural remedies. Drinking lemon grass tea will aids in digestion and relieve your stress. It is good for a person who wills to lose weight.

7. Culinary Summer Plant Goodness: The Curry Leaf Plant

 A staple in Indian cooking, the curry leaf plant can withstand the summer heat. Its leaves are packed with flavour and nutrients, and they’re beneficial for hair and skin health.

They add a distinct flavour to dishes like curries, lentils, and rice. Use fresh curry leaves for tempering (tadka) in hot oil to release their aroma and flavour.

8. Mint:

With its refreshing aroma and cool taste, mint is a favourite culinary summer plant. It’s easy to grow and can be used in chutneys, drinks, and salads for a cooling effect.

Mint has been traditionally used to soothe indigestion and alleviate stomach discomfort. It may help relax the muscles of the digestive tract, easing symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). These properties may help fight bacteria and improve oral hygiene.

9. Snake Plant:

Also known as ‘Mother-in-law’s Tongue’, this hardy plant can survive harsh conditions and is excellent for indoor air purification.

Air Purification:

Snake plants are excellent indoor air purifiers, removing toxins like formaldehyde, benzene, and xylene.

They’re especially effective at night, converting CO₂ into oxygen.

Low Maintenance:

Snake plants thrive in low light and require minimal care.

Their resilience makes them ideal for beginners or busy individuals.

10. Portulaca (Moss Rose):

This succulent culinary summer plant blooms into colourful flowers and requires very little water, making it perfect for the hot climate. Enjoy the colourful flowers in garden in this scorching summer.

11. Sandalwood:

Known for its fragrant wood and oil, Sandalwood can be a long-term investment for your garden. It’s known for its cooling properties and is often used in religious and medicinal applications.

Natural Disinfectant:

Sandalwood has antimicrobial properties that promote skin health and healing.

It’s commonly used in traditional medicine for various skin conditions.

Anti-Aging Agent:

Sandalwood oil supports healthy skin by moisturizing and reducing dryness.

Its antioxidants may help prevent premature aging.

Heart Health:

Sandalwood contains omega-3 fatty acids, which are usually found in fish.

These fatty acids contribute to heart health and overall well-being.

12. Indian Basil (Krishna Tulsi):

A variant of Tulsi, this plant has purple leaves of culinary summer plant, has a stronger aroma. It’s used in Ayurvedic remedies and is believed to have a cooling effect on the body and mind.

Cooling Effect:

Krishna Tulsi has a cooling effect on the body and mind, making it popular in Ayurvedic remedies.

It’s used in herbal teas and infusions.

Strong Aroma:

The purple leaves of culinary summer plant Krishna Tulsi, have a stronger aroma than regular Tulsi.

They add flavor and fragrance to culinary preparations.

These plants are not just decorative; they’re functional, providing health benefits and a respite from the heat. By integrating these natural wonders into your home, you’re not just beautifying your space; you’re also investing in your well-being. So, this culinary summer plant, let’s turn to these green allies and create a cooler, healthier environment in our homes.

In conclusion, having culinary summer plants at home will positively impact your household. Flowers will keep your home beautiful and bring positive energy. In today’s times, where air conditioners and the increasing demand for private transportation are causing pollution and impacting the environment, this leads to higher levels of heat strokes and decreased rainfall. Keeping culinary summer plants will not only make your house more attractive but also will be useful for making ayurvedic teas and adding flavour in your cooking. A great way to contribute to the environment.