Scientists warn about global warming, and the weather confirms their words by constantly raising temperatures. Every summer, meteorologists report new temperature records. Of course, air conditioners, humidifiers, and fans help, but their use is becoming increasingly expensive. How can one escape the heat? One way is to turn to the experience of our ancestors. Heat has always existed, and mentions of it can be found in ancient literature and medieval sources. How did people survive before the advent of electricity and how did they protect themselves from the scorching sun? The Russian Stove Surprisingly, the most reliable "air conditioner" in Russian peasant huts was the stove. The base of the stone or brick stove was located in the earthen cellar, where the temperature never rose above 15 degrees. Stoves were built large and multi-tiered, taking up a significant part of the hut's space. In hot weather, their walls remained cool and cooled the heated air. In summer, they tried not to cook in the stove, preferring cold summer dishes such as okroshka or botvinya, or cooking in summer kitchens in the yard. A large tree always grew near the house on the south side, protecting the hut from the hottest rays. The main summer rule was not to ventilate or open windows to prevent hot air from entering. The air was refreshed through the cold cellar using a special system of holes known as "cat walks." If cooking was necessary, a special summer chimney was used that vented smoke outside, preventing the stove from heating up. Ice Every Russian home had an icehouse. Ice was harvested in winter: carts with large blocks of ice cut from the nearest river traveled through the streets of cities. The ice was laid in cellars, layered with straw to slow down melting. This way, it could be stored until the next winter, serving as both a refrigerator and an air conditioner. Ice was added to food and drinks. In extreme heat, large blocks of ice were brought to the upper rooms, where they melted and cooled the air. This experience can still be used today: by freezing a bottle of water in the refrigerator and placing it in front of a fan, the air in the room can be made cooler. Water This is the oldest remedy for heat. In India thousands of years ago, people would wet grass mats with water, spreading them throughout the dwelling, at doors and windows, to protect against the scorching air. In ancient times, special ponds were arranged in rooms, and wealthier people equipped home fountains. Wrapping oneself in wet sheets was also a common way to cool down. People did this all over the world, and even today in Central Asia and the Middle East, people sleep in such conditions. Russians have always loved to bathe. In the Middle Ages, when Europeans rarely approached water, Russians bathed weekly in baths and plunged into ice holes, and in summer, almost every day splashed in cool rivers and lakes. In urban conditions, this tradition can be adapted by wetting clothing or spraying oneself and the surrounding space with a spray bottle. In extreme heat, a damp cloth can be placed on the forehead. Drinks Throughout history, people have quenched their thirst in the heat with chilled drinks, ice water, and frozen fruit juice. It is known that drinks with a sour taste are the most effective. For example, Roman legionnaires passing through scorching deserts were saved by posca — water with diluted wine vinegar. Russians drank various kvass, chilled in home icehouses. Nobles indulged in exotic green tea and herbal infusions. Experience shows that drinks with mint, sage, and lemon balm are the best thirst quenchers. For the laziest — simply squeeze a slice of lemon into ice water. Clothing The desire to undress as much as possible on a hot day is understandable, but for cooling, it can be useless and even harmful — one can get sunburned. In Central Asia, even in summer, it was customary to wear thick padded robes. This clothing not only does not warm but also prevents hot air from entering. When it is plus 50 outside, the usual body temperature is maintained under the robe. For the same reason, in Asian countries, people wear loose and long clothing, covering their heads and bodies almost to their fingertips. This is related not only to religious traditions but also to centuries of experience in the struggle for survival. In Russia, peasants wore headscarves and long calico sundresses, while the nobility used hats, sun umbrellas, fans, and fly whisks. Cooling Practices These practices were invented by Indian yogis. They noticed that by performing certain manipulations, one could significantly reduce discomfort from the heat. The first method is available to those who can curl their tongue into a "tube." You need to sit up straight, close your eyes, curl your tongue, and inhale through it, feeling the coolness. Then close your mouth and exhale through your nose. The second method is available to everyone. Sit up straight, clench your teeth, part your lips, and inhale through your clenched teeth, making a hissing sound. Close your mouth and exhale through your nose. A little practice — and you will succeed! Useful Gadgets It is said that in the Middle Ages, experienced pilgrims and travelers would place a cold pebble in their cheek, creating a feeling of coolness. The Japanese still use a bell at the door or window to combat the hot rays of the sun — its gentle crystal chime reminds one of cool water and fresh wind. Use your imagination!