Summertime brings with it the joy of longer days, outdoor activities, and the bliss of sunny weather. However, with the summer heat comes the challenge of keeping our bodies cool and balanced. Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) offers a wealth of wisdom on how to manage this balance through diet. Central to TCM is the concept of yin and yang – the opposing but complementary forces that maintain harmony in our bodies. During the summer, when yang energy (heat) is at its peak, it is essential to balance it with yin (cooling) foods. Here are five of the best Chinese herb-grade foods to help keep cool in summertime.
1. Mung Beans (Lǜ Dòu)
Why They Work:
Mung beans are renowned in TCM for their cooling and detoxifying properties. They help clear heat and toxins from the body, making them an ideal choice for hot summer days.
How to Use:
Mung beans can be made into a refreshing soup or porridge. Mung bean soup is particularly popular and is often served chilled. Simply boil mung beans with water, add a bit of sugar if desired, and let it cool before consuming.
2. Lotus Root (Lián ǒu)
Why They Work:
Lotus root is known for its ability to clear heat and promote fluid production. It is cooling and helps to balance the body’s internal temperature, which is crucial during the sweltering summer months.
How to Use:
Lotus root can be eaten raw in salads or cooked in soups and stir-fries. A popular summer dish is lotus root salad with vinegar and sesame oil, which is both cooling and delicious.
3. Bitter Melon (Kǔ Guā)
Why They Work:
Bitter melon is a powerful heat-clearing food that can help lower body temperature and improve digestion. Its bitterness is associated with cooling properties in TCM, making it perfect to keep cool in summertime.
How to Use:
Bitter melon can be stir-fried, boiled, or even juiced. Stir-fried bitter melon with eggs is a common dish that balances the bitterness with the richness of eggs, making it more palatable.
4. Watermelon (Xī Guā)
Why They Work:
Watermelon is a quintessential summer fruit that not only quenches thirst but also cools the body from within. It is hydrating and helps to expel heat, making it an excellent choice for hot days. Eating this delicious fruit is the best way to keep cool in summertime.
How to Use:
Watermelon can be enjoyed fresh, juiced, or even used in salads. For a cooling treat, try a watermelon and mint salad or simply enjoy slices of chilled watermelon.
5. Chrysanthemum Tea (Jú Huā Chá)
Why They Work:
Chrysanthemum flowers are celebrated in TCM for their cooling effects and ability to clear heat and toxins. Chrysanthemum tea is particularly effective in relieving heat-induced headaches and reducing internal heat.
How to Use:
Chrysanthemum tea is easy to prepare. Simply steep dried chrysanthemum flowers in hot water, let it cool, and drink. It can be sweetened with a bit of rock sugar or honey if desired.
Understanding Summertime Heat and Yin/Yang Balance
In TCM, maintaining a yin/yang balance is crucial for overall health. During summer, the yang energy (associated with heat, activity, and growth) is predominant. If this yang energy becomes excessive, it can lead to symptoms such as heatstroke, dehydration, irritability, and digestive issues. Consuming cooling (yin) foods helps to counteract this excess heat, maintaining the body’s equilibrium. To keep cool in summertime, follow the following tips.
Summertime Tips for Maintaining Balance
Hydrate: Drink plenty of water and herbal teas to stay hydrated.
Avoid Overheating Foods: Limit the intake of spicy, fried, and greasy foods which can exacerbate heat.
Eat Cooling Foods: Incorporate foods with cooling properties like those listed above.
Moderate Exercise: Engage in gentle activities such as tai chi or swimming to avoid overheating.
Rest Adequately: Ensure you get enough sleep to help your body recover and maintain balance.
Keep Cool in Summertime
By integrating these herb-grade foods into your summer diet, you can enjoy the warmth of the season while staying cool and balanced. Embrace the wisdom of TCM and let these natural remedies help you navigate the summer heat with ease and grace.
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