Seasonal Wellness
Three Honey Herbal Remedies: Chrysanthemum-Bamboo-Honey Drink, Honey Green Tea, Honey Cucumber Salad
This article presents three simple honey-based wellness recipes: Chrysanthemum-Bamboo-Honey Drink (honeysuckle, chrysanthemum, lophatherum decocted then mixed with honey – clears heat and relieves summer heat); Honey Green Tea (green tea steeped then sweetened with honey – clears heat, detoxifies, refreshes and aids digestion); Honey Cucumber Salad (cucumber strips boiled briefly then mixed with honey – moistens dryness, promotes bowel movement, and beautifies the skin). Each recipe includes ingredients and instructions, ideal for summer or for people with a “hot” constitution.
Summer Digestive Issues from AC? Xianglan Drink (Huoxiang + Peilan) to Soothe the Stomach
In hot summer, large temperature differences between air-conditioned rooms and outdoors often cause functional dyspepsia (acid reflux, nausea, bloating, fatigue, loss of appetite). In TCM, this falls under “oppression and fullness” and “stomach pain,” often caused by temperature changes and emotional stress affecting the spleen and stomach. This article introduces Xianglan Drink: 9g Huoxiang (patchouli) + 9g Peilan (eupatorium), decocted for 30 minutes. Huoxiang relieves summer heat, regulates qi, and stops vomiting; Peilan awakens the spleen, resolves dampness, and opens the stomach. Together, they aromatically resolve dampness, harmonize the stomach, and stop vomiting. Daily lifestyle tips are also included.
For summer wellness, don’t just rely on mung bean soup! According to Traditional Chinese Medicine, follow these 6 tips to dispel dampness and feel energized.
Summer is hot and humid, which can deplete qi and body fluids and make the body vulnerable to summer-dampness evils. According to Traditional Chinese Medicine, the core principles of summer wellness are: nourish the heart, protect yang qi, remove dampness, and prevent heatstroke. This practical guide covers five aspects: daily routine (sleep and naps), diet (light meals, dampness-removing foods, avoiding cold), exercise (gentle, not intense), calming the heart, strengthening the spleen, and replenishing fluids. Includes recommended foods, drinks, and taboos for a healthy summer.
10 Traditional Foods for Lixia (Start of Summer): From Five-Color Rice to Shrimp Noodles
At the Start of Summer (Lixia), Chinese folk traditions feature a variety of special foods. This article lists 10 must-eat traditional dishes: Lixia eggs (with egg-tapping games), five-color rice (symbolizing grain harvest), three kinds of “three fresh” ingredients (ground, tree, and water), black rice (fragrant from plant leaves), Lixia soup, seven-family porridge (neighborly sharing), bamboo shoots (shaped like leg bones), Junta vegetable, wheat silkworm snacks, and shrimp noodles (homophone for “summer”). Each dish carries wishes for health and cultural heritage.
What to Eat in Summer for Good Health
Summer wellness centers on nourishing the heart and calming the spirit. This article recommends heart-protective ingredients such as Poria, Ophiopogon, and lotus seeds; details the benefits of four common summer fruits — watermelon, cucumber, bitter melon, and peach; and highlights the unique role of bone broth in supplementing collagen, slowing bone aging, and supporting skeletal growth in adolescents. Eat more millet, corn, legumes, fish, and fresh vegetables and fruits, and reduce intake of animal organs, fatty meat, and overly salty foods to enjoy a healthy summer.