Is the heat getting to you? As the weather transitions from spring to summer, heat and humidity are easing their way back into our climate. It’s at this transitional time of year that many of us start noticing shifts within our bodies, too. Suddenly, things like outdoor workouts, walking the dog, yard work, and even relaxing outside can leave us feeling unusually overheated and drained.
In St. Petersburg, Florida, we’re no strangers to extended heat. While summer is officially June through August, our “summer-like” weather often stretches from May through early September. That means more sun, more sweat, and if we’re not careful, a tendency towards more internal imbalance.
What is summer-heat in TCM?
In traditional Chinese medical (TCM) theory, summer-heat is considered its own type of seasonal pathogenic factor. Unlike general overheating, summer-heat in TCM refers to a distinct set of symptoms, including:
- Headaches
- Agitation
- Dizziness
- Thirst
- Fatigue
- A feeling of heaviness
- A stuffy sensation in the chest
The good news is that you don’t have to suffer through it. TCM offers several tools to counteract summer-heat, like acupuncture, herbal formulas, bodywork, and nutrition therapy.
Nutritional tips to beat the heat
Whole foods, in particular, are incredibly beneficial during these months for clearing out excess heat in our bodies and getting us back to feeling like our usual (less irritable and sweaty) selves!
Below are some simple food-based strategies to support easy digestion and help you stay cool and hydrated during the season:
- Incorporate hydrating and cooling foods into your daily diet such as melon, apples, pears, berries, cucumber, celery, asparagus, leafy greens, and mung beans.
- Keep meals light and easy to digest. Soups, steamed or blanched veggies, and lean proteins like fish or chicken support digestion without making you feel weighed down.
- Limit heat-producing foods. These include spicy, fried, and greasy foods, which can be more difficult to digest or contribute to excess internal heat.
- Use bitter and sour flavors in your favorite foods and drinks. Bitter melon, leafy greens, lemon, or lime added to drinks or dishes can help clear excess heat and stimulate digestion.
- Stay well hydrated by drinking plenty of water. Herbal teas like chrysanthemum, lotus leaf, honeysuckle, and mint also help cool the body down and clear the lingering effects of summer-heat.
Watermelon: A natural summer remedy
Watermelon (Xi Gua) and watermelon rind (Xia Gua Pi) are primary herbs (and delicious snacks) in TCM that treat the type of heat exhaustion and overexposure many of us experience during the summer months. With therapeutic properties that assist in clearing heat out of our bodies and generating new body fluids, they make for a perfect medicinal snack to add to your fridge during this season. Both are rich in electrolytes and contain beneficial nutrients like vitamins A, C, and B6.
Below is a recipe that I like to make as a treat for family and friends, or just to have a batch in the fridge for extra hot days. On short notice, a small serving of watermelon (about 1 cup) will do the trick, too. Don’t forget to save your delicious and nutrient-dense watermelon rind to pickle, cook with, or make your own tea!
* If your practitioner has diagnosed you with Spleen or Stomach deficiency/cold, this recipe should be enjoyed in moderation, along with other cold and raw foods.
Summer-heat refresher recipe
Ingredients:
- 1 large watermelon
- 4-6 lemons (depending on tartness preference)
- 2-4 large sprigs of mint (optional)
- Raw honey or maple syrup for added sweetness (optional)
Instructions:
- Slice watermelon and lemons away from the rind.
- Process all fruit through a juicer. Alternately, blend until smooth and strain. **If using mint, you can blend it with the fruit—or place it into a juicer first underneath the watermelon and lemon layer. I prefer to add mine to the juice at the end and chill in the fridge for an hour or so.
- I recommend tasting before adding any additional sweeteners because watermelon juice is often very naturally sweet! If you prefer a little extra sweetness, feel free to add a bit of maple syrup or raw honey before chilling your juice.