Introduction
In the scorching summer, the heat is oppressive; in the dry autumn days, dryness invades the body. No matter how the seasons change, the body often experiences discomfort such as "internal heat" or "dryness" due to environmental changes—dry mouth and tongue, sore throat, irritability, insomnia, constipation... These signals remind us that we need a gentle way to "cool down." Instead of relying on cold drinks or cooling medicines, we can use common ingredients from our kitchen and nature to make refreshing herbal teas and nourishing recipes. Following the ancient wisdom of "food and medicine being the same," these mild dietary remedies can clear heat and moisten dryness, regulate the spleen and stomach, and are safe and suitable for the whole family to drink daily.
One, Chrysanthemum, Goji Berry, and Mint Tea for Clearing the Heart and Moistening the Lungs
Applicable Discomforts: Eye dryness, headache, irritability, and restlessness after long hours in front of a computer or overuse of eyes; itchy throat and dry cough during seasonal changes.
Ingredients Preparation: 5-6 dried chrysanthemum flowers, 10-15 goji berries, 3-4 fresh mint leaves (or 1g dried mint), and an appropriate amount of rock sugar or honey.
Preparation Steps: Put all the ingredients into a cup, pour boiling water over them, cover, and let steep for 5 minutes before drinking. It can be reinfused 2-3 times.
Mild Adjustment Principle: Chrysanthemum disperses wind-heat and clears the liver and eyes; goji berries nourish the liver and kidneys, and improve vision; mint disperses wind-heat and clears the head and eyes. Combined, they clear heat from the upper part of the body while nourishing the liver yin, making the body feel refreshed without being cold.
Two, Coix Seed and Red Bean Drink for Strengthening the Spleen and Removing Dampness
Applicable Discomforts: Feeling heavy, tired, with sticky stools and thick tongue coating when there's excessive dampness; loss of appetite caused by hot and humid summer weather.
Ingredients Preparation: 30g raw coix seed, 30g red beans (note: it should be the elongated red beans, not red beans), and 10g poria (optional).
Preparation Steps: Soak the coix seed and red beans in cold water for 2 hours in advance, then put them in a pot with enough water, bring to a boil over high heat, then simmer over low heat for 1 hour until the beans are soft. Drink the soup and eat the beans, adding a little rock sugar for flavor if desired.
Mild Adjustment Principle: Coix seed promotes diuresis and strengthens the spleen; red beans promote diuresis, reduce swelling, and detoxify; poria strengthens the spleen and calms the mind. This soup helps the body eliminate excess water through mild diuretic effects while protecting the spleen and stomach, without over-depleting yang energy.
Three, Silver Ear, Lotus Seed, and Pear Soup for Nourishing Yin and Moistening Dryness
Applicable Discomforts: Dry skin, dry lips, and dry throat, along with dry cough and few phlegms, and insomnia with vivid dreams during autumn and winter.
Ingredients Preparation: Half a dry silver ear (soaked and torn into small pieces in advance), 20 lotus seeds (with the core removed), one pear (cored and cut into small pieces), 3-5 dates, and an appropriate amount of rock sugar.
Preparation Steps: Put the silver ear and lotus seeds into a pot, add water, bring to a boil over high heat, then simmer over low heat for 30 minutes until the silver ear becomes gelatinous. Add the pear pieces and dates, continue to cook for 15 minutes, then add the rock sugar and stir until dissolved.
Mild Adjustment Principle: Silver ear nourishes yin, moistens the lungs, and generates body fluids; lotus seeds strengthen the spleen, calm the mind, and soothe the spirit; pears clear heat, moisten dryness, and relieve phlegm and cough. This soup is moistening without being greasy, especially suitable as a dessert during dry seasons, satisfying the taste buds while also regulating the body.
Four, Hawthorn and Barley Drink for Digestion and Eliminating Food Stagnation
Applicable Discomforts: Bloating, indigestion, and sour mouth after holidays or banquets.
Ingredients Preparation: 10g dried hawthorn slices, 15g roasted barley, a small piece of tangerine peel, and an appropriate amount of rock sugar.
Preparation Steps: Put all the ingredients into a pot, add 500ml of water, bring to a boil over high heat, then simmer over low heat for 15 minutes, filter, and drink.
Mild Adjustment Principle: Hawthorn aids digestion, strengthens the stomach, and promotes circulation and blood stasis, especially good at digesting fatty meats; barley promotes digestion, strengthens the spleen, and improves appetite, particularly effective for digesting food accumulation from rice and noodles; tangerine peel regulates qi, strengthens the spleen, and dries dampness to resolve phlegm. Together, they gently promote gastrointestinal motility and alleviate post-meal discomfort.
Summary
The changing seasons mean the body's needs also change. The core of this cool dietary guide is not "reducing fire," but "balance"—using the gentle power of common ingredients to help the body adjust itself. A cup of tea or a bowl of soup not only relieves discomfort but also nourishes the spleen and stomach. In daily life, choose suitable recipes based on your current feelings, pay attention to the balance of cold and warm ingredients, and you can safely enjoy the pleasure of natural dietary therapy. Remember, true health is not far away, but lies within every meal and every cup of tea.
Notice: The dietary remedies introduced in this article are for reference only and cannot replace medication. If symptoms persist or worsen, please consult a professional doctor promptly.