Introduction: “There are no three days in the end of summer, the new cool is worth a thousand gold.” As the summer gradually fades away, we welcome the second solar term of autumn—End of Heat. During this critical transition from hot to cool, many health wisdoms are passed down in folk tradition, one of which is “Eat the 5 treasures of End of Heat and stay away from the hospital.” During the End of Heat period, although the temperature is high, there is already a hint of coolness in the early morning and evening. The human body needs to adapt to the natural changes, adjust the diet, strengthen the body, and pass through this eventful autumn peacefully. Today, let’s explore the secrets of these “five treasures” together and let health accompany you.
1. Lily Nourishes the Lungs, Clears the Heart and Calms the Mind
– Lily Lotus Seed Soup –
Ingredients: 50g dried lily, 30g dried lotus seeds, appropriate amount of rock sugar.
Method: Soak the lily and lotus seeds in water for 4 hours, wash them clean, then put them in a pot, add an appropriate amount of water, bring to a boil over high heat, then simmer over low heat for 40 minutes, and finally season with rock sugar.
Lily has a slightly cold nature, belongs to the heart and lung meridians, and has the effects of nourishing yin and moistening the lungs, clearing the heart, and calming the mind. During the End of Heat period, the weather is dry, which can easily damage lung fluid. Consuming lilies can effectively relieve symptoms such as dry cough and dry throat. When paired with lotus seeds, it enhances the effect of tonifying the spleen and calming the mind, making it an excellent choice for lung nourishment in autumn.
2. Tremella Nourishes Yin, Moistens Dryness, and Generates Fluid
– Tremella Snow Pear Soup –
Ingredients: 1 Tremella fungus, 1 snow pear, appropriate amount of rock sugar.
Method: Soak the Tremella fungus in advance, tear it into small pieces; peel and cut the snow pear. Put the Tremella fungus and snow pear in a pot, add an appropriate amount of water, bring to a boil over high heat, then simmer over low heat for 1 hour, and finally season with rock sugar.
Tremella fungus is known as the “commoner’s bird’s nest,” rich in collagen and various vitamins, with the effects of nourishing yin and moistening the lungs, nourishing the stomach, and generating fluid. When cooked with snow pear, not only is the taste sweet, it also enhances the moisturizing effect, suitable for relieving autumn dryness after the End of Heat.
3. Chinese Yam Invigorates the Spleen, Nourishes the Stomach, and Tonifies Qi
– Chinese Yam Red Date Congee –
Ingredients: 100g Chinese yam, 10 red dates, 50g rice.
Method: Peel and cut the Chinese yam into pieces, wash and pit the red dates, rinse the rice. Put all three in a pot, add an appropriate amount of water, bring to a boil over high heat, then simmer over low heat until it becomes congee.
Chinese yam has a mild nature and sweet taste, belongs to the spleen, lung, and kidney meridians, with the effects of invigorating the spleen, nourishing the stomach, supplementing the lungs, and strengthening the kidneys. During the End of Heat period, the body’s spleen and stomach functions are relatively weak. Consuming Chinese yam in moderation can increase appetite, promote digestion, and when paired with red dates, it can tonify qi, nourish blood, and enhance the physique.
4. Bitter Melon Clears Heat, Resolves Fire, and Detoxifies
– Bitter Melon Stir-fried with Eggs –
Ingredients: 1 bitter melon, 2 eggs, salt, oil as needed.
Method: Wash and slice the bitter melon, marinate with salt for a while, then squeeze out excess water; beat the eggs and set aside. Heat oil in a pan, stir-fry the bitter melon until partially cooked, then pour in the beaten eggs, fry on both sides until golden, and finally season with salt.
Bitter melon, although bitter, has the effects of clearing heat, detoxifying, and improving eyesight. During the End of Heat period, with lingering summer heat, consuming bitter melon in moderation can help remove internal heat toxins, prevent overheating, and keep the body refreshed.
5. Pear Moistens the Lungs, Relieves Cough, Clears Heat, and Generates Fluid
– Rock Sugar Stewed Snow Pear –
Ingredients: 1 snow pear, appropriate amount of rock sugar.
Method: Wash and peel the snow pear, cut off the top, scoop out the core and some flesh to form a small bowl. Place rock sugar inside the snow pear, add an appropriate amount of water, cover the pear, and steam for about 30 minutes.
Pear has a cool nature and sweet taste, belongs to the lung and stomach meridians, with the effects of clearing heat, generating fluid, moisturizing the lungs, and relieving cough. After the End of Heat, as the weather gradually cools down, the body is susceptible to autumn dryness, leading to symptoms such as dry mouth and throat. Consuming rock sugar stewed snow pear can effectively relieve these discomforts, making your throat feel comfortable.
During the End of Heat period, dietary adjustment is particularly important. Choosing the above “five treasures” not only conforms to natural laws, but also helps strengthen the body and prevent diseases. Regardless of wealth, don’t forget to prepare these health foods for yourself and your family, let’s welcome a healthy and peaceful autumn together. Share with relatives and friends, let love and health go hand in hand!
