Introduction: In the dog days of summer, the heat is intense, and everyone wants to find a way to cool off and relieve fatigue. At this time, we need to pay attention to “eating what is in season” when it comes to vegetables on our dining table. Speaking of chili peppers, everyone knows that they enhance flavor, but little do they know that chili pepper leaves are like a refreshing breeze in this scorching summer.
The older generation often says, “Food is medicine.” In the eyes of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), chili pepper leaves are considered a genuine health product, capable of clearing heat, relieving summer heat, and regulating the body. Let’s talk more about it.
1. The Secret of Chili Pepper Leaves: TCM Wisdom Revealed
TCM emphasizes the harmony between nature and humans. Chili pepper leaves, seemingly ordinary, actually contain rich nutrients and medicinal value. Although “Ben Cao Gang Mu” does not directly mention chili pepper leaves, TCM classics often include records of using the entire plant, such as “the leaves can be used as medicine, with suitable properties and flavors,” highlighting the unique medicinal effects of different parts of plants. Chili pepper leaves have a cool nature and sweet taste, suitable for the unbearable heat of the dog days, helping to clear heat and relieve discomfort caused by summer heat.
2. Clearing Heat and Relieving Summer Heat: The Summer Magic of Chili Pepper Leaves
【Clearing heat and reducing fire】During the dog days, people are prone to develop internal heat, dry mouth, and thirst. At this time, consuming chili pepper leaves is like turning on a small air conditioner for the body. TCM emphasizes “treating heat with coldness,” and the cool nature of chili pepper leaves can effectively counterbalance internal heat, bringing a refreshing sensation from the inside out.
【Nourishing yin and quenching thirst】In the scorching summer, excessive sweating can lead to dehydration. The vitamins and minerals abundant in chili pepper leaves can stimulate saliva production, helping to quench thirst and alleviate dry throat, rejuvenating the whole body.
【Promoting digestion】During summer, appetite may decrease, but the dietary fiber in chili pepper leaves can facilitate intestinal movement, aid digestion, and relieve constipation. TCM states that “the spleen and stomach are the foundation of the acquired constitution,” suggesting that with a healthy spleen and stomach, the body naturally becomes stronger.
3. Various Ways to Enjoy Chili Pepper Leaves: Delicious and Healthy
【Cold Tossed Chili Pepper Leaves】The simplest way to enjoy them is by tossing them in a cold dish. Pick fresh, tender green chili pepper leaves, blanch and rinse them with cold water to retain their fresh green color. Mix them with minced garlic, vinegar, and sesame oil for a tangy and refreshing appetizer that cleanses the palate, perfect for a summer meal.
【Chili Pepper Leaf Egg Soup】For a more nourishing option, try chili pepper leaf egg soup. Chop the chili pepper leaves, and cook them with eggs to make a clear soup. This soup is not only delicious but also replenishes protein and vitamins, leaving you feeling revitalized.
【Chili Pepper Leaf Pancake】For those who enjoy pastries, consider making chili pepper leaf pancakes. Chop the chili pepper leaves, mix them with flour, eggs, and scallions to make a batter, and fry until golden brown on both sides. These pancakes are crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, with the fragrant aroma of chili pepper and the rich taste of pastries, making them an excellent choice for breakfast or afternoon tea.
4. The Resonance of Ancient Wisdom and Modern Science
Although ancient texts do not directly mention chili pepper leaves, the holistic concept of TCM suggests that every plant in nature has unique medicinal value. Modern scientific research has confirmed that chili pepper leaves are rich in various beneficial nutrients, such as vitamin C, carotene, calcium, and iron, which play a positive role in enhancing immunity, preventing anemia, and promoting bone health. This not only reflects the wisdom of TCM but also serves as modern science’s recognition and complement to ancient wisdom.
