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As summer advances, the annual three periods of hottest weather, known as “San Fu Tian,” have arrived. The three periods are: “Beginning Fu” (July 15th – July 24th), “Middle Fu” (July 25th – August 13th), and “End Fu” (August 14th – August 23rd). “Beginning Fu” marks the start of the hottest weather and signals the official beginning of the hot summer season.
After the beginning of “Fu,” temperatures rise gradually, humidity increases in the air, often making people feel hot and sweaty, with perspiration like rain. Such temperatures tend to make people rely on air conditioning, cold drinks, and other cooling habits, leading to loss of Yang energy in the body.
A deficiency in Yang energy leads to a weakened immune system, resulting in symptoms of weak spleen and stomach, and overall fatigue. It is recommended that during the “San Fu Tian” period, people should not indulge excessively in cold foods, instead consuming season-appropriate foods to enhance spleen, stomach, and immunity. “Nourishing Yang and Supplementing Yang” is crucial for health during “San Fu Tian.”
There is a saying, “No foundation laid in the beginning Fu will lead to hardships in the later Fus.” By establishing a good foundation during “Beginning Fu,” one can smoothly navigate the summer; only by laying a solid foundation during the three Fu periods can one enjoy a whole year comfortably!
“Remember to nourish in Beginning Fu, no suffering during the Fus,” as today marks the beginning of Fu, don’t forget to eat the 4 “nourishing Yang vegetables” for health through the summer!
01. Dumplings
There is a folk saying in the north: “Dumplings in Beginning Fu, noodles in Second Fu,” illustrating the traditional custom of eating dumplings during the beginning Fu.
As people’s appetite diminishes and bodies become thinner during the hot days of the three Fu periods, known as “bitter summer,” dumplings, being appetizing and nutritious, are consumed to nourish the body effectively.
Moreover, the shape of dumplings resembles ingots, and “Fu” sounds like “prosperity,” hence the belief that eating dumplings in the beginning Fu brings prosperity.
02. Three-Bean Soup
There is a saying: “Drink three-bean soup in the Fu, enjoy health throughout the year.”
The three Fu periods bring challenges of “bitter summer,” requiring a diet that is mild, good for the spleen, and appetizing, as well as removing dampness and cooling off. Three-bean soup, made primarily with mung beans, adzuki beans, and black beans, helps in expelling dampness and tonifying the spleen.
Mung beans and adzuki beans are used for heat-clearing, detoxification, and diuresis, while black beans strengthen the spleen and kidneys. Drinking a bowl of three-bean soup during the beginning Fu can effectively relieve discomfort brought by hot weather.
03. Drink Ginger Tea
There’s a saying: “Eat radishes in winter, eat ginger in summer.”
Ginger tea can be enjoyed throughout the year, but during the three Fu periods, it is the most suitable time. According to Traditional Chinese Medicine, ginger is warm, with functions like dispelling wind-cold, warming the stomach, stopping vomiting, and harmonizing the stomach.
Drinking ginger tea during the three Fu periods helps warm and nourish the body, expelling excess heat and eliminating some pathogens and cold energy, along with preventing colds during the hot season.
Especially for those who spend time in air-conditioned environments, drinking ginger tea during the three Fu periods helps dispel internal cold, preventing seasonal colds.
The best time to drink ginger tea is in the morning when rising, as this is when Yang energy in the body begins to ascend. A cup of ginger tea at this time helps generate Yang energy, keeping one energized throughout the day.
04. Eat Three Melons
The three melons referred to are: loofah, winter melon, and bitter melon.
Loofah is a great aid in relieving heat and fire during the three Fu periods, helping in heat-clearing, intestinal cleansing, wind dispelling, phlegm resolving, cooling blood, and preventing dryness;
Winter melon, with its high water content, low fat, and sugar content, is suitable for all ages. It assists in diuresis, reducing swelling, stimulating appetite, lowering lipid levels, and dissipating heat;
The bitterness of bitter melon is its nutritional highlight, working to calm the heart, invigorate the spleen, stimulate appetite, clear heat, and invigorate Qi. These three melons are essential foods on the summer dining table.
As the saying goes, “Nurture during the three nines in winter, nurture during the three Fu in summer.” Although temperatures rise during the three Fu periods, the air becomes humid and heavy, making people susceptible to illnesses. By seizing this golden 40-day period for “winter diseases treated in summer,” properly caring for one’s body, and laying a solid foundation for health, one can easily overcome the challenges of “bitter summer.”
Share this with those you care about, sending the sincerest wishes in this hot summer; may health and beauty arrive as expected this summer!
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