The annual dog days of summer have arrived!
Many people have started to “sunbathe their backs”!
In addition to sunbathing,
During the dog days of summer, we can eat some foods that nourish the spleen and tonify yang!
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As the saying goes, “No illness in summer, half the body is virtual,” in hot weather with excessive sweating, the body will consume a lot of energy, leading to fatigue, weakness, lack of energy, and poor appetite, which are signs of “yang deficiency.” In addition, overeating cold foods, staying in air-conditioned places, etc., can also lead to a depletion of yang energy, so at this time, we need to nourish the yang energy properly.
Four Yang-nourishing Foods to Eat in Gentle Heat
Fennel
Fennel has a natural fragrance and is very popular whether used to wrap dumplings, buns, or pies. Besides being delicious, fennel is gentle and suitable for people with a deficiency of cold energy. It dispels cold, nourishes yang, warms the spleen and stomach, making it an essential vegetable for nourishing yang.
Lamb
As the saying goes, “Eat lamb in winter, par with ginseng, and it strengthens the body in spring, summer, and autumn.” In many parts of China, there is a tradition to eat lamb in the period of gentle heat (Rufu), and even hold large “Lamb Festival” events.
Many people may wonder, it’s so hot in summer, won’t eating lamb cause internal heat? Actually, as long as it’s not overeaten, it won’t cause internal heat! This is because summer metabolism is high, and the body’s nutritional demands are also high. So, having a warm bowl of lamb soup, eating and sweating profusely, helps not only nourish yang and the body but also expels dampness and sweat, detoxifies the body, warms the stomach and moistens it, and improves conditions of weak kidneys and cold stomach.
Garlic
Garlic is the most common seasoning in our kitchens, and it’s advisable to eat more of it in summer. With the high temperatures during the period of gentle heat, adding more garlic to salads and stir-fries helps with antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant properties, boosting the body’s immune system and yang energy, thus reducing the likelihood of falling ill.
Lychee
In the Compendium of Materia Medica by Li Shizhen, it states, “Lychee is a fruit for fighting inflammation with pure yang energy,” indicating that eating lychee moderately in summer is beneficial. “One lychee is worth three doses of medicine,” implying that lychee absorbs the yang energy of spring and summer, making it friendly for people with weak and cold bodies, however, individuals with excessive inner heat should consume it sparingly.
