“Summer Heat, Great Heat, steaming from the top and boiling from the bottom.” Great Heat is the twelfth solar term of the twenty-four solar terms, and also the last solar term of summer. During the time of Great Heat, which falls around the period of the end of midsummer, the weather enters the hottest period of the year. Everyone should be careful not to overheat both physically and emotionally during this hottest time of the year, so please keep a calm and relaxed state of mind.
Mung Bean Soup – Mung beans have a cooling nature and are known for their heat-clearing, detoxifying, diuretic, and swelling-reducing effects. During the Great Heat season, cooking a pot of mung bean soup can help quench thirst and assist the body in dispelling heat.
Bitter Melon – Bitter melon has a bitter taste and a cold nature, belonging to the heart, liver, spleen, and lung meridians. It has the effect of clearing heat and relieving summer heat. It can be eaten cold, stir-fried, or made into soup to effectively boost appetite during the hot summer days.
Watermelon – Watermelon is a seasonal fruit of summer, with a sweet and cold nature that helps in clearing heat and relieving summer heat, as well as moistening the dryness and relieving thirst. Consuming watermelon in moderation can effectively replenish lost fluids and electrolytes.
Three things to do:
Take a proper nap – During the Great Heat season, the days are longer and the temperatures higher. Taking a proper nap can help the body rest and recover, increase afternoon work efficiency, and benefit the nourishment of the heart and spleen.
Avoid direct sunlight exposure – High temperatures can easily cause heat stroke, especially when working or engaging in activities under direct sunlight. Wear a hat, light-colored breathable clothing, use a parasol, apply sunscreen, and try to avoid outdoor activities between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m.
Engage in moderate exercise – such as walking, Tai Chi, yoga, and other light exercises, can be done in the cool mornings or evenings to promote blood circulation, strengthen heart and spleen function. However, avoid excessive sweating from strenuous exercise, which can strain the heart.
During the hot season of Great Heat, it can be beneficial to use natural health products such as Baiyun Mountain plant essential oils for additional care for the body. For example, using Baiyun Mountain essential oils for gentle back massages can alleviate shoulder and neck stiffness and discomfort caused by air conditioning in summer, relax the body and mind, and promote better sleep quality. By eating the right foods, engaging in suitable activities, and using natural health products wisely, you can effectively nurture your heart and spleen to safely navigate through this hot summer. Remember to adjust your daily diet and activities according to the weather changes, maintain a positive mindset, and enjoy the wonderful summer moments.
During this period of intense heat, the sun’s energy is at its peak, creating a synergy between heaven and humanity. The body’s Yang energy is active, blood circulation is vigorous, making it easy to experience irritability, lethargy, and mental fatigue.
In such circumstances, it is crucial to calm the mind and spirit. It is essential to learn how to shift emotions by engaging in activities such as drinking tea, admiring flowers, calligraphy, listening to music, etc., to regulate the body, breath, and spirit, to pass through this lush summer season in a peaceful, tranquil, and smooth manner.
