When many people talk about Sichuan pepper, the first thing that comes to mind is hot pot, because in order to enhance the numbing flavor of the hot pot, businesses will add a little Sichuan pepper to the base ingredients. Similar to how we usually use Sichuan pepper to mask the smell of meat in our daily cooking. However, using Sichuan pepper as a seasoning alone could be considered underutilizing its potential, as it also has high nutritional value and is frequently used in traditional Chinese medicine, mainly to combat dampness and aid in weight loss. In fact, many overweight individuals who struggle to lose weight may not necessarily have an inherently fat-prone body type, but rather an accumulation of internal dampness, which could lead to constipation and give the appearance of being overweight. Sichuan pepper naturally complements this issue; by drinking two cups a day, it helps flush out internal dampness and achieve a slim waist!
1. Sichuan Pepper + Ginger
Sichuan pepper and ginger both fall under the category of seasonings commonly used in cooking. Sichuan pepper itself has a rather stimulating aroma, so soaking it in water can effectively boost metabolism, thus achieving the desired effect of expelling dampness and aiding in weight loss. The spicy taste of ginger is also disliked by many, sometimes causing a warming sensation after consumption as dampness and fats are eliminated. Therefore, combining the two enhances the effect. The method is quite simple: prepare Sichuan pepper and ginger, boil them in water, and when the water is about to boil, add a little brown sugar to adjust the taste. Consistently drinking this mixture in the morning can effectively help expel dampness and aid in weight loss.
2. Sichuan Pepper + Red Dates
Many people do not associate Sichuan pepper with red dates, but when boiled together and consumed, they can quickly eliminate body dampness. Adding a bit of ginger during the cooking process can enhance the dampness-expelling effect since both ingredients have detoxifying properties. Regular consumption can help the body recover easily.
3. Sichuan Pepper + Lotus Leaf
If there is a significant build-up of dampness in the body, it may manifest in various ways, such as irregular bowel movements and loss of appetite, resulting in puffiness on the face in the morning. Lotus leaf has excellent diuretic and dampness-expelling properties, which aid in intestinal motility. If you appear bloated due to excess dampness, consuming a mixture of lotus leaf and Sichuan pepper infused water can effectively eliminate dampness.
Additionally, it is vital to pay attention to diet. During summer, consume fewer cold and spicy foods to prevent dampness from entering the body. Additionally, engage in regular physical activity to effectively expel dampness and assist in weight loss.
