TCM & the Summer Season
Summer is here (finally)! In traditional Chinese medicine, the summer season is represented with an abundance of energy, creativity, socialization and movement.
Each season is represented by a few characteristics in TCM to better understand our body’s function during this time.
Summer According to TCM:
- Element: Fire
- Colour: Red
- Emotion: Joy
- Nature: Energetic
- Organs: Heart, small intestine
Because our digestive energy is at its maximum during these months, it is important to eat less and add in cooling foods to maintain a balanced digestive fire.
Cooling Foods to Add:
- Watermelon
- Lemon
- Cucumber
- Celery
- Rhubarb
- Lettuce
- Berries
- Cabbage
- Dandelion
- Quinoa
Additionally, following these tips will help you stay balanced and get the most out of your summer:
Tips for Summer Health:
- Drink lots of water! Drinking room-temperature water uses less digestive energy compared to cold
- Get up earlier to enjoy the daylight hours
- Rest in the middle of the day
- Eat seasonally and locally
- Add in more salads, fresh vegetables and fruit (if your digestive system can handle them)
Looking for a refreshing, cooling and delicious drink recipe for this summer? Try this Cooling Summer Mint Tea that I’ve been drinking for years!
Cooling Summer Mint Tea Recipe:
What You’ll Need:
- Kettle with hot water
- A strainer
- Fresh mint (as much or as little as you want for more or less flavour)
- Half a lemon
- Some fresh ginger
- A touch of honey
Preparation:
Start by boiling 2 cups of water. I know what you’re thinking “hot water in the middle of summer?” but stick with me here!
Once your water is boiled, pour it into a mug or a bowl.
Chop your mint and add it into the water, squeeze in lemon juice, chop and add in your ginger (it doesn’t have to be too small, we will be straining the liquid).
Let the mixture steep for about 5 minutes. After that, strain the liquid into your mug. Add in a touch of honey, then let the tea cool to room temperature.
Enjoy!
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