Summer is ruled by the fire element. Fire is symbolic of maximum activity or greatest Yang; nature at its peak of growth, with upward motion. Emotionally, this element is associated with the mind and it’s stability. The heart is the “seat” of the mind and thus its highest expression is love. Enthusiasm, warmth in human relationships, Joy, and happiness are also associated with the heart.
Heat during these summer months can settle into the body and produce sudden and abrupt movements. Dampness can settle in as well with the addition of humidity. Symptoms include fever, headaches, agitation, nervous exhaustion, red face, thirst, red eyes, dark urine, exhaustion, insomnia, irritability, inflammation, and eruptions of the skin like canker sores and rashes.
In Chinese Medicine we use “flavors” and "temperatures" to help create medicinal reactions through herbal medicine and foods. The flavor associated with summer in Chinese medicine is bitter because of its ability to clear heat. Thus foods with this flavor profile being mixed with others that help cool and clear damp can help restore balance. A few common foods that help clear heat and cool the body are watermelon, mustard greens, tomatoes, cucumbers, alfalfa, asparagus, turnip, lemons, salads, ocean fish.
TWO SUMMER TEA COMBOS TO CLEAR HEAT AND REPLENISH
Honeysuckle Mint Green Tea:
Add 2 tsp. honeysuckle.
Add 1 tsp. peppermint (fresh or dried).
Add 1 tsp. green tea.
Steep in hot water and enjoy!
Mulberry Chrysanthemum Tea:
Add 2 tbsp. mulberries.
Add 2 tbsp. chrysanthemum.
Steep in hot water and enjoy!
TWO QUICK AND EASY SUMMER SNACK RECIPES
Fresh Lotus Root Salad:
Ingredients: 1lb. fresh lotus root, 1 1/2 tbsp. soy sauce, 3 tbsp. honey, 1 tbsp. dark sesame oil, 2 tbsp. cilantro leaves.
Directions: Cut the lotus root into 1/8 inch thick slices, drop them into a bowl of cold water directly after to prevent browning, bring about 4 cups of water to a boil, drain the water from the lotus root bowl, then pour the boiling water on top, let it sit for 5 min., drain and rinse under cold water, pat dry. Take a small bowl, mix together al the liquid ingredients, stir well, heat very briefly if the honey needs help dissolving. Arrange the lotus on a plate, pour the dressing on top and sprinkle with cilantro!
Korean Style Bean Sprouts:
Ingredients: 2 tsp. brown sesame seeds, 6 cups mung bean sprouts (commonly sold as "bean sprouts"), 1 tbsp. soy sauce, 2 tbsp. rice or apple cider vinegar, 2 tbsp. sesame oil, 2 garlic cloves, black or red pepper
Directions: Toast sesame seeds in a dry skillet over medium heat until golden brown, stir them frequently, set aside in a bowl. Mince the garlic and set aside. Take about 6 cups of water and bring to a boil, turn off the heat and add the bean sprouts to the pot, let them sit for 2 to 3 minutes then drain. In a bowl mix the rest of the ingredients together to make the sauce, pour over sprouts and mix well, then sprinkle sesame seeds on top! You can serve this at room temperature or chilled.
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