Cooling Foods for Summer According to Chinese Medicine
Support Your Body’s Natural Balance During the Hottest Season
In Chinese medicine, summer is the season of Fire—governed by the Heart and Small Intestine, associated with joy, expansion, and warmth. But when heat becomes excessive, it can lead to symptoms like irritability, insomnia, thirst, skin eruptions, and digestive upset. One of the best ways to harmonize with the season is by eating cooling foods that help clear heat, generate fluids, and keep the body in balance.
Here are some cooling foods and tips, based on Chinese medicine theory, to nourish your body and spirit during summer:
1. Hydrating Vegetables
Think cucumbers, zucchini, celery, and lettuce. These foods are high in water content, help clear heat, and support healthy digestion.
Cucumber salad with rice vinegar and mint is especially refreshing.
2. Seasonal Fruits
Fruits like watermelon, cantaloupe, peaches, and strawberries help cool and hydrate. In Chinese medicine, watermelon is known to clear Summer Heat and promote urination to relieve internal heat.
Tip: Avoid overdoing cold smoothies or iced drinks, which can damage digestion if consumed in excess.
3. Fresh Herbs
Mint, cilantro, and chrysanthemum are all herbs used in Chinese medicine to disperse heat and brighten the spirit.
Mint tea is a beautiful way to calm the Heart and refresh the mind.
4. Mung Beans
Mung bean soup is a traditional Chinese remedy for clearing heat and detoxifying the body. It’s especially helpful if you’re prone to heat rashes, mouth sores, or feeling overheated.
Try a chilled mung bean soup with a touch of rock sugar and goji berries.
5. Avoid Overly Spicy or Greasy Foods
In the height of summer, too much spicy, fried, or heavy food can lead to internal heat and dampness. Stick to lightly cooked, steamed, or raw foods to support your body’s natural rhythms.
How to Eat in Harmony With Summer:
Eat lightly and more frequently if needed
Stay hydrated with room temperature or slightly cool water
Align meals with the sun: lighter in the evening, heartier midday
Embrace joy, movement, and connection—this is the Heart’s season!
Come See Us for a Seasonal Tune-Up
If you’re feeling off-balance, overheated, or just in need of a reset, seasonal acupuncture and herbal formulas can support you. We’d love to help you stay cool and aligned all summer long.
Ready to book? Schedule now.