The transportation and transformation of dampness in the body rely on the Spleen, so foods that strengthen the Spleen to transform dampness are good options. To eliminate dampness, learn to eat ginger skillfully.
For example, hyacinth beans, Chinese yam, and Job's tears. In addition, red beans can be made into congee; mung beans can be simmered into soup; winter melon is suitable for those with slight edema; lotus leaf can generate Yang energy in the Spleen and Stomach. It is recommended to buy some fresh lotus leaves and add them when the congee is almost done, then let it steep for a while before eating. For those who enjoy tea, you can buy Agastache rugosa, Eupatorium fortunei, and Atractylodes lancea from a Chinese pharmacy to make tea, which also has the effect of removing dampness.
Eating ginger is also a good way to resolve dampness in the body. Ginger has the effect of releasing the exterior and transforming dampness. You can take five or six slices with the skin on, put them in boiling water, and drink it after a few minutes. If you find the ginger water difficult to swallow, you can add some brown sugar to improve the taste, which is especially beneficial for those who are sensitive to cold and suffer from menstrual pain. It is worth noting that simply using ginger as a seasoning in cooking is not effective for transforming dampness; although chili can also stimulate appetite and aid digestion, its effect in removing dampness is generally mediocre.
While strengthening the Spleen to transform dampness, it is even more important to reduce the formation of internal dampness. Therefore, greasy and rich foods, cooling fruits like watermelon, and iced or raw cold foods should be eaten less. When cooking cooling vegetables like lettuce, Napa cabbage, and bitter gourd, it is best to add green onions and ginger to reduce their cold nature. Atractylodes lancea for tea also has the effect of removing dampness.