During the holiday season, you may have noticed some minor changes in your body, such as bloodshot eyes, increased discharge, acne sprouting up like bamboo shoots after a spring rain, dry mouth and throat, mouth ulcers, a sore throat and hoarseness, a cough with yellow phlegm, and constipation with yellow urine. In Traditional Chinese Medicine, these are considered typical symptoms of "internal heat" (Shanghuo), primarily caused by irregular lifestyle and improper diet during the long holiday. When these symptoms appear, it is important to "extinguish the fire" as soon as possible.
Four Steps to Reduce "Heat"
Step 1: Adjust your daily routine. Stick to a regular schedule and ensure adequate sleep. Engage in appropriate outdoor activities to balance work and rest, and boost your immunity.
Step 2: Eat a light diet. As the saying goes, "Fish causes fire, meat causes phlegm, while cabbage and tofu ensure peace." Fresh vegetables and fruits are rich in vitamins, minerals, and fiber, which can help reduce greasiness and prevent constipation.
Step 3: Try some simple dietary remedies. For those with "liver fire," you can drink a decoction of Gentian root, White peony root, Scutellaria, and snow pear. For "heart fire," you can eat a lotus seed and lily bulb soup. For "stomach fire," you can drink mung bean congee. For "lung fire," you can steam a concoction of lotus seeds, tremella fungus, rock sugar, and snow pear. For "kidney fire," you can drink a little light salt water.
Step 4: Use some heat-clearing medicines. When necessary, you can take patent Chinese medicines under a doctor's guidance, such as Niuhuang Shangqing Wan, Longdan Xiegan Wan, Sanhuang Pian, Daochi Wan, or Qingguo Wan.