With the increasing development of cultivation techniques and transportation, some varieties of watermelons have been available in large quantities since the beginning of summer. The recent hot weather has undoubtedly made these watermelons even more tempting for people. Eating watermelons has become a good way for some to cope with the summer heat, as it relieves summer heat and satisfies cravings, seemingly a perfect solution.
However, many people do not realize that eating too much watermelon is not good for the body. Although the temperature is high in summer, the humidity is also high. Cold-natured foods often clear heat but also promote dampness, making them a double-edged sword. Watermelon, also known as "cold melon," is excellent for clearing heat and relieving summer heat, but excessive consumption is harmful. When discussing watermelon in his "Compendium of Materia Medica," Li Shizhen pointed out: "The common people regard it as nectar for the head and sweet dew for the heart, enjoying its momentary pleasure, but are unaware of its harm to the spleen and promotion of dampness." The term "harming the spleen and promoting dampness" refers to the impairment of the body's digestive and absorptive functions, which can lead to symptoms such as loose stools or diarrhea, loss of appetite, bloating after meals, and even dizziness, fatigue, a heavy body, and soreness, swelling, and pain in the joints.
Similar foods, such as muskmelons, cucumbers, pears, and various cold drinks, are also not suitable for excessive consumption in the summer. If symptoms of "harming the spleen and promoting dampness" appear due to excessive consumption, mild cases can be treated with Huoxiang Zhengqi Liquid (capsules), while severe cases require a visit to the hospital.