Ejiao is a great health supplement. However, in our固有 mindset, Ejiao seems to be a food for winter. Wouldn't eating it in the summer cause internal heat? So, can you eat Ejiao in the summer?
Can you eat Ejiao in the summer?
Yes, in moderation.
Although some people may experience internal heat from eating Ejiao in hot weather due to their body constitution, it is generally still okay to eat it. Of course, when consuming Ejiao in the summer, it's crucial to pay attention to the amount, as excessive supplementation can also easily lead to physical discomfort.
Does eating Ejiao in hot weather easily cause internal heat?
As long as the dosage of Ejiao is moderate during the summer, it generally will not cause internal heat.
Some people are prone to internal heat when taking Ejiao in hot weather, which is mainly related to individual body constitution. The dosage of Ejiao needs to be determined according to personal circumstances. For those who are prone to internal heat, it is not advisable to take Ejiao with "heaty" foods like yellow wine or longan. They can be appropriately paired with foods that are neutral or slightly cooling in nature, such as Chinese yam, glutinous rice, lotus seeds, or water chestnut powder.
Don't just focus on clearing heat in the summer
When it comes to summer, people often think of excess "fire" energy that needs to be cleared. However, "fire" is an indispensable energy for the human body. For those with insufficient yang energy, summer is a good season. But一味去火 (blindly clearing heat) can lead to a pathological constitution of internal cold and external heat, or cold in the lower body and heat in the upper body. For people who are weak and need tonification, Ejiao is still a top choice. Ejiao has a sweet and neutral nature, and taking it in moderate amounts during the summer generally does not cause internal heat.
How much Ejiao is appropriate to eat in a day during the summer?
Those who can take Ejiao should not consume it as they would in the winter. The key is to reduce the dosage. It is recommended not to exceed 9 grams at a time. Also, do not take it when you have a cold, diarrhea, or bloating.
How to eat Ejiao in the summer without getting internal heat?
To take Ejiao in the summer without causing internal heat, you can drink some honeysuckle, chrysanthemum tea, or herbal tea, or eat some cooling fruits like bananas, kiwis, mulberries, or pears. Additionally, it's better not to add sugar when consuming Ejiao in the summer.
Who can take Ejiao?
Although Ejiao can be taken in moderation in hot weather, it's also important to note the contraindications. People with indigestion, diarrhea, yin deficiency with excess fire, dizziness, fatigue, a cold, or menstrual blood clots must not take it, as it will not only fail to provide the tonifying effect but can also harm their health.
How to take Ejiao
The method for taking Ejiao is simple. Pour hot water (80°C-90°C) into a cup, then add Ejiao powder. Let it dissolve naturally for 3-5 minutes, then stir well. It's best to take it once in the morning and once in the evening.
Common ways to eat Ejiao include: Ejiao soup (Ejiao Geng), Ejiao paste, or dissolved in milk. Ejiao Geng, also commonly known as Guyuan Gao, is sometimes made into Ejiao slices by pharmaceutical companies for easier consumption. As a snack, 3-5 slices of Ejiao can be taken daily.