Prevent Four Illnesses During the Grain in Ear Solar Term
Introduction: The Grain in Ear (Mangzhong) is the 9th of the 24 solar terms and the 3rd of the 6 summer solar terms. Starting from the Grain in Ear, the weather becomes very hot with more rain and increased humidity. The north enters a season of thunderstorms and showers, while the south enters the plum rain season. It is important to guard against dampness.
Prone to Mouth Sores
In Traditional Chinese Medicine, the heart and the small intestine are considered externally and internally related. From the Grain in Ear, summer heat and dampness become more severe. If dampness-heat accumulates internally, it can lead to excessive heart fire and heat in the small intestine, resulting in dark, scanty urine, a red tongue with a yellow coating, constipation, and mouth sores. One should reduce intake of pungent and hot foods such as liquor and mutton. Eat more cucumber, green vegetables, and mung beans.
You can drink an infusion of 3g of bamboo leaves, 5g of Ophiopogon japonicus, and 3g of honeysuckle. For those with constipation, 2g of rhubarb can be added. If you experience frequent or painful urination, you should see a doctor.
Prevent Heart Disease
During the Grain in Ear solar term, the temperature is higher and the humidity is greater, placing an increasing burden on the heart. People with heart conditions or coronary artery disease should take special care to avoid staying up late, excessive work-related stress, and maintain a regular lifestyle. They can consume medicinal and food items that nourish the heart, such as an infusion of 5g of Ophiopogon japonicus and 5g of longan pulp. For those with qi deficiency and fatigue, 3g of American ginseng can be added. Alternatively, one can make a congee with longan, lotus seeds, red dates, millet, and rock sugar, or a tea with Ophiopogon japonicus, longan pulp, goji berries, and chrysanthemums.
Prevent Gynecological Diseases
Women are prone to increased and yellowish vaginal discharge. They should reduce intake of pungent and hot foods and eat more foods that clear heat and drain dampness, such as mung beans. It is also advisable to regularly consume foods that strengthen the spleen and drain dampness, such as Job's tears, Chinese yam, hyacinth beans, and congee made from japonica rice.
Prevent Fungal Infections
On damp days, underwear should be changed frequently.