Hot in Sanfu: Health Preservation during Minor Heat
Reasons for Health Preservation
Minor Heat is the 11th of the 24 solar terms and the time when the body's Yang energy is most abundant. This follows the principle of "nourishing Yang in spring and summer." Therefore, when working, people should pay attention to balancing work and rest to protect the body's Yang energy.
"The heat is in Sanfu," and this period marks the beginning of the伏天 (dog days). "伏" means to hide or lie low, so people should go out less to avoid the summer heat. A common folk practice for getting through the hot days is to eat cool and heat-clearing foods. As the saying goes, "In the first伏, eat dumplings; in the second伏, eat noodles; in the third伏, eat pancakes with eggs." This way of eating is intended to make the body sweat more, expelling various toxins from the body.
When the weather is hot, it's good to congee. Use ingredients like lotus leaves, 土茯苓 (Tufuling), hyacinth beans, Job's tears, Polyporus, Alisma, and kapok flowers to make a cooling soup or congee, which can be either sweet or savory. It is very suitable for this solar term. Eating more fruit is also beneficial for preventing heatstroke, but do not overconsume to avoid increasing the burden on the digestive system, which can lead to diarrhea in severe cases.
There is also a folk saying: "Don't sit on stone in winter, don't sit on wood in summer." After Minor Heat, the temperature is high and the humidity is great. Wood left outdoors, such as chairs and benches, has absorbed a lot of moisture from rain and dew. Although it may look dry on the surface, it will release dampness when exposed to the sun, causing the temperature to rise. Sitting on it for a long time can induce hemorrhoids, rheumatism, and arthritis. Therefore, especially for middle-aged and elderly people, it is important not to sit on outdoor wood for extended periods.
Stir-fried Bean Sprouts
[Ingredients] 500g fresh bean sprouts, a few Sichuan peppercorns, vegetable oil, white vinegar, salt, and MSG to taste.
[Method] Wash the bean sprouts and drain. Heat the oil in a wok, add the peppercorns and stir-fry until fragrant. Add the bean sprouts and stir-fry over high heat for a few seconds. Pour in the white vinegar and continue stir-frying for a few minutes. Add salt and MSG before turning off the heat. Serve on a plate.
[Benefits] Clears heat and detoxifies, treats sores and carbuncles.
Vegetarian Stir-fried Tofu Skin
[Ingredients] 2 sheets of tofu skin, vegetable oil, salt, scallions, and MSG to taste.
[Method] Shred the tofu skin and wash the scallions, then shred them. Heat the oil in a wok until moderately hot (about 6 on a scale of 10). Add the shredded scallions and stir-fry until fragrant. Add the shredded tofu skin and stir-fry. Then add salt and continue stir-frying for a few minutes. Add MSG, drizzle with sesame oil, stir well, and serve.
[Benefits] Tonifies deficiency, stops sweating. Suitable for those who experience excessive sweating, spontaneous sweating, or night sweats.
Beef and Broad Stew
[Ingredients] 120g fresh or soaked broad beans, 250g lean beef, a pinch of salt, and MSG and sesame oil to taste.
[Method] Cut the beef into small pieces. Blanch the beef in boiling water for a moment, then remove and drain. Place an appropriate amount of water in a clay pot. When the water is warm, add the beef and stew until it is about 60% cooked. Add the broad beans. After bringing to a boil, reduce the heat and simmer with salt until the meat and beans are tender. Add MSG and sesame oil before serving.
[Benefits] Strengthens the spleen and promotes urination, tonifies deficiency and strengthens the body.
Watermelon and Tomato Juice
[Ingredients] Half a watermelon, 3 medium-sized tomatoes.
[Method] Peel and seed the watermelon. Blanch the tomatoes in boiling water, then peel and seed them. Juice both ingredients separately and combine the liquids. Drink as desired.
[Benefits] Clears heat, promotes the production of body fluids, and quenches thirst. Particularly suitable for those with summer colds, thirst, irritability, poor appetite, indigestion, and dark, hot urine.
Mung Bean and Rice Congee
Adding an appropriate amount of mung beans when cooking rice congee has the effects of clearing heat, relieving summer heat, and dispelling summer heat toxins. Its effect is especially significant during the scorching summer days.