As soon as the Rain Water solar term arrives, the rain comes as expected. With the rise in temperature, we can tangibly feel the arrival of spring. So, how should we maintain our health during the Rain Water solar term? In terms of diet, experts from "I Love I Buy" recommend reducing sour foods and increasing sweet ones, and eating less lamb and dog meat to prevent "heatiness".
Rain Water Diet: Nourish the Spleen and Stomach to Prevent Heatiness
Nourishing the Spleen is Key in Rain Water: Eat Less Sour, More Sweet
The Tang dynasty "King of Medicine," Sun Simiao, said: "In spring, it is advisable to reduce sour foods and increase sweet ones to nourish the spleen." During the Rain Water solar term, nourishing the spleen is most important, so one should eat less sour food and more sweet food. After the Beginning of Spring, spring officially begins. Spring is the season when the Liver-Wood energy ascends. According to Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), in the Five Elements theory, an excess of one element can overcome the element it normally controls. When the Wood energy is too strong, it overcomes Earth. Therefore, people's spleen and stomach functions can be more easily affected in spring, so it is important to nourish the spleen.
Sweet foods are good for nourishing the spleen, so it's beneficial to eat more of them, such as Chinese yam, taro, Poria cocos, and sugarcane. Recommended soups and congees for strengthening the spleen include: Chinese Yam Congee, Chestnut Congee, Peanut Congee, Job's Tears Congee, and Daylily Soup. Sour foods help the Liver-Wood energy grow, so generally, one should eat less of them.
Rain Water Diet: Nourish the Spleen and Stomach to Prevent Heatiness
Prevent Heatiness in Rain Water: Eat Less Lamb and Dog Meat
Logically, during the Rain Water solar term with abundant rainfall, it should be difficult for people to suffer from "heatiness." However, doctors remind us that preventing "heatiness" is especially important during this time.
During the Rain Water solar term, the weather gradually turns warmer, but mornings and evenings are still quite cold. The pathogenic "wind" factor increases, and people are prone to symptoms like a dry mouth, tongue sores, and oral ulcers, which are commonly known as "heatiness." Therefore, during this period, one should eat more fresh vegetables and fruits to supplement the body's moisture. Spinach and chives are good vegetable choices. It is also best to avoid greasy foods. For dietary therapy, congee is highly recommended. You can make lotus seed congee, Chinese yam congee, or red date congee. During this season, it is advisable to eat less "warming" foods like lamb and dog meat.