Lip sores, a sore throat, and constipation are symptoms that the common people call "internal heat". In winter, the weather becomes even drier and colder, so it's important to eat more moistening, clearing, and nourishing foods to nourish the body and expel dry heat.
Lily Bean Milk
Dryness in the mouth and nose, and a dry cough with no phlegm are all signs of lung dryness. Carrots, pumpkin, white radish, spinach, tremella, and lilies are all good ingredients for protecting the lungs. Buy some dried lilies from the supermarket, soak them with soybeans, then blend them into milk for a unique flavor. Note that nuts are high in calories and not conducive to clearing the lungs and moistening dryness. Moreover, some nuts are roasted and processed, containing more salt or sugar, so they should not be eaten in excess.
Radish and Lotus Root Juice
White radish, pear, and lotus root all have the effects of moistening the lungs, expelling phlegm, promoting fluid production, and stopping coughs. Combining the three is very effective for preventing dryness and expelling fire. Prepare 100 grams of white radish, 100 grams of lotus root, and 1 pear. First, wash and cut the white radish and lotus root into strips, wash the pear, remove the core and chop it, then put them all in a juicer to juice (no water needed). Then, adjust the taste to your liking with honey. Drink it fresh, twice a day.
Chrysanthemum and Mint Tea
For "liver fire" symptoms such as red, swollen, and painful eyes, accompanied by dizziness, a heavy head, a bitter taste in the mouth, a dry throat, a red face, and irritability, you can try steeping 10 grams of chrysanthemum, 5 grams of honeysuckle, and 3 grams of mint in boiling water to drink. This can clear the liver and brighten the eyes.
Plum and Ophiopogon Tea
Some people are prone to "internal heat" and experience it after eating fried foods, spicy food, biscuits, or dried fruits. At this time, it's not just about "reducing the fire," but more importantly, nourishing yin, because their "fire" is often caused by yin deficiency. You can use plum and ophiopogon to make tea. The combination of these two herbs, one sour and one sweet, perfectly embodies the TCM principle of "sour and sweet transforming into yin," which can generate yin fluid to nourish yin.
Monk Fruit Tea
Steep 2-3 monk fruits (shelled) and 1 bullfrog in boiling water. Add an appropriate amount of rock sugar or honey and drink. It can clear the stomach and cool the blood, and is very effective for symptoms like red, swollen, and painful gums, bad breath, a preference for cold drinks, a red tongue with a yellow coating.