These four things should not be missed for a short period of heat preservation

## Four Essential Foods for Minor Heat Wellness

As Minor Heat (Xiao Shu) arrives, sweltering heat and rising humidity challenge our bodies Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) emphasizes nourishing yin and clearing heat during this period. Four natural remedies stand out for their cooling and health-boosting properties.

Lily bulb, or Baihe, is a top choice. This sweet, slightly cool ingredient moistens the lungs, soothes the throat, and calms the mind—ideal for summer dryness and irritability. Try it in soups or steamed dishes with rock sugar.

Mung beans, beloved in TCM, are potent heat-clearers. Their high vitamin content and diuretic effects help flush toxins and reduce internal dampness. A simple mung bean soup with a pinch of salt makes for a refreshing daily drink.

Duck meat, a "cooling" protein, balances the body’s heat better than chicken or lamb. Its rich nutrients and moist quality support digestion and prevent summer "heatiness." Braised with ginger and lotus root, it becomes a light yet nutritious meal.

Finally, lotus root strengthens the spleen and stops diarrhea, common issues when dampness disrupts digestion. Stir-fry it with black fungus or simmer it in pork bone soup for a fiber-rich, gut-friendly dish.

Incorporating these four foods—lily bulb, mung beans, duck, and lotus root—helps beat the summer heat while staying healthy. Nature’s remedies, as always, know best.