Summer has heavy humidity, so eat five things to strengthen the spleen and eliminate dampness

Five Foods to Strengthen the Spleen and Remove Dampness in Summer

Summer’s humidity can leave us feeling heavy, fatigued, and bloated, as dampness disrupts digestion and energy levels. Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) emphasizes strengthening the spleen—the organ responsible for transforming dampness—to combat this. Here are five foods to help you stay balanced:

First, coix seeds (Job’s tears) are a powerhouse for draining dampness and soothing the spleen. They can be boiled into porridge or tea for a light, nourishing meal. Second, adzuki beans, known for their sweet and neutral properties, support spleen function and reduce edema. Try them in soups or sweet soups. Third, yams (especially Chinese yam) tonify the spleen and lungs, aiding fluid metabolism. Steam them or add to congee for easy digestion.

Fourth, lotus root is cooling and detoxifying, helping to clear dampness while nourishing the blood. Stir-fry it with pork or make a lotus root soup. Lastly, tangerine peels dried and brewed as tea dry dampness, regulate qi, and relieve bloating.

Incorporating these foods into your diet—like starting the day with coix seed porridge or sipping tangerine peel tea—can gently expel excess dampness, boost energy, and keep you feeling light and refreshed all summer long.