Taiwan has experienced consecutive high temperatures since the summer. Even though autumn has arrived, the weather remains muggy. Many people feel an increase in internal heat, resulting in issues like bad breath and mouth ulcers. Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) doctor Chen Zhijia explained that "excess heat" corresponds to the heart in the Five Elements. When the weather is hot, heart fire intensifies, leading to loss of bodily fluids and an imbalance between water and fire, exacerbating internal heat.
Drink Choices: Herbal Teas to Reduce Heat
Many prefer iced water to cool down, but Dr. Chen pointed out that it enlarges the temperature difference between the inside and outside the body, preventing proper heat dissipation. He suggests herbal teas with heat-clearing and detoxifying effects, such as mint tea, white cogongrass root tea, and dendrobium tea. Mint clears heat, disperses wind, and relieves headaches and throat discomfort. White cogongrass root promotes diuresis and helps with damp-heat removal. These teas should be consumed at room temperature to harmonize internal heat and avoid adverse effects from icy drinks.
Regular hydration can also help alleviate discomfort. (Photo provided by Heho Health)
Food Choices: Heat-Reducing Ingredients
Dr. Chen recommends avoiding fried and spicy foods to reduce internal heat. He suggests medicinal ingredients like monk fruit, dried tangerine peel, and dendrobium. Monk fruit soothes the lungs, relieves coughs, and quenches thirst. Dried tangerine peel aids digestion and reduces phlegm, suitable for those with indigestion. Dendrobium nourishes yin and clears heat. Additionally, fruits like sugarcane, autumn pears, and apples help maintain a yin-yang balance.
Two Heat-Reducing Essentials: Herbal Teas and Lozenges
Dr. Chen recommends herbal drinks containing dendrobium, lemongrass, and dried tangerine peel, as they effectively cool and reduce heat. Lozenges made from mint, licorice, and honeysuckle extracts also soothe heat and refresh breath. Carrying lozenges for instant relief from dry mouth and bad breath is convenient.
5 Symptoms of Heat-Induced Discomfort. (Photo provided by Heho Health)
Maintaining a hydrated and Adjusting Diet Are Key
To reducing heat effectively, avoiding staying up late, reducing oily food intake, and regularly hydrating. By drinking herbal teas and adjusting your habits, you can stay cool and avoid discomfort caused by excess heat. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle ensures well-being and quality of life even in hot weather.
This article is authorized by Heho Health.
