News
Great Heat

2026-07-24

The summer heat is here, officially ushering in the hottest time of the year. The high temperature and rain during the summer heat can easily cause fatigue, loss of appetite and other discomforts. According to traditional Chinese medicine, health care at this time focuses on clearing the heat and replenishing the qi, strengthening the spleen and reducing dampness. The diet should be light and eat less fried and hot things, so that the intestines and intestines can remain light in the heat. 

This season, we recommend the following three seasonal vegetables and one fruit, fresh and affordable:

Gurgling vegetables

It is cold in nature and sweet in taste. It can clear heat and detoxify, moisten the intestines and relieve constipation, diuresis and relieve swelling. It is a boon for clearing heat and removing dampness during the summer season. The smooth mucus of gizzards comes from water-soluble dietary fiber and contains plant gums and pectins that help lower cholesterol and blood pressure and are suitable for diabetics. Its calcium content is better than that of milk, so it is suitable for the whole family.

Vegan recipes: stir-fried vegetables with garlic, dipped vegetables in broth, and tofu soup with shredded ginger

 Mustard greens

It is warm in nature and pungent in taste. It can clear the lungs and reduce phlegm, warm the middle and dispel cold. It is suitable for the accumulation of cold air caused by long-term exposure to air-conditioned environment during the summer season. Rich in vitamin C and calcium, it has a strong antioxidant effect that helps fight the consumption of the body by the scorching summer heat. Cooking with tofu neutralizes its spiciness and has a milder taste.

Vegan Recipes: Mustard Tofu Vegetarian Soup, Ginger Juice Stir-fried Mustard, Pumpkin Baked Mustard

Cucumber

It is cool in nature and sweet in taste, clearing heat and diuresis, relieving heat and promoting fluid production. It is the most refreshing dish to relieve the heat on the summer table. The extremely high water content has a natural hydrating effect; its propylene glycol acid further helps inhibit the conversion of sugar into fat, making it an ideal choice for a summer light meal. It can be eaten raw, cold or stir-fried. The method is flexible.

Vegan Recipe: Cool Sesame Cucumber, Cucumber Stir-fried Mulberry, Garlic Cucumber Vegetarian Soup

 Longan

The summer heat is in season, sweet and fragrant. It is warm in nature and sweet in taste. It can nourish qi and blood, soothe the mind and calm the mind. It is suitable for people who feel tired and have poor sleep due to the exhaustion of qi due to summer heat. Cooked with silver fungus or lotus seeds, it is the most heartwarming dessert choice during the summer. However, it is warm in nature. It is not advisable to eat too much at one time.

Which is your favorite to cook? Comment to share your private recipe for cooling off!

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