Although the monitor showed a temperature of 17c and the humidity at 81% over the past two mornings, I was surprised to wake up with a dry throat, and I noticed some peeling skin. When I checked the Chinese lunar calendar and realised that yesterday marked the beginning of the Middle Fu (Zhongfu), the second phase of Sanfu Days, which lasts from 30 July to 08 August. Traditionally, this period is known for intense heat and humidity, but here in the UK, it feels like Summer is already fading.
In my earlier blog post, Sanfu Days Wellness Guide: Nourishing Qi & Cooling Heat with TCM Wisdom, I shared Chinese Herbal Tea suggestions suitable for hot and high humidity weather. However, due to the differences in geographical climate and regions, I adapted my approach today and prepared a soothing tea with Monkfruit (Siraitia grosvenorii, 罗汉果) to help nourish the lungs and moisten dryness.
Monk Fruit, Maimendong and Dried Figs Tea
Ingredients:
Monkfruit (Siraitia grosvenorii, 罗汉果) 1/4 of the whole one
Maimendong (Radix Ophiopogonis, 麦冬) 10g
Dried Figs (Carica, 无花果干) 3-5 pieces
Method: Boil all ingredients in 2 Litres of water for 20 minutes, 2 -3 times during the Middle Fu or until the dry throat subsides, preferably warm.
This tea is mildly sweet, hydrating, and ideal for supporting the lungs, especially during this unexpected shift in seasonal energy.
Monkfruit*, Maimendong*, and Dried Figs* are often combined during the mid-summer season to help clear heat, moisten the lungs, and generate body fluids to relieve thirst. All three ingredients have the effect of clearing heat and moistening dryness, making them especially suitable for the hot and humid mid-summer period, or for symptoms such as dry mouth, sore throat, and coughing caused by yin-deficiency and internal heat.
Special benefits:
Monkfruit: sweet and cool in nature, it clears heat, moistens the lungs, relieves cough, and helps with bowel movement.
Maimendong: sweet and slightly cold, it nourishes yin and moistens the lungs, benefits the stomach and promotes fluid production, and helps clear irritability.
Dried Figs: sweet and neutral, it clears heat, generates fluids, moistens the lungs to relieve cough, and aids digestion and intestinal health. Dosage and combination can be adjusted according to personal taste.
Precautions:
- People with a cold constitution, for instance, those prone to diarrhoea, should reduce the frequency of drinking the tea, or add ginger to the mix.
- The tea is NOT suitable for those with cold-type coughs, for instance, clear phlegm and nasal congestion.
- Pregnant women or people severe diabetes should consult a qualified Chinese Practitioner before consuming.
References:
What is Monkfruit: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Siraitia_grosvenorii
The Fruits of Siraitia grosvenorii: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6903776/
A Chinese classical prescription Maimendong decoction in treatment of pulmonary fibrosis:
Dried Figs: https://www.organicfacts.net/dried-figs.html
No comments:
Post a Comment