Kit Li
The summer in the UK this year has been truly exceptional. Compared with previous years, it feels as though the season has lasted much longer than usual.
I still vividly remember my first visit to London in the summer of 1996. The memory remains remarkably clear. During my stay, the hottest day reached only around 18c. Expecting a much warmer summer, I hadn't packed suitable clothing for my training. In the end, I had to make a trip to the local high street to buy a suede jacket; otherwise, I would probably have fallen ill during what was supposed to be the British summer.
Looking back now, it is fascinating to see how much the climate appears to have changed. Summers in the UK seem warmer, longer, and increasingly reminiscent of those in parts of continental Europe, a striking contrast to the cool, unpredictable summers I experienced when I first arrived three decades ago.
With this prolonged spell of hot weather, many of my patients have been presenting with remarkably similar complaints. They often tell me:
"I have no appetite at all (1) because my house is so hot. I've been drinking iced drinks throughout the day, but they're upsetting my stomach. I don't know what else to do."
Others say, "I've developed heat rashes all over my body during this hot spell, especially when my house becomes unbearably warm."
I believe that, to some extent, many of us are facing the same challenges during this exceptional summer. As relatively few homes in the UK are equipped with air conditioning, coping with prolonged heat can be particularly difficult. Conversely, those who spend long hours in air-conditioned offices may experience a different set of problems.
When cold air blows directly onto the back of your neck for prolonged periods, it may not be as harmless as it seems. From a TCM perspective, the back of the neck is one of the body's most vulnerable areas, where external pathogenic factors, particularly Wind and Cold, may enter and first affect the Taiyang meridians (the Bladder and Small Intestine channels), the body's outer defensive layer. This may contribute to neck stiffness, headaches, chills, muscle aches, or the early signs of a common cold.
Prolonged exposure to cold air may also allow Cold and Dampness to accumulate internally, potentially affecting the Spleen and Stomach and impairing their physiological functions. This may lead to poor appetite, abdominal discomfort, bloating, loose stools, indigestion, and other digestive disturbances.
Whether you're coping with excessive summer heat outdoors or spending long hours in air-conditioned environments, both extremes can challenge the body's natural balance. To help protect yourself, avoid sitting directly beneath air-conditioning vents for extended periods and, if necessary, cover the back of your neck with a light scarf, especially if you are prone to catching colds or developing neck and shoulder tension. In TCM, maintaining harmony between the external environment and the body's internal functions is an important part of staying healthy throughout the summer.
During periods of prolonged hot weather, I like to prepare a simple TCM wellness drink that helps support the digestive system while gently nourishing the body's internal organs. This combination of ingredients helps support the Spleen and Stomach functions, clear summer heat, promote the transformation and elimination of dampness, and restore digestive balance. Through harmonising the internal environment, it may also help calm the Shen and support emotional wellbeing during periods of physical stress caused by excessive heat.
The ingredients can be mixed and matched according to your individual constitution and personal preference. Drinking this beverage two or three times a week throughout the summer may help reduce the accumulation of internal heat, support healthy digestion, and maintain the body's natural balance during the warmer months.
Preparation Method (Serves 1–2 people):
Combination One: Clearing Summer Heat and Supporting Spleen Function
- Fried Mung Beans (炒绿豆) (2): 15g
- Fried Coix Seeds (炒薏苡仁) (3): 15g
- Fried Poria (炒茯苓) (4): 15g
- Fried Adzuki Beans (炒赤小豆): 15g
Combination Two: Harmonising the Spleen and Stomach
- Fried Aged Tangerine Peel (炒陈皮) (5): 3g
- Fried Yellow Millet (炒小黄米): 10g
Suggested Use:
During periods of summer heat, if you experience tiredness, a heavy sensation in the body, or discomfort associated with dampness, Combination One may be more suitable to help clear heat and support the Spleen's ability to transform and transport fluids.
If your main concern is poor appetite, bloating, or digestive discomfort, Combination Two may be a gentler choice to harmonise the Spleen and Stomach and support digestive function.
You may also combine these two formulas together to create a more balanced preparation, incorporating the benefits of both approaches to support digestion, clear summer heat, and maintain overall harmony during the warmer months.
Preparation and Storage Method:
1) For convenience, you may prepare a larger batch of the ingredients in advance.Place the ingredients into a dry pan and gently dry-roast them over low heat for approximately 15 minutes until they become slightly fragrant. Avoid using high heat to prevent burning.
2) Allow the roasted ingredients to cool completely.
3) Transfer them into a clean, dry, airtight glass jar and store in a cool, dry place.
4) When needed, take an appropriate amount of the prepared ingredients, briefly rinse them, and follow the cooking method below.
Cooking Method (Serves 1–2 people):
- Place the prepared ingredients into a pot with approximately 1000 ml of water.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for 20 - 30 minutes.
- Alternatively, place the ingredients into a heat-resistant flask, add boiling water, and allow them to steep for approximately 30 minutes to 1 hour before drinking.
Precautions:
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This roasted preparation is generally mild and gentle, making it suitable as a seasonal food therapy during warmer months to support digestion and help manage mild Dampness.
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People with a naturally cold constitution (such as frequent loose stools, cold hands and feet, or intolerance to cold drinks) may still wish to use it in moderation.
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Those with very weak digestion should start with a small amount and observe how their body responds.
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Pregnant women or individuals with specific health conditions should consult a healthcare professional before using it regularly.
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Food therapy in TCM should be adjusted according to individual constitution and needs. This preparation is intended for general wellbeing and digestive support, rather than replacing medical treatment.
This preparation method allows you to conveniently prepare and enjoy this gentle summer herbal drink throughout the warmer months, without the need to roast the ingredients each time. As individual constitutions and health conditions vary, it is recommended to consult a qualified TCM practitioner if you are unsure whether this preparation is suitable for your personal needs.
References:
1) Modern physiological research suggests that prolonged heat exposure may affect gastrointestinal function by altering hydration status, blood flow distribution, and intestinal barrier integrity: https://www.mdpi.com/2072-6643/17/3/443
2) Mung beans (绿豆) contain polyphenolic compounds that have demonstrated antioxidant activity, supporting their traditional role as a refreshing summer food.
3) Coix seeds (薏苡仁), traditionally used in TCM to support Spleen function and promote the elimination of dampness, have been studied for their bioactive compounds, including polysaccharides and flavonoids, which demonstrate potential anti-inflammatory and gut microbiota-regulating effects: Research on Coix seed as a food and medicinal resource, it's chemical components and their pharmacological activities: A review - PubMed
4) Guo Y, et al. Research progress on the pharmacological effects of Poria cocos (茯苓): a narrative update. https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/nutrition/articles/10.3389/fnut.2026.1774161
5) Aged tangerine peel (陈皮) contains flavonoids such as hesperidin, which have demonstrated antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties in experimental studies.
6) Yellow millet (小黄米) provides easily digestible carbohydrates and dietary fibre, making it a gentle food traditionally valued for supporting digestive function.
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