Dr. Margret Holland July 2009
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Beat the Heat: Ancient Chinese Secrets
By Dr. Margret Holland, B.Sc., N.D.
Ahh, the Chinese are wise people indeed. They developed a form of medicine thousands of years ago based on observation and experiences within their environment.
Their system of medicine is based on the Yin/Yang theory, whereby all things must remain in balance. If something is too hot, it must be cooled. If too cold, it must be warmed. If too damp, dry it; too dry, moisten it. This process of balancing is nowhere more evident than in their perspectives on nutrition. In the winter herbs and foods must be eaten that support the generation of warmth in the body. In the spring when dampness is prevalent, warming and drying foods should be consumed. The summer is a time of cooling the body and maybe dissipating a bit of damp (especially important here on the coast).
Have you ever noticed how during the hot days of summer your bowel movements may have a strong odour and may be a little more difficult to pass. You feel thirsty and maybe even a little headachy. Your breath may be a little less “fresh” than you’d like. Your body odour may be stronger than normal. Perhaps your urine colour is darker. These are all signs of heat in your system. If you have some of the above symptoms along with loose stools, a heavy or dragged down feeling, abdominal bloating and/or increased perspiration then your heat invasion is coupled with dampness.
Chinese medicine would recommend that you consume the appropriate foods to cool down your body and evaporate the damp if needed. You will be amazed at how quickly you can overcome these “symptoms” of environmental influences on your body. And you will be much more tolerant of the summer heat than those around you.
The following “soups” are wonderful for addressing these imbalances. They are generally consumed during the hot days of summer for a period of 5 to 7 days. Of course if the days are cold and rainy, you will not need to drink them.
For symptoms of heat with no dampness:
1 cup mung beans, 1/8 cup yellow rock sugar (available at Fairways market in Nanaimo) and 8-10 cups water. Mix in large pot and simmer on low until the beans are very soft (may take 2-3 hours). You may strain out the beans through a coffee filter or eat them as your taste dictates. Store in the fridge and drink 1-2 cups per day for approximately 5 days.
For heat with no dampness:
Substitute mung beans with adzuki beans and prepare in the same manner.
Try it; you will be impressed in the changes in your body. Those of you who are concerned about the flatulence that often accompanies bean consumption – need not fear. These drinks do not tend to create gas.
Dr. Holland can be reached at (250) 752-2732 or #3-702 Memorial Avenue, PO Box 564, Qualicum Beach, BC. V9K 1T1.