Ginger Tea to Combat Summer-heat

The end of summer is generally the hottest and most humid time of the year. In Chinese medicine summer-heat and dampness can cause pathogenic symptoms in the body including a heavy sensation in the head or the whole body, indigestion, fatigue, nausea and diarrhea.

Summer heat draws blood away from the gut to the surface to the skin to help the body cool down. Unfortunately this leaves us susceptible to poor digestion and diarrhea.

Many cultures around the world know to ingest warm and spicy foods and drinks in hot and humid weather to combat the effects of summer-heat and dampness. Think about the spices used in Mexican and Indian cuisine.

A best practice is to drink ginger tea in the morning. Ginger tea draws blood flow back to the gut to aid in digestion. The warm drink with dilate the blood vessels helping you to stay cool.

How to make ginger tea : Slice a knob of fresh ginger, about the width of your pinky finger, and boil in water for about 10 minutes. Drink in the morning for best results. Add a little honey or lemon to taste.

Stay cool my friends!