Summer (Fire) is the season for growth, joy and spiritual awareness. With the heat rising, it is important to restore and maintain normal levels of yang as well as to balance the yin with cooling influences and foods.
The external influences of heat and dampness are common in summer causing the body to be sweatier, thirstier, and more irritable (and tired).
If there is an excess of yang heart Qi the diet should emphasis the consumption of lighter grains, cooking styles (steaming locks in the vitamins, minerals and enzymes) and cooler foods. For example, consume salads, green and white tea, light leafy green vegetables, sprouts and tofu. Fruit will stimulate the appetite and provide fluids. Heavy, oily, salty, baked, sweet, spicy foods should be avoided along with little or no alcohol
In the very hot summer months it is tempting to consume really cold foods and beverages like ice cream and iced drinks. These elements will introduce too much coldness into the system and weaken the digestive system. The coldness will also slow down perspiration which inturn traps heat inside unnaturally.
Some nourishing foods for summer includes Lychees, watermelon, dandelion greens, peanuts, cherries, red lentils, nasturtium leaves, radish, rhubarb, Longan berry (dragon eye), oily fish and red dates.
Spices like ginger, chilli and cayenne will stimulate perspiration. Bitter foods are healing foods for the fire element so dandelion or nasturtium leaves (boosts immune system) can be added to salads.
See also:
Summer Energetics
Summer and Heart Qi
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