Summer is officially here, and you can feel it everywhere—longer days, sunshine, and that heat that just screams for ice-cold drinks.
But here’s the thing: in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), cooling off isn’t just about chugging ice water. It’s actually about internal balance—using foods that naturally help you feel light, refreshed, and grounded through the summer heat. Let’s dive into some TCM-approved habits that can make your summer not just bearable, but truly joyful.
The TCM Take on Summer: Managing the Fire
In TCM, summer is the peak of Yang energy. It’s hot, active, and outward-focused. To stay balanced, we need to match that “Fire” with foods that are hydrating and “cooling” in nature.
The organ associated with summer is the Heart, often called the “Emperor” of all organs. The Heart governs blood circulation and houses the Shen—your mind and spirit.
When out of balance (too much Heat), you might feel restless, irritable, or struggle with insomnia and night sweats. When in balance, you feel joyful, calm, and connected.
Summer also corresponds to the Fire element. Think of it like a campfire: it fuels creativity and passion, but if it burns too hot, it leaves you feeling frazzled and drained. Our goal this season is to keep that fire in check by eating foods that “clear heat” while supporting the Heart’s energy flow.
On the flip side, summer is the best time to embrace movement and fresh air. Laughing, spending time by the water, and connecting with loved ones are all ways to nourish your Heart. It’s about finding the “Soul” in the season.
Why Cold Ice Water Isn’t the Best Choice
While it might feel refreshing to gulp down an ice-cold drink on a scorching summer day, TCM actually advises against it—and here’s why.
In TCM, your internal balance thrives on “digestive fire.” Cold drinks, especially those filled with ice, can shock your system and slow down the natural flow of energy (Qi). Imagine throwing a bucket of ice water onto a warm campfire—that is essentially what happens to your digestion. Cold constricts the blood vessels and forces your body to work overtime just to bring that liquid back up to body temperature.
This “digestive shock” can lead to:
Weakened Spleen and Stomach, the two organs TCM identifies as the “engine” for energy production.
Bloating and discomfort after meals.
Sluggishness and energy dips.
The Simply Salt and Soul Solution: Instead of ice-cold water, opt for room-temperature or lightly chilled water. To keep it interesting, try water infused with fresh mint or cucumber—both are “cooling” by nature, so they refresh your body without dousing your internal fire.
Foods to Embrace
Here’s a list of summer-friendly foods to keep you feeling your best:
1. Watermelon 🍉
This one’s a no-brainer. Sweet, hydrating, and ridiculously cooling, watermelon is TCM’s go-to for summer heat. It helps replenish fluids and ease that sluggish, overheated feeling.
2. Cucumber 🥒
Ever heard the phrase “cool as a cucumber”? It’s true! Cucumber is perfect for reducing internal heat. Slice it into salads or just munch on it plain—easy and refreshing.
3. Mung Beans
Not as common in Western kitchens, but mung beans are amazing for clearing heat and toxins. You can make a cooling mung bean soup or brew a light tea with them.
4. Bitter Melon
Okay, I’ll admit, this one’s an acquired taste. But if you’re up for it, bitter melon is a powerhouse for clearing heat and boosting digestion. Stir-fry it or try it in a soup.
5. Leafy Greens
Spinach, bok choy, and lettuce are light and cooling. They’re great in salads or quick sautés to keep things fresh.
6. Mint
Add mint to your drinks, desserts, or dishes for a burst of coolness. It’s also great for digestion—win-win!
7. Fruits Like Pears and Peaches
These juicy fruits hydrate and nourish yin energy, helping to balance summer’s intense yang heat.
8. Chrysanthemum Tea
If you’re feeling overheated, chrysanthemum tea is like a little hug for your insides. It’s cooling, calming, and great for your eyes too!
Summer definitely isn’t the time for heavy, greasy, or overly spicy foods. While a BBQ sounds tempting, excessive red meat and deep-fried snacks can actually trap “damp heat” in your body, leaving you feeling sluggish, bloated, and even more sensitive to the temperature. Instead, keep your energy flowing by choosing lighter meals. Think of clear broths, lightly grilled vegetables, and hydrating fruits.
While we love a big summer salad, TCM suggests that too many raw cold veggies can actually weaken your digestion. Try lightly steaming or blanching your greens—they stay crisp and refreshing but are much kinder to your stomach.
Staying hydrated is your #1 priority, but you don’t have to stick to plain water. Infuse your water with cooling herbs like mint or fruits like cucumber and strawberry. These add a boost of natural nutrients and make reaching your hydration goals feel like a treat.
While the sun’s warmth is energizing, the “Emperor” (your Heart) needs protection from the extreme. Try to avoid direct exposure during peak hours (11 AM to 3 PM) and choose breathable, natural fabrics like linen or cotton.
In TCM, excessive heat doesn’t just cause sunburn; it leads to “Heat Stroke” patterns like skin rashes, irritability, and “Shen” (spirit) restlessness. Take the “Exhale” moments seriously—seek the shade and give your body a chance to regulate.
Simply Salt & Soul Tips
The Salt (The Science): In TCM, your “digestive fire” (the Spleen/Stomach) acts like a biological furnace that operates optimally at body temperature. When we gulp down ice-cold drinks, we trigger vasoconstriction, causing blood vessels to tighten and shocking the digestive system. This drops the internal temperature below the threshold where enzymes can efficiently break down food, leading to bloating and low energy. By opting for room-temperature water infused with cooling botanicals like mint or cucumber, you’re utilizing thermal properties rather than physical temperature to clear internal heat without dousing your metabolic fire.
The Soul (The Wellness): Summer is the season of the Heart, which houses the Shen (your spirit). When the external heat becomes overwhelming, it often shows up as mental restlessness, irritability, or “burnout.” Wellness this season is about nourishing the Emperor—finding moments of stillness to quiet the noise. Whether it’s choosing a slow evening walk over a high-intensity workout or enjoying a slice of watermelon in the shade, you are honouring your body’s need for “Yin” rest amidst the “Yang” heat. Remember: laughter and connection are the Heart’s favourite medicines.