Wisdom of Medicinal Foods to Beat Summer Fatigue: Balancing Your Body Naturally — What Should You Eat to Prevent Summer Fatigue?
As the hot days continue, have you found yourself reaching for cold drinks or spending long hours in air-conditioned rooms, only to feel sluggish, lose your appetite, or wake up feeling unrested? These may be signs of what is commonly called "summer fatigue."
In Traditional Eastern Medicine, summer fatigue is viewed as a state where the "heart" and "Qi" (energy) become depleted.
During summer, heavy sweating causes loss of vital energy inside the body, and consuming cold drinks or staying in cool environments can chill the stomach and intestines, leading to a deficiency of internal Qi. Additionally, feelings of irritability or shallow sleep indicate that the heart is tired.
Medicinal Foods Effective Against Summer Fatigue
Jujube (Natsume)
Known in China as "Three jujubes a day keep the doctor away," this fruit has long been used to maintain health. In medicinal cuisine, it is known for its “nourishing blood and calming the mind” properties.
Jujube supports recovery from fatigue, improves sleep quality, and helps regulate menstrual cycles. Its natural sweetness is gentle on the stomach, and it is rich in iron, potassium, dietary fiber, and other nutrients.
Goji Berries (Kuko no Mi)
These small red berries are a superfood packed with nutrition. In medicinal food therapy, they are used to "support liver and kidneys and improve eyesight."
Goji berries are particularly helpful for those experiencing eye strain from computers or smartphones, hormonal imbalances, or concerns about skin and hair moisture. They are rich in beta-carotene, vitamin C, iron, zinc, and lutein, and have strong antioxidant effects. They are also recognized as an excellent natural internal UV protection during the sunny summer months.
Lotus Seeds (Hasu no Mi)
Harvested when lotus flowers bloom, lotus seeds have long been used as a tonic and to promote restful sleep. In medicinal cuisine, they are known for their “nourishing the heart and calming the mind” effects.
They help alleviate anxiety and insomnia, calm the mind, and have a cooling effect that reduces excess internal heat, making them suitable for easing irritability and restless nights. They offer a mildly sweet taste and a unique chewy texture while being gentle on digestion.
Incorporate Seasonal Ingredients Too
A core principle of medicinal cuisine is to eat seasonal foods, which naturally support the body’s needs for each time of year.
Cucumber: Helps expel excess body heat and reduce swelling. To avoid excessive cooling, enjoy it in soups or pickles.
Job’s Tears (Hatomugi): Removes dampness from the body and supports improvement in skin issues and fatigue. Easy to consume by cooking it with rice.
Aromatic Vegetables (Shiso, Myoga, Ginger): Promote the smooth flow of Qi and stimulate appetite even when it is low, thanks to their refreshing aromas.
In Summary
The heat of summer and exposure to air conditioning silently burden your body and can lead to summer fatigue.
Instead of relying on iced coffee or sugary snacks, why not start incorporating medicinal foods with natural sweetness and seasonal ingredients to nourish your body from within?
Taking care of yourself gently without overdoing it is key to enjoying a healthy and vibrant summer.
By gradually embracing the wisdom of medicinal foods every day, let’s get through this summer feeling well and balanced.
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