Simple Dietary Methods to Clear Heat
When under work stress or with irregular lifestyles, one is prone to "internal heat." Experts warn citizens: besides maintaining a scientific lifestyle, one should also consume foods that clear heat, or take medication under doctor’s guidance—never self-medicate.
Physiological Imbalance Leads to "Internal Heat"
"Internal heat" results from organ disharmony, medically termed stress-related illness. Due to significant temperature differences between morning and evening in autumn, the body struggles to maintain metabolic balance and stability, leading to physiological dysfunction and "internal heat."
Typically, people show no obvious symptoms before "internal heat" develops, but afterward, symptoms include dry, sore throat, red, dry eyes, hot, burning nasal passages, cracked lips, poor appetite, hard stools, dark urine, and severe cases may involve mouth ulcers, swollen throats, affecting normal eating. Some women may develop painful, red acne due to excessive "fire," disrupting daily life and work.
Healthy Lifestyle and More Vegetables and Fruits
Experts advise avoiding "internal heat" by maintaining a scientific routine: regular sleep, fixed mealtimes, no skipping meals due to time constraints, nor overeating for a feast. Activities should be balanced and moderate, ensuring adequate sleep and avoiding late nights to prevent exhaustion and weakened immunity.
Second, eat more "heat-clearing" foods: fresh leafy greens, cucumbers, oranges, green tea, all effective in clearing heat. Carrots also help replenish vitamin B and prevent chapped lips. Additionally, oral cooling powders like Xia Sang Ju Powder or Jin Ju Powder are effective for clearing heat.
During "internal heat," avoid spicy foods, alcohol, smoking, and staying up late. Maintain oral hygiene, rinse mouth frequently, drink plenty of water, and take heat-clearing medications under medical supervision. If symptoms persist for over a week without improvement, seek medical attention promptly. Experts particularly caution against self-medicating with "heat-clearing" drugs, as overuse may backfire.
Adjusting emotions is equally important. Anxiety fuels "fire"; maintaining a calm mood helps regulate internal "heat."
Additionally, if mouth ulcers are severe and last over a week without improvement, see a doctor promptly. Mouth ulcers aren’t always due to "excessive fire"—they could result from viral infection, hormonal imbalances, or genetic factors. Mouth ulcers are also signs of weakened body. If you feel fatigued alongside ulcers, check whether your nutrition is balanced, sleep is sufficient, and consider supplementing vitamins and minerals appropriately.
Dietary Therapy to Clear Heat
Loofah and Ginger for Heat Clearance
If you notice signs of "internal heat," act quickly with heat-clearing measures. Below are several dietary methods:
Throat Dryness and Hoarseness:
Drink diluted salt water or orange peel sugar tea.
Swollen Throat:
Crush tender loofah, extract juice, and gargle frequently. Rinse with a mixture of equal parts vinegar and water to relieve pain. Swish with one spoonful of soy sauce for about one minute, spit out, repeat 3–4 times.
Mouth Blisters:
Chew several slices of ginger slowly—blisters will gradually disappear. Chew 1–2 cloves of garlic or garlic leaves raw—the blisters will vanish gradually.
Cough with Phlegm:
Use 10 grams of mulberry bark, 5 grams each of licorice and bamboo leaves. Wash, place in a pot, add water, and simmer for consumption—effective for morning phlegm.
Chop one piece of ginger finely, crack one egg, and add a little sesame oil. Fry like a sunny-side-up egg, consume while hot, twice daily.
Thirsty Mouth and Tongue:
Bai He Xing Ren Pi Pa Porridge: 20 grams of pear, 12 grams of apricot kernel, 15 grams of lily, 20 grams of loquat, 50 grams of glutinous rice, and a little honey. Wash and boil lily, apricot kernel, and rice over high heat, stirring continuously. When grains begin to swell and blend into a smooth consistency, reduce heat. Prepare other ingredients: peel and dice pear, cut loquat into small pieces, add loquat, stir briefly, then add pear, continue stirring while simmering. Once porridge is ready, transfer to a bowl, cool slightly, then add honey before consuming.