Prepare for Summer Heat
Dizziness, headache, nausea, shortness of breath, and confusion are common symptoms during summer. If not promptly treated, they may lead to full-body convulsions or coma—heatstroke. Without timely intervention, heatstroke victims are prone to post-heatstroke complications resembling stroke, and in severe cases, life-threatening situations may arise.
Prevention and treatment of heatstroke require not only learning first aid techniques but also drinking cooling and diuretic decoctions for effective prevention.
First Aid Methods: Move the unconscious heatstroke victim to a cool, shaded area—this prevents further temperature rise and facilitates heat dissipation. Then give them plain water or dilute salt water to replenish fluids lost through excessive sweating. The patient will soon regain consciousness. If, after waking, they feel numbness in limbs, immediately apply acupressure. For hand numbness: press the Hegu point (at the junction of thumb and index finger), Quchi point (at elbow), and Zhi Ze point (on the inner forearm). For foot numbness: press Yongquan point (center of sole) or Kunlun point (behind ankle).
In addition to the above measures, the following three cooling and diuretic decoctions can also relieve summer heat.
Cooling and Dampness-Removing Decoction: Briefly rinse winter melon (with skin), fresh lotus leaf, red adzuki beans, and winged beans. Place in boiling clear water, boil over high heat for 20 minutes, then simmer over low heat for two and a half hours before drinking.
Relaxing and Circulating Decoction: Remove roots from oyster mushrooms, wash and cut into pieces; soak kelp in cold water until soft, wash and shred finely; soak shrimp roe in warm water to rehydrate. Place pan on stove, add chicken oil, scallions, and ginger slices, stir-fry until fragrant. Add cooking wine, chicken broth, and other seasonings, plus oyster mushroom pieces, kelp strips, and shrimp roe. Boil, then simmer gently until flavorful. Serve in a bowl.
Heat-Relieving Decoction: Slice fresh lily and winter melon thinly, then