Da Shu (大暑): Major Heat and the “prevention mindset” of summer

There's an interesting seasonal concept (especially if you deal with chronic issues) in Chinese medicine called 冬病夏治 (Dōng Bìng Xià Zhì) — “treat winter diseases in summer.”

TCM is always looking ahead, not only at the symptoms right now — and never in isolation. Nature’s peak Yang energy (sweltering and frustrating as it is) can be harnessed to support the body before the colder, wetter months trigger your weak spots.

And for this solar term’s illustration: a pair of quails. Like in the Xiao Shu post, they’re traditionally linked with 安 (Ān) — inner peace — a cue to build calm on purpose, even when life (and the weather) is blazing hot.

So yes — it’s hot (extremely so). Yet it isn't just about surviving today’s weather with an iced drink under the aircon vent or worse, soaking yourself in an ice bath right after a midday run…

Here’s a gentle invitation to ask: what seems to act up for you in “winter”?

What are winter diseases in TCM?

Winter ailments are most strongly associated with Yang deficiency, and can also involve Blood Stagnation, plus Internal Dryness / Yin deficiency (depending on the person). While Singapore doesn’t get as cold, there is still a shift in energy (and an extended year-end trip to somewhere literally cold OR being under the air-conditioning vent can also be a trigger).

In practical terms, you might notice:

• you catch colds easily or your allergies act up (respiratory resilience + lacking Wei Qi)
• achy joints, especially when it rains or humidity spikes (Dampness + circulation issues)
• chronic loose stools, especially after raw foods or iced drinks (Spleen “weakness” + cold weakening digestion)

Why drink warm tea in the hottest days of summer?

Dong Bing Xia Zhi goes beyond the realm of the clinic - your lifestyle plays a large part too. (Did you know that TCM doctors used to get paid when patients were healthy, not for treating symptoms?)

Anyway, traditional summer practice is 三伏贴 (Sān Fú Tiē), which you can explore with a qualified TCM clinic. But the everyday version is simpler: go beyond chasing instant cold relief — use summer warmth to gently support digestion, circulation, and resilience.

Here are some recipes and ingredients to support you through the Da Shu solar term:

Quick Recipe: Beloved Mung Bean Soup (绿豆汤) — for sticky, humid “Damp‑Heat” days (2–4 servings)

A classic summer comfort for when you feel hot + heavy:

• mung bean is traditionally used to clear Heat (without adding dampness)
• the soup format keeps it gentle and hydrating
• if you tend to run cold (loose stools, literally feel cold easily), consider red beans instead

Ingredients:

• ½ cup mung beans, rinsed
• ½ cup Chinese barley, rinsed
• 5–6 cups water
• Optional: a small piece of dried tangerine peel (chen pi) for aroma (skip if it doesn’t suit you)

1. Soak mung beans 30–60 min if you want faster cooking (optional).
2. Simmer 25–40 min until soft and the soup turns lightly green.
3. Cool slightly; drink warm or room-temp.

Watch out for how it’s prepared! While add-ons like sugar, sago, and coconut milk are common in Singapore — these are considered ingredients that add dampness and may ironically increase Damp-Heat further.

Damp-Heat commonly expresses itself like this:

• pus-filled, inflamed acne, oily skin & hair
• sticky, foul-smelling stool
• thirst without a desire to drink
• dull heavy body & joint sensation

Quick Recipe: Ginger + Red Date Tea (姜枣茶) — for a chilly digestive tract (2-3 servings)

If you relate to having symptoms that flared up in the winter, try this recipe to counteract some of your usual habits. To add ice to snow, I personally remember the routine of blazing sun to freezing office, iced coffee, and loose stools often.

• ginger warms the middle and supports circulation
• red dates are traditionally used to gently support Qi

Ingredients:

• 4–6 slices fresh ginger (adjust to taste)
• 3–5 red dates (jujube / 红枣), lightly crushed or sliced
• 2–3 cups water

1. Steep in boiling water 10–15 min (optional: simmering brings out more flavour) OR microwave on low for 5 minutes
2. Drink warm (if you can!!)

Consider this if you keep reaching for iced drinks but know you have cold symptoms — it scratches the “I need something” itch while putting Yang back in your body.

Remember to look ahead to future-proof your health in Winter in Peak Summer.