Summer heat is a specific disease in infants and young children, especially common in infants aged 6 months to 2 years. The main symptoms include persistent fever, thirst, excessive drinking, frequent urination, sweating or reduced sweating. The occurrence of this disease is closely related to the climate. Generally, the onset is concentrated in the months of June, July, and August. The symptoms naturally subside after the cool autumn. Some children may have continuous episodes for several years, but the symptoms are milder and the duration of the illness is shorter during relapses.
Children have delicate organs and weak yin-yang balance, and their body's regulatory functions are not fully developed. Therefore, they are susceptible to the invasion of summer heat. After the onset of summer, attention should be paid to the child's diet and nutrition, strengthening their physique, and ensuring good ventilation and coolness in the living environment. The use of appropriate herbal foot baths can effectively prevent and treat this disease.
Lu Gen Sheng Di Fang (Reed Root and Raw Rehmannia Decoction) 50g reed root, 50g raw rehmannia, 100g watermelon rind. Wash the reed root and cut it into sections; cleanse the raw rehmannia; wash the watermelon rind and cut it into pieces. Put them together in a medicine pot, add an appropriate amount of water, soak for 15 minutes, then boil on high heat for 5 minutes and simmer on low heat. Pour the medicinal liquid into a bathtub, wait for it to cool to an appropriate temperature, and then soak the feet for 15-20 minutes, twice a day, for 7-10 consecutive days. This formula can clear heat, nourish qi, and nourish yin. It is suitable for children with summer heat who have fever, thirst, and frequent urination.
Er Xiang Pei Lan Fang (Perilla and Perilla Leaf Decoction) 30g perilla, 30g patchouli, 30g perilla leaf, 30g balloonflower, 30g mulberry leaf, 30g dandelion, 30g honeysuckle, 30g plantain. Soak the herbs for 15 minutes, decoct them in water, and pour the decoction into a bathtub. Wait for the temperature to be suitable, then soak the feet for 10-15 minutes, twice a day, for one course of treatment lasting 7 days. This formula can clear heat, nourish qi, and nourish yin. It is suitable for children with summer heat who have low sweat, dry and red lips, and red throat.
Dang Shen Sheng Ma Fang (Codonopsis and Cimicifuga Decoction) 10g codonopsis, 10g cimicifuga, 10g astragalus. Soak the herbs for 15 minutes, boil on high heat for 5 minutes, then pour the medicinal liquid into a bathtub. Wait for it to cool to an appropriate temperature, and then soak the feet for 15-20 minutes, twice a day, for 7-10 consecutive days. This formula can tonify the spleen, replenish qi, and relieve heat. It is suitable for children with summer heat who have fluctuating fever, pale complexion, shortness of breath, and reluctant to speak.
Qi Zhu Xiang Lan Fang (Astragalus and Atractylodes Decoction) 15g astragalus, 15g atractylodes, 15g patchouli, 15g perilla. Soak the herbs for 15 minutes, boil on high heat for 5 minutes, then pour the medicinal liquid into a bathtub. Wait for it to cool to an appropriate temperature, and then soak the feet for 15-20 minutes, twice a day, for 7-10 consecutive days. This formula can tonify the spleen, replenish qi, and relieve heat. It is suitable for children with summer heat who have prolonged illness, occasional fever, shortness of breath, weakness in limbs, poor appetite, thirst, and frequent clear urination and loose stools.
Fu Pian Hua Fen Fang (Bletilla and Pollen Decoction) 10g bletilla, 10g pollen, 10g baical skullcap root. Soak the herbs for 15 minutes, boil on high heat for 5 minutes, then pour the medicinal liquid into a bathtub. Wait for it to cool to an appropriate temperature, and then soak the feet for 15-20 minutes, twice a day, for 7-10 consecutive days. This formula can warm the lower body, clear the upper body, and nourish yin. It is suitable for children with summer heat who have fever, thirst, excessive drinking, and frequent urination.
Er Zi Er Shao Wu Mei Fang (Rubus, Dodder, Morus Stalk, Sea Cucumber, Wu Mei Decoction) 30g raspberry, 30g dodder, 30g mulberry stalk, 30g sea cucumber, 30g wu mei. Soak the herbs for 15 minutes, boil on high heat for 5 minutes, then pour the medicinal liquid into a bathtub. Wait for it to cool to an appropriate temperature, and then soak the feet for 15-20 minutes, twice a day, for 7-10 consecutive days. This formula can warm the lower body, clear the upper body, and nourish yin. It is suitable for children with summer heat who have low-grade fever, thirst, restlessness, pale complexion, cold lower limbs, decreased appetite, frequent clear urination, and thin stools.
