While not everyone may have a detailed understanding of damp heat, it is possible to roughly determine one's own constitution. In hot summer weather, individuals with a damp heat constitution may experience discomfort. Many people choose to drink honey water to alleviate these symptoms. But does drinking honey water actually help regulate damp heat, or does it have the opposite effect?
Can individuals with a damp heat constitution drink honey water?
Yes, individuals with a damp heat constitution can drink honey water!
People with a damp heat constitution experience the accumulation of dampness and heat in the body, leading to discomfort. Honey has the effect of clearing heat and moisturizing dryness. It can alleviate liver fire caused by damp heat and regulate intestinal discomfort caused by damp heat. By improving blood pressure, honey also maintains the function of the cardiovascular system, relieving symptoms of chest tightness caused by damp heat. Therefore, overall, individuals with a damp heat constitution can drink honey water.
Benefits of drinking honey water for individuals with a damp heat constitution
Clearing heat and moisturizing dryness
One of the symptoms caused by damp heat in the body is a discomfort in the throat and a difficulty in coughing up phlegm. Honey can moisturize and clear heat, making it suitable for treating dry cough and throat discomfort caused by damp heat.
Nourishing the spleen and replenishing qi and blood
One of the main reasons for the formation of a damp heat constitution is the stagnation of the spleen and stomach, preventing the proper transformation of water and dampness in the body. Honey can nourish the spleen and regulate the digestive system, addressing the root cause of a damp heat constitution. Additionally, honey can replenish qi and blood, alleviating the heavy limbs symptoms experienced by individuals with a damp heat constitution.
Nourishing the liver and promoting diuresis
Individuals with a damp heat constitution may experience frequent urination, urgent urination, and dark yellow urine. Just like the spleen, the liver is also affected by damp heat. Honey has the effect of nourishing the liver and promoting diuresis, which is beneficial for individuals with a damp heat constitution.
How to drink honey water for individuals with a damp heat constitution
1. Honey sourced from plants such as ginkgo biloba, coptis chinensis, loquat, chrysanthemum, and various flowers has a more obvious effect in clearing heat. Honey sourced from plants such as longan and codonopsis pilosula is warm in nature and can be used as an alternative.
2. Mix honey with warm water and consume once a day, about one tablespoon each time. Since the dampness is heavier during the spring and summer seasons, it is generally not recommended to consume honey water in the morning. It is more suitable to consume it before bedtime.
What to eat for individuals with a damp heat constitution
Stir-fried mushroom and luffa
Ingredients: 150g mushrooms, 400g luffa, vegetable oil, sesame oil, salt, monosodium glutamate, and cornstarch, all in appropriate amounts.
Instructions: 1. Blanch the mushrooms in boiling water and cut them into large pieces. Wash and cut the luffa into pieces.
2. Heat vegetable oil in a pan over medium heat. Add the mushrooms and luffa, along with salt, sugar, and monosodium glutamate in appropriate amounts.
3. Cook until the liquid is about to dry up. Thicken with cornstarch, drizzle with sesame oil, and serve.
Benefits: This dish can clear heat, remove dampness, detoxify, and promote bowel movements, making it a common home remedy for individuals with a damp heat constitution.
Bitter melon and corn pork rib soup
Ingredients: 1 bitter melon, 2 corn cobs, 1 carrot, 300g pork ribs, ginger slices, salt, cooking wine, rice vinegar, all in appropriate amounts.
Instructions: 1. Wash the pork ribs and blanch them briefly. Cut the corn cobs into small pieces and slice the carrot diagonally.
2. Add an appropriate amount of water to a pot and add the pork ribs, ginger slices, cooking wine, and rice vinegar.
3. Bring to a boil, then simmer over low heat for a while. Add the corn and carrot, and continue simmering for 50 minutes. Add the bitter melon slices and simmer for another 10 minutes. Season with salt.
Benefits: Bitter melon can clear heat, dispel summer heat, moisten the spleen, and replenish the kidneys. Therefore, this recipe can be used to regulate symptoms of spleen deficiency and heat caused by a damp heat constitution.
