Summer in Oregon is a wonderful time of the year! Traditionally the time of year to get out and do all those activities that don’t involve being rained on. Camping, hiking, trips to the beach, the mountains or one our many beautiful rivers. Oregon is certainly a wonderland to take advantage of and get out and enjoy. It is the season to be active and outgoing, when the energy that has been cooped up inside all winter gets to come out and play in the glorious sunshine. However, while it is true that some of us blossom with joy in the sunshine and heat, some of us fade, like sad little wilted flowers, when the temperatures get extreme.
Since summer heat waves have been starting earlier, lasting longer, and setting record temperatures year after year, it is important to be aware of the dangers this kind of heat can bring about. Summer-heat is the Chinese Medical term for an easily treatable group of symptoms; fever or chills, lack of sweat, nausea, headache and diarrhea - very similar to the early stages of heat exhaustion or sunstroke. (Heat stroke is a very dangerous condition, and if you are suffering from this condition (fainting, dark colored urine, absence of thirst, dry skin and throbbing headache) then you should seek medical attention immediately.)
However, if you are just suffering from the summer’s heat, then acupuncture and Chinese herbs offer some valuable methods to keep cool and protect yourself from the dangers of extreme temperatures. Here are some healthy and tasty tips to go along with your regular acupuncture appointments!
1. Watermelon
This lovely melon is the natural remedy for the symptoms of summer-heat and dehydration, containing up to 90% water and filled with electrolytes, it is wonderful for both hydration and keeping cool in hot weather.
2. Cucumber and Mint
Both of these are well known for their cooling properties, and make delicious additions to any salad, or just take a few slices of cucumber with some crushed mint and add them to your drinking water for a refreshing beverage.
3. Chrysanthemum tea
This is a favorite street food offered all through the hot summer months in China, it is like internal air conditioning and delicious to boot. Try this recipe!
3 Tablespoons chrysanthemum flowers
2teaspoons of green tea
2 liters water
Raw sugar or honey
Bring water to a boil
Add tea and flowers to a pitcher then fill with boiled water
Let steep for 30 minutes
Strain tea and flowers
Sweeten to taste, and cool in refrigerator
Enjoy!