Grain in Ear, also known as Mangzhong, which means "wheat with awns is ready to be harvested, and rice with awns can be planted," is the third solar term of summer, marking the beginning of midsummer.

 

During this time, typical summer weather sets in, characterized by humid and stifling air, leading to physical discomfort.

 

In China, there is a saying: "During Grain in Ear and the Summer Solstice, one needs assistance to walk; those being led need to be pulled, and those being pulled need to be pushed." These few words encapsulate the lethargy and mental sluggishness people experience during Grain in Ear, highlighting the importance of health maintenance during this period.

 

 

Grain in Ear Has Arrived: Follow Four Key Health Principles

 

With the arrival of Grain in Ear, preventing summer ailments and maintaining health becomes particularly important. Adhering to the four key health principles after Grain in Ear will help eliminate dampness and prevent illness.

 

1. Health Principle – Avoid Rushing to Use Air Conditioning

 

After Grain in Ear, yang energy gradually becomes stronger, and the body's metabolism accelerates. At this time, avoid closing windows and turning on the air conditioning too quickly. It is best to keep windows open to let in sunlight and allow fresh air to circulate.

 

This is especially important for the elderly with weakened constitutions. If the weather is hot, try cooling down through other means, such as using fans.

 

2. Dietary Principle – Opt for Light Nourishment to Avoid Summer Fatigue

 

With the onset of Grain in Ear, summer fatigue begins, often leading to a lack of appetite and disrupted eating habits. Excessive consumption of cold drinks can also harm the spleen and stomach. Therefore, dietary practices should focus on three aspects: light and simple meals, avoiding excessive cold foods, and consuming bitter foods to counteract summer fatigue.

 

In traditional Chinese medicine, summer corresponds to the bitter taste among the "five flavors," primarily affecting the heart meridian. Bitter foods typically have properties that clear heat, relieve summer heat, dry dampness, and strengthen yin. After Grain in Ear, it is beneficial to consume bitter foods such as bitter melon, lotus seeds, and lettuce. As the saying goes, "Eating bitter foods in summer makes the summer less bitter."

 

Additionally, consuming Ganoderma sinense, coix seed, and red bean congee can be beneficial. This congee combines the calming and sleep-aiding properties of Ganoderma sinense with the spleen-strengthening and dampness-eliminating effects of coix seed, and the water-disinhibiting, swelling-dispersing and spleen-strengthening benefits of red beans. Regular consumption helps nourish the stomach, calm the mind, and strengthen the body.

 

Ganoderma Sinense, Coix Seed, and Red Bean Congee

 

 

Ingredients:

- 100 grams of coix seed

- 25 grams of dried dates

- 50 grams of red beans

- 10 grams of organic Ganoderma sinense slices from GanoHerb

- A small amount of white granulated sugar

 

Instructions:

1. Soak the coix seed and red beans in warm water for half a day; rinse the Ganoderma sinense slices with water; remove the pits from the dates and soak them.

2. Place the coix seed, red beans, Ganoderma sinense slices, and dates into a pot.

3. Add water and cook into a thin congee. Finally, sprinkle with sugar to taste.

 

3. Sleep Principle – Stay Up Late and Wake Up Early, Take a Nap to Supplement Sleep

 

During the period from Grain in Ear to the Summer Solstice, we should adapt to the season's characteristic of shorter nights and longer days. Avoid rigidly adhering to the routine of early to bed and early to rise. With the hot weather, many people find it difficult to fall asleep early at night, so it might be beneficial to stay up a bit later. Given the longer daylight hours, we can opt to stay up late and wake up early.

 

However, with the extended daylight, sleep can easily be disrupted. At this time, taking an appropriate midday nap is highly beneficial for the body. A nap of about 20 minutes is generally ideal. For those who work and cannot take a nap, closing their eyes and resting for 30 minutes can also be beneficial.

 

4. Exercise Principle – Moderate Exercise, Best in the Early Morning or Evening

 

From Grain in Ear to the Summer Solstice, although it is not yet the peak of summer heat, temperatures are already rising, especially around noon. "Sweat is the fluid of the heart," so excessive sweating from midday exercise can harm the heart. For those who enjoy exercising, it is recommended to do so in the cooler early morning or evening.

 

Ensure adequate hydration during exercise. If you sweat excessively, it is advisable to drink lightly salted sugar water or mung bean soup with salt. Avoid overindulging in cold drinks.

 

 

Grain in Ear: The Prelude to a Bountiful Harvest

As the brilliance of all things flows and turns, it brings endless vitality and hope. Life always needs something to look forward to. Plant it at this moment, and patiently await the harvest in the next.