Six Foods for Strengthening Spleen and Removing Dampness to Help You Enjoy a Refreshing Summer

I. Six Essential Foods for Strengthening Spleen and Removing Dampness

1. Mung Beans - The Perfect Summer Food for Clearing Heat and Removing Summer-heat

Mung beans, with a sweet and cold taste, possess the functions of clearing heat, detoxifying, dispelling summer-heat, and promoting urination. They are indispensable for combating the intense heat of the dog days. Not only can they effectively alleviate thirst and irritability caused by high temperatures, but they also facilitate the excretion of excess water from the body, lightening the burden on the physique. Mung bean soup, porridge, or cakes are easy-to-make delicacies that not only provide relief from summer-heat but also strengthen the spleen and dispel dampness, making them regulars on summer dining tables.

2. Coicis Semen - The "Miraculous Tool" for Removing Dampness and Promoting Urination

Coicis Semen, also known as Job's tears, is a commonly used food in traditional Chinese medicine to strengthen the spleen and dispel dampness. With a sweet and slightly cold taste, it possesses the effects of promoting urination and seepage of dampness, strengthening the spleen, alleviating diarrhea, and clearing heat and detoxifying. Rich in dietary fiber and various vitamins, Coicis Semen promotes intestinal motility, assisting in the expulsion of excess water and toxins from the body, thereby achieving the goal of removing dampness. Cooking Coicis Semen with red beans, lotus seeds, or other ingredients into porridge not only yields a sweet and delicious dish but also effectively alleviates discomfort caused by excessive dampness.

3. White Gourd - The "Natural Diuretic" for Clearing Heat and Promoting Urination

White gourd, a seasonal vegetable in summer, boasts a sweet and cold flavor, offering the benefits of clearing heat, dispelling summer-heat, promoting urination, and alleviating swelling. Rich in dipropionic acid, it effectively inhibits the conversion of sugar into fat, aiding in weight loss. Additionally, the peel and seeds of white gourd are valuable herbs for removing dampness, enhancing the effect when added to soup. A refreshing bowl of white gourd soup not only quenches thirst and dispels summer-heat but also aids in the excretion of excess water, leaving you feeling refreshed from the inside out.

4. Chinese Yam - A "Medicine and Food Homology" Treasure for Strengthening Spleen and Benefiting Kidneys

Chinese yam, with a sweet and neutral taste, belongs to the spleen, lung, and kidney meridians, possessing the effects of strengthening the spleen and stomach, nourishing the lungs and kidneys, and consolidating and astringing. Rich in mucilage protein and amylase, it aids in digestion and absorption, improving spleen and stomach function. Chinese yam effectively alleviates symptoms such as loss of appetite and indigestion caused by excessive dampness. Whether used in porridge, stew, or stir-fry, Chinese yam is a delightful ingredient that allows you to enjoy delicious food while strengthening your spleen and dispelling dampness.

5. Red Beans - The "Ruby" for Promoting Urination and Alleviating Swelling

Red beans, with a sweet, sour, and neutral taste, possess the functions of promoting urination, alleviating swelling, detoxifying, and discharging pus. Rich in saponins, they exhibit a strong diuretic effect, assisting the body in expelling excess water and toxins, thereby reducing symptoms related to excessive dampness. Furthermore, red beans are packed with protein, vitamins, and minerals, replenishing the body's nutritional needs and enhancing physical strength. Cooking red beans with Coicis Semen, red dates, or other ingredients into porridge or soup creates a delicious and healthy dish that is an invaluable tool for removing dampness during summer.

6. Bitter Gourd - The "Bitter but Beneficial Remedy" for Clearing Heat and Detoxifying

Bitter gourd, with a bitter and cold taste, boasts the effects of clearing heat and detoxifying, improving eyesight and dispelling summer-heat, promoting urination, and cooling the blood. Although its unique bitter flavor comes from charantin and momordicine, these components endow bitter gourd with powerful heat-clearing and detoxifying capabilities. Additionally, it is rich in vitamin C and dietary fiber, promoting gastrointestinal motility and aiding in digestion and excretion, thereby reducing the burden of