June is National Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Month. What better way to beat the heat than with some prime picks from nature’s bounty?
Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) teaches that summer belongs to fire, one of the five elements. Beyond the natural connection to heat, fire is also associated with the heart, mind and spirit – all critical pieces that need to be nurtured and protected during the summer months. Tips for staying healthy throughout the season include refraining from anger, getting plenty of rest, adding pungent foods to the diet and, of course, staying hydrated.
As summer’s heat can quickly deplete our own fluids, it likewise gives us wonderful fruits and vegetables that help refresh and restore. Instead of simply grabbing a glass of water when you’re thirsty, think about adding some fresh produce to the mix. Fruits such as watermelon, strawberries, honeydew, and raspberries, along with cucumbers and mint, all provide a cooling effect, cleanse toxins and tonify Yin chi. They are literally the perfect recipe for a tasty, healthy summer!
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Making your own summer coolers couldn’t be easier. Choose homegrown, fresh fruits, herbs and vegetables (farmer’s markets are a great resource!). Clean them, and remove things such as seeds, rinds and leaves. Combine flavors that appeal to you in a pitcher (quantity of fruit depends on your taste), then cover with cold, filtered water. Allow the mixture to soak from two to eight hours in the refrigerator, then serve and enjoy.
Looking for some inspiration?
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- Watermelon & Mint
- Strawberry, Lime & Cucumber
- Watermelon & Coconut Water (Coconut water restores potassium and electrolyte levels, and boosts the immune system!)
- Honeydew & Raspberry
- Citrus & Cucumber
- Strawberry, Lemon & Basil
Be creative! Experiment and discover the healthy flavors that summer has in store for you.
Kyle Smith, diplomate of Oriental medicine (Dipl OM), graduated magna cum laude from Midwest College of Oriental Medicine. Kyle has also studied and taught Tai Chi Chuan for a number of years, including a trip to China with his instructor. As a dedicated practitioner of TCM with Heaven & Earth Acupuncture in Brookfield, Wisconsin, he offers free initial consultation and first treatments, and free insurance verification. For more information, visit www.heavenandearthacu.com.
