Mosquitoes love warmth and humidity.

Due to the dengue fever outbreak, Lion Rock Country Park had to be closed, a rare occurrence. Mosquitoes are truly annoying; just one bite is enough to bother someone all day long.

Some people are particularly prone to mosquito bites, which is related to their physical constitution. Hot and humid environments easily breed mosquitoes, and people with a damp-heat constitution are also particularly attractive to them. Although mosquitoes have preferred scents, when mosquito infestation is severe, everyone gets bitten.

Mosquitoes are very sensitive to scents. People with a damp-heat constitution have higher body temperatures and emit more carbon dioxide, which is precisely what mosquitoes like. Additionally, the excess dampness and turbidity in the body are expelled through the pores with sweat, and this scent happens to appeal to mosquitoes. That's why people often get bitten on their feet first.

Symptoms of damp-heat include a thick, yellowish tongue coating, dry and bitter mouth, sweaty hands and feet, aversion to heat, and constipation. To eliminate dampness and heat, in addition to avoiding strong-flavored, heat-inducing foods, you can soak raw adlay and adzuki beans overnight, then change the water and boil for 30 minutes. This tea can help remove dampness and reduce swelling, improving a damp-heat constitution. It is said that mosquitoes particularly like people with an acidic constitution; eating more vegetables is not only beneficial for health but also helps maintain a certain alkalinity in the body, which helps keep mosquitoes away.

Furthermore, you can also make your own mosquito repellent sachets. The ingredients are 10 grams each of lemongrass, cinnamon, Acorus calamus, orange peel, mugwort, and peppermint leaves. Crush them and place them in a gauze bag. Every few days, squeeze the bag to keep the scent diffusing.