The Great Heat is scorching.

In addition to the hot weather, Hong Kong has been scorching these past few days, making it unbearably hot both physically and mentally. Today marks the start of "Great Heat" (Dàshǔ), the last solar term of summer, falling between the middle and last days of the "Three Dog Days" (Sanfutian). The weather is particularly muggy and hot, with temperatures reaching their peak, often accompanied by thunderstorms and lightning.

The extreme heat can easily affect the human body, leading to excessive sweating, impacting spleen and stomach function, and causing fatigue and loss of appetite. At this time, it's best to start invigorating the spleen and eliminating dampness to help cool the body.

During the Great Heat season, winter melon and coix seed water is an excellent choice. It not only clears heat and relieves summer heat but also strengthens the spleen, resolves dampness, promotes urination, and reduces swelling. Simply use 500g of winter melon and 50g of raw and cooked coix seeds. First, soak the coix seeds in water for one hour, then discard the water. Wash the winter melon with its skin and seeds, then cut it into pieces. Add the soaked coix seeds and winter melon to two liters of water and boil over high heat for 20 minutes. It's then ready to drink. For those with a cold constitution, ginger slices can be added.

Winter melon is sweet and slightly cold in nature, affecting the lung, stomach, and bladder meridians. It clears heat, resolves phlegm, relieves restlessness and thirst, and promotes urination and reduces swelling, which can alleviate the discomfort of summer heat. Coix seed, also known as job's tears, is sweet and cool in nature, affecting the spleen, lung, and stomach meridians. It strengthens the spleen, nourishes the lungs, clears heat, and promotes diuresis. As raw coix seed is cooling, it's recommended to add cooked coix seed to balance its cool properties. Note: Pregnant women should avoid it.

The Great Heat solar term can easily lead to irritation, anxiety, loss of appetite, and restlessness. During this time, it's best to avoid strenuous exercise and major undertakings. Instead, hydrate frequently and try to maintain a calm mind for a natural cooling effect.