East Asian Traditions Embrace 'Xiaoman' Season with Cooling Diets

As the 'Xiaoman' (Grain Buds) solar term arrives, bringing with it rising temperatures and increased humidity, traditional wisdom from across East Asia offers guidance on maintaining well-being. In Taiwan, practitioners of Traditional Chinese Medicine, like Dr. Li Han-en from Banqiao Xinshengtang, advocate for incorporating bitter-tasting foods into the diet. These foods, such as bitter melon, Brussels sprouts, green tea, and lotus seeds, are believed to possess properties that clear heat, reduce internal fire, and dry dampness, making the body more comfortable during this transitional period. The principle, encapsulated in the saying 'Eat bitter during Xiaoman, and you won't suffer all summer,' highlights the proactive approach to seasonal health. Neighboring countries also observe distinct dietary practices: Japan often features slightly bitter mountain vegetables with matcha or green tea, while Korea opts for refreshing cold noodles and kimchi alongside warming ginseng chicken soup. Despite these varied approaches, the underlying goal remains consistent: to help the body cool down, minimize dampness accumulation, and strengthen the spleen and stomach in preparation for the intense heat of midsummer. The emphasis is on balance and adapting to the natural seasonal shifts, a core tenet of traditional health philosophies in the region.

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Traditional Chinese medicine believes that bitter flavors have the effects of clearing heat, reducing fire, and drying dampness, making it very suitable to eat during the Xiaoman solar term when the weather begins to get hot. Moderate intake can also make the body more comfortable.