End of Heat
Aug 22–24 · 金 · Metal
Typically falls on August 22–24. The official 'end of heat' — summer's oppressive temperatures finally begin to ease.
Chǔshǔ means the heat is departing. Ancient Chinese believed this marked the body's transition from a defensive, outward state (summer's yang) to a more inward, conserving state (autumn's yin). It was a time for releasing summer's lingering heat and preparing the lungs for the coming dryness of autumn.
Chrysanthemum Tea (菊花茶) — clears residual summer heat and cools the blood. Water Spinach (空心菜) — in season, believed to help release summer heat. Pears begin to appear more prominently as lung-nourishing autumn foods.
Story: Chǔshǔ was traditionally marked by offerings to the god of heat — thanking him for departing. People would drink chrysanthemum wine and eat water spinach, symbolically helping summer's heat leave the body and welcoming autumn's cool.
This is the critical transition time. Chrysanthemum tea is excellent for clearing any lingering summer heat. Start incorporating more pears,百合 (lily bulb), and honey into your diet to protect your lungs from autumn's dryness. Transition away from cold drinks and raw foods.
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