Minor Heat
Jul 6–8 · 火 · Fire
Typically falls on July 6–8. The beginning of the hottest period of the year, though not yet at its peak.
Xiǎoshǔ marks the beginning of the year's hottest period, although the truly extreme heat (大暑, Dashu) is still to come. Ancient Chinese used this time to prepare: storing ice, making summer remedies, and eating foods that would help the body withstand the coming heat wave.
Green Beans and Lamb — traditional foods for Minor Heat. Green beans cool the blood and detoxify; lamb warms the yang to prepare for the deepest cold of winter. The seemingly contradictory practice reflects TCM's seasonal balance philosophy.
Story: In some regions, people eat eel during Minor Heat, believing it strengthens the body for summer's challenges. Others mark this day by making lotus leaf water or consuming cooling herbal teas to prepare for the coming heat.
This is the time to seriously increase your water intake and add more hydrating foods to your diet. Watermelon, cucumber, and citrus fruits are nature's perfect summer snacks. Avoid ice-cold drinks — they shock the digestive system. Room temperature or warm is better.
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