Solar Terms Wellness: Grain Buds (Xiaoman)

Grain Buds (Xiaoman), arriving around May 21st or 22nd, marks a significant rise in temperature. Sleeping in damp or cold places during this time can trigger rheumatism or dampness-related skin diseases. As sweat excretion accelerates, TCM believes that Qi escapes with sweat, potentially damaging Yang energy. Massaging the Zusanli point (ST36) helps protect Yang energy and tonify the middle burner.

Dietary Choices

This is a peak time for urticaria (hives). A light, vegetarian diet is best. Recommended foods include adzuki beans, coix seed (Job's tears), mung beans, winter melon, loofah, cucumber, daylily, water celery, water chestnut, black fungus, lotus root, carrots, tomatoes, watermelon, yam, crucian carp, and duck. Avoid greasy, sweet, sour, spicy, fried, or smoked foods, as well as animal fats, certain seafood, and meats like beef, mutton, and dog meat.

Recommended Recipe: Winter Melon and Grass Carp Casserole

Ingredients: 500g Winter Melon, 250g Grass Carp, salt, MSG, and vegetable oil to taste.

Preparation: Peel and cube the winter melon. Clean the fish (keep the tail). Pan-fry the fish until golden. Place the fish and melon in a clay pot with water. Boil on high heat, then simmer on low heat for about 2 hours until the soup turns milky white. Season with salt and MSG.