Chinese Dispel-Dampness Herbal Soups: The Perfect Summer Remedy

Credit: Kamwo

As the heat and humidity of summer roll in, many individuals find themselves seeking ways to beat the seasonal discomfort. In Chinese cuisine, herbal soups have long been valued for their health benefits, and among them, dispel-dampness soups are particularly popular during the summer months. These soups are not only delicious and hydrating but also known for their ability to counteract the effects of dampness, a concept deeply rooted in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM). Let's dive into the world of Chinese dispel-dampness herbal soups and discover their benefits for the summer season.

Understanding Dampness in Traditional Chinese Medicine

In TCM, dampness is considered a pathogenic factor that can accumulate within the body, leading to various health issues. It is associated with symptoms such as heaviness, bloating, sluggishness, and a lack of energy. During the summer, the combination of heat and humidity can exacerbate dampness-related ailments. To address this, Chinese cuisine has incorporated a wide range of herbs known for their dampness-dispelling properties into soups.

Common Key Ingredients and Their Benefits

Yi Yi Ren Coix Seeds (Job's Tears): Coix seeds are commonly used in dispel-dampness soups due to their ability to promote urination and clear damp-toxin properties. They help eliminate excess water and reduce swelling or edema caused by dampness.

Mu Mian Hua (Bombax ceiba L): Mu Mian Hua is commonly used in dispel-dampness soups for its ability to strengthen the Spleen and dispel-dampness, and also its ability to clear heat-toxin.

Fu Ling - Poria Mushroom: Poria is a medicinal mushroom known for its ability to regulate water metabolism. It aids in the removal of dampness from the body, relieves fatigue, and promotes healthy digestion.

Deng Xin Cao, also known as Juncus effusus, has a long history of use in TCM for its ability to dispel dampness from the body. Dampness is considered a pathogenic factor that can accumulate and lead to various health issues, such as bloating, fatigue, and sluggishness. Including Deng Xin Cao in dispel-dampness soups can help address these symptoms and promote a healthier balance within the body.

Bi Xie is widely known in TCM for its ability to dispel dampness and promotes urination. It also strengthens the Spleen.

Bai Bian Dou - Strengthens the Spleen and clears summer-heat dampness: used to treat diarrhea, nausea, or vomiting associated with summer-heat. 

He Ye - Lotus Leaf: With its cooling nature, lotus leaf is a popular herb for dispelling dampness and reducing summer heat. It also supports digestion and helps maintain a healthy weight.

Shan Yao - Chinese Yam: Chinese yam is revered for its ability to strengthen the spleen and stomach, which are essential for proper digestion. By promoting healthy digestion, it helps prevent the accumulation of dampness.

Chi Xiao Dou: Adzuki Beans are commonly added to dispel dampness soups due to their ability to improve kidney function and reduce edema caused by excessive dampness.

Preparation and Cooking

To prepare a delicious dispel dampness herbal soup, start by soaking the selected herbs and ingredients in water to release their flavors and nutrients. Next, rinse and combine the herbs with a protein source such as lean meat, chicken, or fish in a pot. Add water and simmer gently over low heat for several hours to extract the essence of the herbs. Finally, season the soup with a touch of salt or other preferred seasonings.

Benefits of Dispel Dampness Herbal Soups

Promote Hydration: With their high water content and diuretic properties, dispel dampness soups help to keep the body hydrated and maintain a healthy fluid balance during the hot summer months.

Aid Digestion: The herbs in these soups support healthy digestion by strengthening the spleen and stomach, reducing bloating, and improving overall gut health.

Reduce Swelling and Edema: Dampness-related symptoms such as swelling and edema can be relieved by the diuretic properties of the herbs, promoting the elimination of excess water from the body.

Cooling and Refreshing: The cooling nature of the herbs used in dispel-dampness soups helps to counteract the effects of heat and humidity, providing a refreshing sensation and promoting overall comfort.

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What is Traditional Chinese Medicine and How and Why it Works | Kamwo gives you the low down.

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traditional chinese medicine

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Traditional Chinese Medicine, you’ve heard about it and would like to know more. Maybe you have experienced acupuncture or read about the benefits of herbs. We are here to give you a foundational overview of a complex and ancient form of prevention and healing that is still in use today by hundreds of millions of people. So let’s dive in.

Is Traditional Chinese Medicine a recognized branch of healing?

Traditional Chinese Medicine, or TCM, is one of the oldest modes of medicine in the world and traces its origins to the Zhou Dynasty. Much like Western medicine, TCM evolved its findings and modalities over the centuries and compiled these findings and treatments into four compendiums constituting the backbone of TCM practice. 

The World Health Organization (WHO)  has given the nod to TCM and, during the pandemic, conducted a meeting on the evaluation of TCM for treating Covid 19. In the US, modalities of Traditional Chinese medicine, such as acupuncture, are offered in many caregiving facilities. Individuals turn to TCM as a complementary treatment for infertility, pain, tranquility, and sleeplessness. Of course, the best results for TCM are achieved through consultation with a Western health practitioner, preferably one educated in herbal medicine.  

However, while acknowledging the benefits, western science has yet to prove the foundation and claims of TCM. 

So What is Traditional Chinese Medicine?

The origin of TCM is spiritual and based on Taoism.  The essential underpinning of Taoism is balance. The concept is that humans and animals should live in balance and harmony with the universe, and following death, the spirit lives on eternally within the universe. 

Traditional Chinese Medicine embodies the balance theory, yin (cold)  and yang (hot). Male and female. Wet and dry. Illness, discomfort, and pain may result when yin and yang are in imbalance. Yin and yang are also associated with different parts and organs of our body.  Treatment for yin may be yang and yang for yin. Ultimately, the goal is to balance qi energy, the body’s life force.

As in Western medicine, several methodologies are used to diagnose and treat illness in Traditional Chinese Medicine. 

You may be familiar with some aspects of TCM, like acupuncture, tai chi, and herbology but perhaps less familiar with meridians and the five elements theory. 

The four pillars of TCM diagnostics are inspection, observation, listening, interrogation, and palpitation. Based on these findings, TCM doctors prescribe herbs, ointments, salves, creams, acupuncture, and other techniques to restore balance. Diagnosis is based on meridians which run through the body, and consideration of the Five Elements. 

TCM, like Western medicine, contains a vast body of knowledge. The practice of TCM requires a Master's degree to practice in the United States. It is impossible to summarize the complexities of TCM into a paragraph or two; however, below is a brief overview of the basics of TCM.  

Meridians 

Consider meridians as a super highway of energy. There are 12 meridians, and these 12 meridians are classified as yin and yang. If the meridians fall out of sync, this will lead to an imbalance in the human body. A practitioner may prescribe acupuncture to restore balance to the meridians. 

Traditional Chinese Medicine and The Five Elements 

The five elements are wood, fire, earth, water, and metal.  The elements must align and work harmoniously within the body and the universe for optimal wellness.  The five elements also control your personality type.

Treatments 

Depending on your practitioner’s findings, there are a variety of treatments they may recommend. Below is a sampling:

Tai Chi

Tai Chi originated as a martial art form in China but today is valued for deep relaxation.  It involves a series of slow-motion exercises conducive to meditation and deep breathing. Tai Chi has gained a large following in the US and is valued for treating health conditions, promoting rehabilitation,  flexibility, and prevention related to aging. It encourages breathing, focus, and balance and promotes tranquility and calm. 

Acupuncture

Always ensure your provider is licensed because you don’t want just anyone placing needles in your body, which is what acupuncture is. Thin needles are painlessly inserted into the meridians of the body. As discussed, Meridians are the body's lanes that transport qi the flow of human energy.  There are 12 major meridians in the body. Some are yin, and some are yang.  Acupuncture, according to Traditional Chinese Medicine providers, aligns qi.

In the West, acupuncture is thought to stimulate the central nervous system and release chemicals that encourage healing.  Many people turn to acupuncture to relieve pain and to address infertility.

Herbs

Unlike Western drugs that address a specific complaint, herbs prescribed are designed to manage your entire body. Herbs may be in the form of granules, teas, or elixirs.  They may also be custom blended.  Your TCM practitioner will guide you to the correct dosage. 

Safety of Chinese Herbs and Remedies

Do you know what Ti Xuan Gao is? If not, don’t feel bad.  Neither do some practitioners of TCM who have a superficial knowledge of this form of healing.  Knowing how to prescribe and determine the authenticity and sustainability of herbal treatment is a science.   At Kamwo, we bring 50 years of knowledge and expertise to the table. Our practitioners all are certified and licensed where required. We rely on a network of trustworthy suppliers that we have conducted business with for decades, so you can purchase from us with the confidence that you are buying the purest, top-of-the-line, most genuine, and authentic herbs available. 

Want to experience TCM for yourself?  Let's Get Started  

Love the idea of all-natural, healing, and prevention?  Then welcome to the Kamwo Store. Here you will find the most extensive assortment of Chinese herbs, healing products, teas, treatments, and more. We have been in business in the heart of China Town in New York City for 50 years.  Our herbs and remedies are sourced from reliable, trustworthy partners with whom we have worked for many years. Whether your practitioner has recommended a specific herb or you would like to explore more for yourself, reach out with any questions about our products to customerservice@kamwo.com.

Pain? Allergies? Other discomforts? Don’t wait.  Start healing and feeling better now.

As always, refer to your physician if you have any questions or concerns about interactions.

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