Cooling Down In The Summer Without Damaging Your Digestion

“Don’t Drink Cold Drinks!”

You’d hear this often in my home growing up from my Ahma (paternal grandmother) and my mom. If you didn’t grow up in a household where you heard this, let me explain. The iced and cold drinks we take in, bring in the same cold temperature into the digestive system and other parts of the body. One or two times might not do much to a strong constitution but over time it can eventually slow things down and cause digestive issues and even affect menstruation. My mom attributed my horrible menstrual cramps as a teenager to cold drinks and when I studied Chinese Medicine years later -I can’t say she’s wrong! “But what about in the Summer when you need to cool down?” I hear people say this all the time. Nothing is absolute when it comes to Chinese Medicine - it’s always…”it depends”. Which means it’s important to look at context - a person’s unique constitution, tendencies, lifestyle, health history, environment, personal cycle and time of year when considering these things.

It is true that I have never seen my Ahma drink anything iced, when she lived in the US and my mother has always removed iced cubes from her water at restaurants unless she remembers to tell them “no ice” to begin with. Both my grandmother and my mother grew up in the hot and humid climate of the Philippines but they still made a point to keep their insides warm. Growing up fully in American society, I have always struggled with these cultural differences. As a child I was less apt to adhere to this, especially when it can get so hot, humid and steamy during New York Summers —but as a child, my metabolism was able to bounce back. Overtime, I began to appreciate the words of my mother and ahma. Moderation is difficult in American culture, especially when it comes to food and drink! In NYC, we have a huge culture around socializing over food and drink so I think it can be especially difficult to navigate what helps or hurts your health. Personally, when it comes to iced teas, popsicles and ice cream —they are things I partake in not very often and I understand their effects on my system especially as I navigate the changes in my metabolism in my forties. Just like with all foods and drinks I consider indulgences, I do my best to have them less than once a month.

During the San fu, or hottest most yang days of the summer which we are coming up on, it is best to keep your insides warm! Which is why San fu tie is practiced during this important time.

SO…how does one cool down in the Summer without iced cubes?! Cooling herbs! Below are some herbal drinks that will cool you down, Chinese Medicine approved!

*Please note this is not medical advice. Please do not take these herbs if you have an allergy, are on medications or pregnant without consulting with a licensed professional.

Suan Mei Tang, Sour Plum Drink

Sour plums was something I always remember my Ahma having and putting in her tea. This is one of my favorite cooling drinks as it has a salty, sour and sweet flavor to it.

Wu Mei, Sour Plums or Black Plums

Chen Pi, Tangerine or Orange peel

Shan Zha, Hawthorne Berry

Gan Cao, Licorice Root

Rock Sugar or Honey is optional

Sour Plum and Cucumber

This is a simpler version of the drink that focuses more on the saltiness of the plums.

Sour Plums + Cucumber + Rock Sugar or Honey

Chrysanthemum and Goji Berries

Ju Hua + Gou Qi Zi. Cooling and good for the liver and kidneys. I have recently been really enamored by the black goji berries for their dark beautiful color. Black goji berries are said to be higher in antioxidants and also have stronger properties for the kidneys. Chrysanthemum is a very cooling herb so I always suggest for those who have weaker digestion to drink this hot, and only 1 cup a day. Avoid this before and during menstruation. Swapping the chrysanthemum flowers for lemon could be a good move for those who’s stomaches are sensitive to cold. The lemon will make the tea turn into a beautiful pink color. Add rose buds (mei gui hua) for a fresh flowery addition to the drink. Personally, chrysanthemum is a favorite of mine but I am a 1 cup a day drinker.

Prunella and Reed Rhizome

Not as commonly seen here in the US but a classic cooling drink nonetheless. Self heal or prunella grows naturally in New York State but Reed Rhizome might be harder to find. I often see it in the herb section of most Chinatown supermarkets if you can spot it! It’s a pale yellow color and cut in bits that look like a thick boba straw was cut into short bits and flattened. It’s straw-like look always reminded me of its hydrating properties when studying single herbs. Together they help to keep the body temperature from getting too high which helps the body from overheating on super hot days.

Xia Ku Cao, Prunella Spica, Self Heal

Lu Gen or Phragmatis Rhizome or Reed Rhizome

Gan Cao, Licorice Root

Rock Sugar or Honey

Depending on your digestive strength (fire) and your cold tolerance you might enjoy these drinks differently. For those with more sensitive stomachs it’s best to drink these teas hot or warm. For those who have more consistent digestion, and iced cube or two wouldn’t hurt on a steamy hot, make-up melting day! Popsicles pictured here were lots of fun to make and photograph but I don’t suggest these for most folx because I see so many digestive conditions in my clinic. Moderation is what will keep you healthy.

Find these herbs at my favorite local shops Kamwo Store or Po Wing Hong

By Dr. Emily Grace Siy on July 10, 2021

Photos by Chanel Govreau