Summer is here! The hot sunny weather, the smell of barbecue, kids playing outdoor, and the water sports. In addition to creating a fun-filled summer calendar, are you also prepared for the after activity care? Read on to see the health kit we put together to get us ready, along with an herbal infusion tea blend recipe to help you combat the summer heat.
Health Kit for the Summer
We put together this health kit to get us ready. Keep these items in s travel bag, or in a location where it is easily accessible in the house.
Water - Hydration is very important in the summer. Keep bottles of water in the kit. Make sure you and your family drink plenty of water to replenish the water loss through sweating.
Lavender essential oil - Lavender is probably one of most commonly known essential oil. Many believe that every home should have a bottle of lavender oil because of its versatile nature. Lavender is very effective in healing skin problems, including burns, rashes, bug bites, and wounds and relieving pain. You can apply lavender oil on your skin neat (without diluting it with another carrier oil). It also helps to prevent scaring. Bring it with you when you go hiking or outdoor activities. To learn more about lavender essential oil, click here.
Tea tree essential oil - Tea Tree oil has a very distinctive medicinal aroma. It is one of the best oil to combat bacterial, fungal and viral infections. It is a great immune stimulant. If you feel like you are coming down with something, gargle with a drop of tea tree oil mixed with water. It can also be applied neat (without dilution) on minor cut wounds, burns, insect bites. To learn more about tea tree essential oil, click here.
Eucalyptus (Eucalyptus globulus)
There are many species of eucalyptus essential oil. Eucalyptus globulus, in particular, is known for its benefits to our respiratory system. It is effective against a range of bacterial respiratory pathogens. Diffuse eucalyptus globulus to relieve headaches associated with sinus congestion. To learn more about eucalyptus globulus essential oil, click here.
Peppermint essential oil The cooling effect of peppermint contracts and tightens the tissues. Use it to make your own cooling mist or roller with carrier oil. It is also a good digestive, and it is commonly used for counteracting nausea. To get more ideas on using peppermint essential oil, click here.
These items will protect you and heal you without any added synthetic chemicals. Keep these items handy, and enjoy a great summer!
Summer-Heat in Traditional Chinese Medicine Theory
Summer-Heat (暑熱) is one of the six pathogenic factors in the Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) theory, which occurs in mid Summer. When the harmonious relationship between humans and the environment is disrupted, the climatic factors can invade the body and cause diseases.
The following are common clinical manifestations of Summer-heat:
High fever
Restlessness
Headache
Dizziness
Profuse sweating
Strong thirst
Hot skin
Dry mouth and tongue
Scanty dark urine
Coarse breathing, shortness of breath
The treatment principle for Summer-heat is to dispel the heat and replenish body fluid. Herbs with a cooling constitution and mucilaginous are most ideal for this pattern. Acupuncture points that can release heat and increase the yin elements should be considered when a person is suffering from the Summer-heat pattern.
Herbal Infusion for Summer-Heat:
One of the specialty services we offer to our clients is fusion-style herbal infusion custom blending Western herbs and Traditional Chinese herbs that you can brew as a tea to address the mind and body imbalance you are experiencing.
Below is a recipe of a simple herbal infusion tea blend to combat Summer-Heat:
1 tablespoon hibiscus
1 tablespoon peppermint
One piece of Chinese Licorice
1 tablespoon of raw honey
Place the herbs in a tea bag or tea filter in a 16oz cup or thermos. Pour hot water (208 and 212 degrees) into the cup for 5 seconds and dump out the water. This is a pre-rinsing technique to "wash" the whole herbs. Then add hot water again into the cup, cover the cup and let it sit for 15-20mins. If you wish to enjoy a nice hot/warm cup of tea, you can sip it after 15-20mins. If you wish to have it at room temperature, remove the teabag/filter and lid and let the tea continue to cool off. Keep the teabag for 1 or 2 more cups of infusion. If you wish to have the infusion at a cooling temperature, you can add a few ice cubes or let it sit in the refrigerator for an hour before drinking.
You can purchase these herbs from Mountain Rose Herbs.
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