Twenty-Four Solar Terms for Health Preservation—End of Heat

During the period of Chushu, there are three phenological signs: the first sign is that eagles begin to offer birds as sacrifices; the second sign is that heaven and earth start to feel crisp and austere; the third sign is that the grains begin to ripen and are ready for harvest.

 

Introduction to the Solar Terms

“Eagles begin to offer birds in sacrifice.” This means that from this day onward, eagles become aware of the crisp,肃 (sù) air of autumn and start hunting. They then display their prey as if offering it in a ritual—ancient people called this “an act of righteousness.”

The “su” in “the heavens and earth begin to grow solemn” means “to purify and clear.” The weather becomes clear precisely because of this “su”; once purification is complete, a sense of desolation inevitably follows.

Chushu is also the season of harvest. "He" refers to all five grains. Only after the weather turns crisp and cool can crops be reaped; when they reach maturity, it’s called “deng.”

 

 

 

Solar Terms Folk Customs

 

O Release river lanterns

O Fishing Festival

O Ancestral rites, welcoming autumn

O Pay respects to the Land God

O Eat duck

O Herbal tea for decoction

 

 

I. Common Sense for Health Preservation During the End of Summer (Chu Shu)

 

1. Go to bed early and rise early.

2. Eat more salty foods to nourish the kidneys and liver.

3. Drink more water to combat autumn dryness.

4. Eat congee to replenish fluids and relieve dryness.

5. Drink more honey water and eat less ginger.

6. Ventilate and keep warm in the morning and evening.

7. Protect the intestines and nourish the stomach

 

Go to bed early and rise early.

 

During the period of Chushu, we are transitioning from hot to cool weather. As the yang energy in nature shifts from dispersing to gathering, the balance of yin and yang energies within the human body also undergoes a corresponding change. At this time, one’s daily routine should be adjusted accordingly—especially sleep needs to be sufficient; ideally, you should sleep an extra hour compared to your usual schedule. Only by doing so can you effectively adapt to the autumn fatigue.

 

Eat more salty foods to nourish the kidneys and liver.

 

From the perspective of dietary conditioning, it is advisable to tonify the kidneys and nourish the liver, as well as moisten the lungs and nourish the stomach. In terms of diet, it is recommended to consume more salty foods such as... Water chestnut, Chinese arrowhead, kudzu vine, etc. 。

 

From a health perspective, during the "Chu Shu" solar term, it is advisable to consume foods that clear heat and calm the mind, such as white fungus, lily bulbs, lotus seeds, honey, yellow croaker, dried scallops, kelp, jellyfish, celery, spinach, glutinous rice, sesame seeds, beans, and dairy products. However, one should avoid eating too much of these foods at once and instead opt for smaller, more frequent meals.

 

 

 

Drink more water to combat autumn dryness.

 

It’s recommended to drink a glass of warm water right after waking up in the morning. This will help wake up your entire digestive system, stimulate intestinal peristalsis, and make you feel the urge to go to the bathroom—thus preventing constipation. However, absolutely avoid drinking cold water, as the spleen and stomach prefer warmth and dislike cold. Drinking too much water that’s cooler than room temperature can actually be harmful to your health.

 

Eat congee to replenish fluids and relieve dryness.

 

Lily porridge, snow fungus porridge, almond porridge, lotus seed porridge, nut porridge, and sesame paste are all excellent choices for a nourishing breakfast. Traditional Chinese medicine advises that elderly individuals, those with weaker constitutions, or anyone who noticeably feels unwell every winter should start conditioning and nurturing their bodies from autumn onward—drinking more water and consuming more foods that nourish yin and moisten dryness—to boost the body’s resistance.

 

Drink more honey and eat less ginger.

 

Moderate for diabetics.

 

Add clothes in the morning and evening to stay warm and well-ventilated.

During the period of Chushu, which marks the beginning of early autumn, the summer heat has not yet completely dissipated. At this time, it’s best not to add layers of clothing too early or excessively—just enough to ensure you don’t feel cold. This approach helps the body gradually adapt to cooler temperatures. Of course, “autumn chilling” should be tailored to each individual. Elderly people and children have weaker immune systems, reduced metabolic functions, and slower blood circulation; they are sensitive to both cold and heat and highly responsive to changes in weather, so they need to adjust their clothing more promptly.

 

Protect the intestines and nourish the stomach

 

You should eat on time, consume less of unhealthy fats, and opt for soft foods. The foods that place the least burden on the gastrointestinal tract are delicate, starch-rich foods with relatively few anti-nutritional factors—for example, mashed yam, mashed taro, mashed potatoes, rice porridge, and millet porridge. Coarse corn with excessive fiber is not suitable for people with digestive problems.

 

 

 

II. Reference Recipes

 

Sesame Spinach

 

[Ingredients] 500 grams of fresh spinach, 15 grams of toasted sesame seeds, and appropriate amounts of salt, sesame oil, and monosodium glutamate.

[Instructions] Remove the roots from the spinach and rinse it thoroughly. Briefly blanch it in boiling water, then immediately transfer it to a bowl of cold water. Once cooled, drain it well, cut it into segments, and place it on a serving plate. Add salt, monosodium glutamate, and sesame oil separately, and mix thoroughly. Finally, sprinkle sesame seeds over the spinach.

 

 

 

Stir-fried green peppers with tofu

 

[Ingredients] 1 block of tofu, 3 green peppers, 10 grams of cilantro, and appropriate amounts of sesame oil, salt, and monosodium glutamate.

[Instructions] Blanch the tofu briefly in boiling water, remove and let it cool, then cut it into small cubes about 1 cm on each side. Briefly blanch the green peppers in boiling water, chop them finely, and mince the cilantro. Mix the tofu, green peppers, cilantro, sesame oil, salt, and MSG thoroughly, then transfer the mixture to a serving dish.

 

 

 

 

Lily and Lotus Seed Soup