Megan Neal, L.Ac
Around July 23, Traditional Chinese Medicine marks the seasonal milestone known as Great Heat, the hottest time of the year. In Tucson, it often arrives alongside the monsoon season, when extreme heat combines with increased humidity. We go from hot and dry to hot and humid almost overnight.
During this time, many people notice bloating, reduced appetite, loose stools, swollen hands or ankles, headaches, brain fog, fatigue, skin flare-ups, or increased muscle and joint stiffness. Old injuries may also become more noticeable as humidity rises.
Support your body by eating lighter meals with plenty of seasonal vegetables and lean protein while limiting fried foods, excess sugar, and heavy dairy products. Stay hydrated throughout the day, keep moving with regular exercise or walks, and change out of damp clothing after sweating or getting caught in a monsoon storm. Seasonal acupuncture can also be a helpful way to reduce aches, headaches, swelling, and the sluggish feeling that sometimes accompanies Tucson’s summer weather.
Try This Seasonal Favorite: Stir-Fried Lotus Root
Ingredients
- 1 lotus root (about ½ lb), available at Kimpo Oriental Market or Sandyi’s Oriental Market
- 1-inch piece fresh ginger, chopped
- 1 cup chopped scallions
- 2 cloves garlic, chopped
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds
- White vinegar
- Sesame oil (or another cooking oil)
- Soy sauce or tamari
Directions
Peel and slice the lotus root into ¼-inch rounds, then soak the slices briefly in water with a splash of white vinegar to prevent discoloration. Heat the oil in a skillet and sauté the ginger and garlic until fragrant. Drain the lotus root, add it in a single layer, and cook until it becomes slightly translucent, turning once. Add the sesame seeds, a splash of soy sauce or tamari, and the scallions. Cook for another minute or two, until the scallions soften.
Lotus root has long been enjoyed during the hottest weeks of summer because it is naturally refreshing, hydrating, and a nourishing seasonal food.