During Grain in Ear period, temperature starts soaring, and humidity in the air increases due to frequent rainfalls. In this muggy weather, people tend to feel weary and sleepy throughout the day. Here are some tips helping you take care of your health in this season:

To drink more water, and take midday rests

There is a piece of proverb in China to describing the lazy sensation people feel during this period: “In grain in ear we all love the pillow; and everyone needs to be pulled to shuffle. The puller needs a dragger to go, and the dragger needs a pusher to follow.” Doctors suggest that, to keep the vigor and happy mood, a nap in the afternoon is to be taken. This can help overcome tiredness. Also, we need to drink more water, to prevent dehydration

To have medicated baths

In this season, we are more likely to perspire more, and sweat drenched clothes should be taken off immediately. A better alternative is to bathe at least once a day. This will help cool our bodies and preventing us from getting a heatstroke. A medicated bath can expel the toxin and moisture in our bodies. The prescription is composed of Gui Zhi, Huai Zhi, Tao Zhi, Liu Zhi, Ma Zhi, which refer to the branches from the following five kinds of plants: cherry bay, locust tree, peach tree, willow tree, and flax. The concoction is poured into the bathtub and we then soak in it for 20 minutes.

To have light foods

The renowned doctor Sun Simiao of the Tang Dynasy (618-907) advised not to eat greasy or strongly flavored food during the grain in ear season. He said coarse food grain was the best, and vegetables were preferred to meat. Senior citizens should exercise care with what they eat this season. Generally, vegetables and grains which works in lowering their blood pressure and high blood fat should be their first choice.