Chinese Herbal Medicine Mung Bean Tea to Beat the Summer heat

Chinese Herbal Medicine Mung Bean Tea to Beat the Summer heat

Chinese Medicine has a stepped tradition of observing the body through the lens of nature; understanding the impact that the seasons and climate change can greatly effect our health. 

We are currently in the tail ends of the Season of Summer (please refer to the 5 – Season chart that was posted earlier). With the full sun and heat of summer we need to be mindful of staying HYDRATED as we move fully through the summer. The heart is having to work harder to keep circulating the blood allowing the body to stay cool.

The Chinese has often used food as an adjunct means to nourish the body in conjunction with other modalities, such as acupuncture, herbal formulas, bodywork and meditation. During the summer months, conditions that one can often befall would be what can be called summer-damp. SYMPTOMS that may persist are dehydration, headaches, change in stool, abdominal bloat, inhibited urination.

A REFRESHING and helpful tea that can be made to help prevent these symptoms from occurring is the MUNG BEAN TEA.  This recipe is simple. A dear professor of mine from China told me how she remembered her mother would make this tea during the hot, humid months in Xi An, China.

For a Sun Tea, either allow it to sit in the full sun for 4-6 hours or use a stove.
1/2 cup of mung beans (can be purchased at Whole Foods or Sprouts)
5-8 slices of fresh ginger
12 cups of water
Large glass container (for storage or making the sun tea)

If cooking on a stove:
1) Add mung beans and ginger to water and mung beans. Bring to a boil and allow to cook uncovered for 10-15 minutes at a low simmer.
2) Remove from heat, add mint, allow to cool and serve either at room temperature or hot.

It is advised in Chinese Medicine to limit or avoid ice cooled beverages.These beans can be reused and recooked for another meal.

To Your Health!

Andrea Plichta, LAc, HHP, MSTOM, is an Acupuncturist, Chinese Herbalist, and Pilates & Barre Instructor at Eight Elements West, an Institute for Somatic Education and Integrative Wellness.