Soothe the Summer Dampness A Homemade Tea Brew for Refreshment

Summer, with its scorching heat and oppressive humidity, can leave you feeling sluggish and weighed down by the dampness. While the sun beats down and the air is thick with moisture, it's essential to find ways to stay cool and rejuvenate your body. One such method is to brew your own tea to help expel the dampness and revitalise your energy levels. Here's how you can create a refreshing homemade tea that will help you beat the summer heat and dampness.

Understanding the Dampness in Summer

In traditional Chinese medicine, summer is associated with dampness, which is believed to cause a range of uncomfortable symptoms such as fatigue, bloating, and poor digestion. To combat this, it's important to consume foods and beverages that help to expel dampness from the body.

Homemade Dampness-Expelling Tea Recipe

To make your own dampness-expelling tea, gather the following ingredients:

- Fresh ginger (1-2 slices)

- Green tea leaves (1-2 teaspoons)

- Fresh mint leaves (a handful)

- Cinnamon sticks (1-2)

- Honey or rock sugar (to taste)

Preparation

1. Begin by boiling a pot of water.

2. While the water is heating, chop the ginger into thin slices and rinse the mint leaves.

3. Once the water has reached a rolling boil, turn off the heat and let it cool down for a minute or two.

4. Place the ginger slices, green tea leaves, mint leaves, and cinnamon sticks into a teapot or a heat-resistant container.

5. Pour the cooled water over the ingredients, ensuring that they are fully submerged.

6. Cover the container and let the tea steep for about 5-10 minutes. The longer it steeps, the stronger the flavor will be.

Brewing and Serving

1. After steeping, strain the tea through a fine-mesh sieve or tea bag to remove the ingredients.

2. Pour the tea into a cup and add honey or rock sugar to taste. Adjust the sweetness according to your preference.

3. Serve the tea hot or iced, depending on your preference and the temperature outside.

Benefits of Drinking Dampness-Expelling Tea

- Boosts Energy: The combination of green tea and ginger helps to increase your energy levels, keeping you alert and ready to tackle the day.

- Improves Digestion: Cinnamon is known for its digestive benefits, while mint helps to soothe the stomach and aid in digestion.

- Hydration: Drinking hot tea or iced tea helps to keep you hydrated, especially when the heat and humidity are at their peak.

- Reduces Inflammation: The anti-inflammatory properties of ginger can help reduce inflammation in the body, providing relief from joint pain and muscle soreness.

Conclusion

Brewing your own dampness-expelling tea is a simple and delightful way to stay cool and healthy during the summer months. By incorporating fresh ingredients like ginger, green tea, mint, and cinnamon, you can create a flavorful beverage that not only tastes great but also helps to expel dampness and revitalise your body. So, the next time you feel the summer dampness creeping in, reach for your teapot and enjoy a cup of homemade dampness-expelling tea.