In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), the concept of excess heat plays a significant role in understanding imbalances within the body and the environment. Excess heat can arise from various factors, including the seasons, weather conditions, indoor environments, hormonal imbalances, stagnation, diet and illnesses. By recognizing these influences and their effects on the body, TCM provides a comprehensive approach to restoring balance and promoting well-being. In this blog, we explore how excess heat is perceived in TCM, its diverse origins, and the traditional Chinese teas that can help address each type of excess heat.

Understanding Excess Heat:

Excess heat is considered a condition where the body’s Yang energy is overly active, leading to heat accumulation. This can manifest as various symptoms such as irritability, thirst, redness, inflammation, fever, and rapid pulse. Addressing excess heat is crucial to maintaining harmony within the body and preventing the development of more severe imbalances.

Contributors to Excess Heat:

• Seasonal Influence: Summer, the season associated with the Fire element in TCM, is naturally prone to excess heat. Prolonged exposure to high temperatures and the scorching sun can lead to heat-related imbalances.
• Weather Conditions: Hot and humid weather can exacerbate excess heat, causing discomfort and dehydration.
• Home Environment: Poor ventilation, indoor heat sources, and exposure to electronic devices can contribute to heat accumulation in the living spaces.
• Hormonal Imbalances: Hormonal fluctuations, particularly in women during menstruation or menopause, can cause heat-related symptoms.
• Illnesses and Infections: Certain infections or inflammatory conditions can lead to the accumulation of excess heat in the body.
• Diet: Hot foods and drinks, spices such as chili and dry ginger, red meat, oily foods, chemical food additives, coffee and alcohol can all create excess heat in the body.

Green Tea (Lu Cha):

Green tea is renowned for its cooling properties, making it an excellent choice to combat excess heat during hot weather. The preparation is simple, and the tea offers various health benefits.

Ingredients:

• 1 teaspoon green tea leaves (or 1 green tea bag)
• 1 cup of hot water (not boiling, around 175°F or 80°C)

Instructions:

• Boil water and let it cool for a minute or two to reach the ideal room temperature.
• Place green tea leaves or a green tea bag in a teacup.
• Pour the hot water over the tea leaves or tea bag.
• Steep for 2-3 minutes, depending on personal preference.
• Remove the tea leaves or tea bag and enjoy the refreshing green tea.

Chrysanthemum Tea (Ju Hua Cha):

Chrysanthemum tea has a cooling and dispersing effect, making it ideal for reducing heat-related symptoms such as red eyes, headaches, and irritability.

Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon dried chrysanthemum flowers
• 1 cup of hot water (around 200°F or 93°C)

Instructions:

• Rinse the dried chrysanthemum flowers under cold water.
• Place the flowers in a teapot or teacup.
• Boil water and let it cool slightly to the appropriate temperature.
• Pour the hot water over the chrysanthemum flowers.
• Steep for 3-5 minutes to allow the flavors to infuse.
• Strain the tea into a teacup and savor the delicate and soothing chrysanthemum tea.

Peppermint Tea (Bo He Cha):

Peppermint tea has a refreshing and cooling nature, making it an excellent choice for relieving internal heat and soothing digestion.

Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon dried peppermint leaves (or 1 peppermint tea bag)
• 1 cup of hot water (around 200°F or 93°C)

Instructions:

• Place the dried peppermint leaves or peppermint tea bag in a teapot or teacup.
• Boil water and let it cool slightly to the appropriate temperature.
• Pour the hot water over the peppermint leaves or tea bag.
• Steep for 5-7 minutes, allowing the flavors to develop fully.
• Remove the tea leaves or tea bag, and enjoy the invigorating peppermint tea.

Licorice Root Tea (Gan Cao Cha):

Licorice root tea has a sweet and moistening quality, making it an excellent choice for clearing heat and balancing the body’s energy.

Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon dried licorice root slices
• 1 cup of hot water (around 200°F or 93°C)

Instructions:

• Rinse the dried licorice root slices under cold water.
• Place the slices in a teapot or teacup.
• Boil water and let it cool slightly to the appropriate temperature.
• Pour the hot water over the licorice root slices.
• Steep for 5-7 minutes, allowing the natural sweetness of licorice to infuse the tea.
• Strain the tea into a teacup and enjoy the nourishing licorice root tea.

Honeysuckle Flower Tea (Jin Yin Hua Cha):

Honeysuckle flower tea is known for its ability to clear heat and toxins from the body, making it beneficial during infections or hot weather.

Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon dried honeysuckle flowers
• 1 cup of hot water (around 200°F or 93°C)

Instructions:

• Rinse the dried honeysuckle flowers under cold water.
• Place the flowers in a teapot or teacup.
• Boil water and let it cool slightly to the appropriate temperature.
• Pour the hot water over the honeysuckle flowers.
• Steep for 5-7 minutes, allowing the beneficial properties of honeysuckle to infuse the tea.
• Strain the tea into a teacup and enjoy the detoxifying honeysuckle flower tea.

White Tea (Bai Cha):

White tea is lightly fermented and offers a gentle cooling effect, suitable for reducing internal heat without being overly cold.

Ingredients:

• 1 teaspoon white tea leaves (or 1 white tea bag)
• 1 cup of hot water (not boiling, around 175°F or 80°C)

Instructions:

• Boil water and let it cool for a minute or two to reach the ideal temperature.
• Place white tea leaves or a white tea bag in a teacup.
• Pour the hot water over the tea leaves or tea bag.
• Steep for 2-3 minutes, depending on personal preference.
• Remove the tea leaves or tea bag and enjoy the mild and delicate flavor of white tea.

Excess heat, a common imbalance in Traditional Chinese Medicine in modern life, can arise from various factors as reviewed. By understanding the origins of excess heat, individuals can take proactive measures to restore balance to the body. Traditional Chinese teas, with their cooling and dispersing properties, can be valuable allies in addressing different types of excess heat. Incorporating these teas into one’s daily routine, along with lifestyle adjustments to counteract environmental influences, can help individuals achieve harmony within their bodies. Seeking guidance from a qualified TCM practitioner is essential for personalized recommendations and support on the journey towards restoring balance and vitality.