The Hotter the Dog Days Get, the More You Should Eat These 4 Fruits to Replenish Qi, Blood, and Fluids, and Banish Dampness for a Comfortable Summer

The Dog Days of summer bring scorching heat and oppressive humidity. With even the slightest movement, sweat pours out—this isn’t just a loss of water but a silent drain on your precious qi, blood, and bodily fluids. As the old saying goes, "A summer without illness still leaves you three parts weak." This "weakness" stems from the relentless dampness, heat, and opportunistic cold pathogens wreaking havoc on your body!

But don’t worry—nature has thoughtfully provided seasonal fruits to help us weather the summer comfortably. The hotter the Dog Days get, the more you should invite these four fruits to your table. Together, they replenish lost qi, blood, and fluids, quietly drive out cold and dampness, and leave you feeling refreshed from head to toe!

#1: The Golden Elixir for Strengthening the Spleen and Expelling Dampness—Apple with Four Sacred Herbs Soup

Ingredients:

• A small section of Chinese yam (about 80g)

• 10g poria cocos (fu ling)

• 10g fox nut seeds (qian shi)

• 15g lotus seeds

• 1 apple

• 800–1000ml water (add a little rock sugar or brown sugar if you prefer sweetness)

Instructions:

1. Peel and chop the yam into small pieces (wear gloves to avoid skin irritation). Wash the apple, remove the core, and cut into chunks (keep the skin for extra nutrients). Rinse the poria cocos, fox nut seeds, and lotus seeds briefly.

2. Toss all ingredients into a pot (clay pot or slow cooker works well) and add enough water.

3. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer. Let it cook gently for 30–40 minutes until the lotus seeds and fox nut seeds turn soft and tender.

4. The natural sweetness of the apple will infuse the soup. Add sugar if desired, then turn off the heat. Enjoy the warm soup along with the softened ingredients!

Why It Works:

Chinese yam, poria cocos, fox nut seeds, and lotus seeds are all powerhouse ingredients for strengthening the spleen and dispelling dampness. Together, they break down and eliminate the stagnant dampness weighing down your body. The apple adds a refreshing sweetness while promoting fluid production to quench thirst. A bowl of this soup melts away that sticky, sluggish feeling from the inside out, gently supporting your digestive system and easing fatigue.

#2: From Bitter to Sweet—Honey-Soaked Bitter Melon with Fresh Peach Juice

Ingredients:

• ½ bitter melon

• 1–2 ripe peaches

• 2–3 tbsp honey

Instructions:

1. Wash the bitter melon, cut it lengthwise, and scrape out the white pith (the source of bitterness). Slice thinly.

2. Place the slices in a container, drizzle generously with honey, mix well, and let marinate for 15–20 minutes.

3. Peel and pit the peaches, then blend into a smooth juice.

4. Pour the peach juice over the marinated bitter melon, cover, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. Serve chilled—the crisp bitterness of the melon, mellowed by honey and brightened by peach juice, instantly cools the summer heat!

Why It Works:

Excessive heart fire is a common summer complaint. Bitter melon, known as the "gentleman’s vegetable," excels at clearing heat and reducing fire. Honey balances its cooling nature while adding sweetness. Fresh peach juice not only replenishes lost fluids but also lifts your mood with its vibrant color and aroma. This dish transforms the "bitterness" of summer into a refreshing, appetite-boosting treat!

#3: The Radiant Beauty Tonic—Stewed Papaya with Pear

Ingredients:

• ½ ripe papaya

• 1 Asian pear

• A handful of goji berries

• Rock sugar (to taste)

• Water (as needed)

Instructions:

1. Peel and deseed the papaya and pear, then cut into bite-sized chunks.

2. Place them in a stewing pot with the rinsed goji berries.

3. Add enough water to cover, sprinkle with rock sugar, and simmer over low heat for 30–40 minutes until the pear turns translucent and the papaya softens. Serve warm or chilled.

Why It Works:

While raw pears are cooling, stewing them makes them gently hydrating and doubly effective at moistening dryness. Papaya, rich in enzymes, aids digestion, while goji berries brighten the eyes. Rock sugar adds a soothing sweetness. This dessert comforts a parched throat and keeps skin supple—perfect for those feeling dry and irritated by summer heat. Enjoy it warm for coziness or cold for a refreshing treat!

#4: The Sweet Nutrient Reserve—Homemade Fig Jam

Ingredients:

• 500g fresh figs

• 150–200g white sugar or rock sugar (adjust to taste)

• Juice of ½ lemon

Instructions:

1. Wash and dry the figs, remove stems, peel, and chop (leave chunks for texture).

2. Combine with sugar and lemon juice in a clean pot. Let sit for 1–2 hours to draw out pectin.

3. Simmer over low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent burning. Skim off foam.

4. Cook until thickened (about 30–50 minutes). Test by drawing a line on the pot bottom—it should hold. Pour into sterilized jars, seal, and cool upside down. Refrigerate for up to 2 weeks.

Why It Works:

Figs are unsung heroes—nourishing qi and blood, supporting digestion, and soothing the throat. Turning them into jam preserves their benefits. Spread it on toast, mix into yogurt, or dissolve in warm water for a quick energy boost. Homemade and additive-free, its rich flavor and satisfaction outshine store-bought versions. A perfect summer pantry staple!

Instead of battling the heat with frustration, let nature’s sweetness nurture you. Pick one of these recipes and start today—when your body feels light and cared for, smiles come effortlessly. A comfortable summer begins with kindness to your digestion and a taste of these wholesome, revitalizing treats!

(Note: The original translation was expanded to meet the 800-word requirement while maintaining natural flow and detail.)