In true heat the body’s yin energy, which is responsible for moistening and cooling the bodily functions, is not deficient, but has been overwhelmed by excessive heat. Heat may arise in several ways, including exposure to excessive heat in the environment. Consider not only natural but also man made environments, for example a working in artificially heated environments.
True heat may also be due to an excess of heat producing foods and drinks such as alcohol and coffee. This can be further aggravated by tobacco. True heat can also arise in response to an acute feverish illness. Foods that are useful to remove heat include:
Grains | Barley, buckwheat, millet, wheat, wheat bran, wheat germ |
Vegetables | Asparagus, aubergine, cabbage, celery, Chinese cabbage, cucumber, dandelion leaf, lettuce, mungbean sprout, potato, seaweed, turnip |
Fruit | Apple, banana, blueberry, cranberry, fig, grapefruit, lemon, lime, mango, melon, pear, persimmon, pineapple, plum, rhubarb, watermelon |
Beans | Kidney, mung, yellow soy, tofu |
Fish | Abalone, crab, fresh and salt water clam, octopus |
Herbs and spices | Liquorice, purslane, tamarind |
Bevrages | Chrysanthemum tea, dandelion root, elderflower tea, peppermint tea |
Oild and Condiments | Sesame oil, agar |
Suppliments | Kelp |
Grains | Millet |
Vegetables | Celery, cucumber, lettuce, radish, watercress |
Fruit | Lemon |
Bean product | Tofu |
Herbs/ spices | Chrysanthemum tea, roasted dandelion root coffee, peppermint tea, |
Obviously for those with true heat conditions it is important not add to this by consuming food and drink that will add further heat and stimulation to their bodies. As with foods to avoid in Yin deficiency this includes caffeine, alcohol, sugar and strong heating/pungent spices.