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PANguin

Autumn · from 23 Aug

End of Heat

處暑

Clear residual heat, nourish Yin.

Next: White Dew on 7 Sept — 15 days

Tailor to a constitution

Apple, lily bulb and red date drink
End of Heat · Tea break · Sensitive (Allergic)

Apple, lily bulb and red date drink

Apples simmered with lily bulbs and red dates into a naturally sweet drink with no added sugar — moistening and gentle, a reassuring choice for allergy-prone bodies as the seasons turn.

  • 55 min
  • Serves 3
  • Simmer
  • Easy
NeutralMoistens the lungsStrengthens the spleen

Why it suits you: End of Heat is the hand-over from summer to autumn, when a Special (allergy-prone) constitution is most prone to hay fever and itchy skin. Apples, lily bulb and red dates are all gentle, low-allergen ingredients: apple strengthens the spleen and generates fluids, lily bulb moistens the lungs and red dates support the middle, making a sweet, reassuring drink.

Method

Prep 10 min · Cook 45 min
  1. 1Rinse the lily bulb and red dates and soak the lily bulb for 15 minutes. Wash and core the apples and cut them into large chunks with the skin on.
  2. 2Bring the water to the boil, add the apples, lily bulb and dates, boil for 5 minutes, then simmer for 40 minutes.
  3. 3Drink warm; the apple and lily bulb can be eaten too.

Cautions

  • Red dates are sweet, so use fewer if you have diabetes.

Chef's tips

  • Simmering apples with the skin on makes the drink sweeter; scrub off any wax with baking soda first.

The TCM view

Apple is sweet, sour and cool, generating fluids, moistening the lungs and strengthening the spleen. Lily bulb is sweet and slightly cold, nourishing yin, moistening the lungs and calming the mind; red dates are sweet and warm, boosting qi and nourishing blood, balancing the coolness of the other two. Together they moisten the lungs and support the spleen without chilling, helping a Special constitution stay resilient through the change of season.

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  • For Sensitive (Allergic)
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Seasonal principle

Residual summer heat remains. Balance clearing heat with moistening dryness. Duck is a neutral, nourishing protein for this time. Ensure you get plenty of sleep to combat "autumn fatigue" as the body adjusts to the changing seasons. Keep a light jacket handy for cooler evenings.

In season now

In season around End of Heat: Lotus Root, Duck, Lily Bulb, Yam, Spinach

Tap an ingredient for its nature, uses and nutrition.

Sensitive (Allergic)

Sensitive and prone to allergies

Enjoy: Simple, balanced home cooking · Chinese yam and red dates · Brown rice and seasonal vegetables

Go easy: Anything you know you react to · Very spicy food · Alcohol

Not sure of your constitution?

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Based on traditional Chinese medicine for general wellness education — not a medical diagnosis or treatment. If symptoms persist, are severe or unusual, please see a doctor or registered Chinese medicine practitioner.