Great Heat is the twelfth of the 24 solar terms and the last one in summer.

The sun reaches the celestial longitude of 120°, corresponding to the period between July 22nd and 24th on the Gregorian calendar. “Heat” means hot, and Great Heat signifies the peak of heat.

Signs of the Season

Decaying Grass Becomes Fireflies

There are about two thousand species of fireflies in the world, divided into aquatic and terrestrial types. Terrestrial fireflies lay their eggs on dead grass, and during Great Heat, these eggs hatch, leading to the ancient belief that fireflies emerge from decaying grass.

Humid Heat

Following Great Heat, the weather becomes oppressively hot and the ground remains moist.

Heavy Rains

Heavy thunderstorms often occur at this time, which weaken the heat and humidity, marking a transition toward the beginning of autumn.

With the arrival of Great Heat comes the hottest part of the year, characterized by intense heat and high humidity. The heart qi can easily be depleted, making it advisable to consume warm foods. Drinking tea is an excellent way to relieve the heat, so what should you keep in mind when drinking tea during Great Heat?

Hot Tea Over Cold Drinks

The sweltering heat of midsummer can deplete the body's fluids, leaving you parched and irritable. At such times, a cup of Green Tea is ideal. Not only does it refresh and quench thirst, but it also contains rich nutrients, providing a sweet aftertaste and making it a perfect drink for cooling down during the heat of summer.

Many believe that a cold drink is more effective for cooling off, but in fact, hot tea has a better and longer-lasting effect.

What Tea to Drink During Great Heat?

Green Tea

A cup of green tea in the heat of summer can effectively cool you down and quench your thirst. Green tea has a slightly bitter, cool nature and can help reduce internal heat and calm the body.

White Tea

White tea has a mild, gentle character. In the scorching heat of summer, white tea is fresh, sweet, and refreshing, much like the dew of a summer morning, clear and pure.

During the intense heat of Great Heat, brewing a cup of white tea allows the subtle aroma to linger, as if time itself stands still, leaving behind only peace and tranquility within.

Additionally, the tea polyphenols, amino acids, water-soluble pectins, and aromatic compounds in the tea soup can stimulate the oral mucosa, helping to produce saliva and quench thirst.

Black Tea

Black tea is rich in theaflavins and thearubigins. Its rich aroma can help to generate saliva and quench thirst.

As a fully Fermented tea, black tea is less harsh on the stomach. Drinking black tea with sugar or milk during the heat can protect the stomach lining.

It's important to note that black tea should not be consumed cold during the heat. Refill the cup when about one-third of the tea remains, ideally up to three times per cup.

Diet During Great Heat

Consume Bitter Foods

Summer dietary care is based on the characteristics of the climate during the heat. Besides balancing work and rest, ensuring adequate sleep, and staying hydrated with water and tea, special attention should be paid to diet, including foods like mung beans, bitter gourds, and winter melons.