Disclaimer: All herbal teas, medicinal soups, acupuncture and Tui Na described in this article are only auxiliary wellness regimens for traditional health maintenance, not formal medical treatments. They cannot replace professional physician diagnosis, prescription drugs or clinical therapies. Anyone diagnosed with physical diseases shall strictly follow the treatment plans formulated by licensed medical practitioners. All TCM terminology, wellness regulation theories and traditional health philosophies in this text are solely for the inheritance, popularization and cultural exchange of traditional Chinese medicine. No content herein shall be deemed guidance for clinical diagnosis or medical treatment. Read more
Heatstroke is an acute condition that occurs during summer or in high-temperature work environments. Prolonged exposure to intense sunlight or excessively high temperatures are the main factors leading to this condition. The condition is most commonly seen in the elderly, individuals with weak constitutions, long-term bedridden patients, and postpartum women. Mild clinical manifestations may include headache, dizziness, nausea, and vomiting. In severe cases, signs of imbalance such as sudden loss of consciousness, cold extremities, pale complexion, irregular breathing, decreased blood pressure, high fever, and sweating may occur. This condition falls under the categories of “Summer Syncope (Shu Jue)”, “Summer Wind (Shu Feng)”, and “Closure Pattern (Bi Zheng)” in traditional Chinese medicine.
According to Traditional Chinese Medicine, heat-related conditions in summer arise from exposure to the seasonal summer-heat pathogenic influence. During the summer season, the climate is hot and the summer-heat pathogen prevails. If a person’s constitution is somewhat depleted of Yuan-Qi (original Qi), the summer-heat pathogen may take advantage of the deficiency and affect the individual, leading to certain discomforts. Depending on the severity of the summer-heat pathogen and individual constitutional differences, the condition may manifest in various ways—some affecting the Yangming Meridian, others disturbing the Pericardium, some stirring Liver Wind, and in more severe cases, damage to Yin may extend to Yang, potentially leading to disharmony between Yin and Yang.
Traditional Chinese medicine classifies summer-heat wellness into four types and applies pattern differentiation and supports based on different causes.
1. Summerheat Invading Yangming with Dual Injury of Qi and Fluid: headache and dizziness, aversion to heat with restlessness, red facial complexion and coarse breathing, dry mouth with thirst and desire to drink, profuse sweating, slight chill on the back, pulse that is large, forceful, and hollow (Hong Da Er Kou). supports focuses on supporting the body’s ability to maintain balance in the Yangming meridian and sustaining healthy levels of Qi and Body Fluids.
2. Summerheat Invading the Pericardium, Heat Stagnation of the Qi Mechanism: Sudden collapse, loss of consciousness, body heat with cold extremities, rough breathing like panting, no speech, slightly clenched jaw or open mouth, pulse surging and large or slippery and rapid. The approach is to help clear the Heart and open the orifices, and to support clear consciousness and mental alertness.
3. Excessive Summer-Heat stirring Liver Wind: Presents with fever, limb twitching, arching of the back, jaw tightness, mental confusion, and a wiry rapid pulse. supports principle: Support the body’s ability to clear heat and dispel summer-heat, promote comfortable muscle and tendon function, and maintain a calm and balanced nervous system.
4. Yin Impairment Affecting Yang, Qi Deficiency on the Verge of Collapse: Dizziness and palpitations, weakness of the limbs, pale complexion, cold sweating and cold extremities, followed by sudden fainting; the pulse is thin, rapid, and faint. The recommended approach is to support Yin and warmly support Yang, and to tonify Qi to help maintain structural integrity.
1.Gypsum (Shigao) and Anemarrhena (Zhimu) Tea
Ingredients: Gypsum fibrosum (Shigao) 30 g (decoct first), Anemarrhena asphodeloides (Zhimu) 10 g, Codonopsis pilosula (Dangshen) 15 g, Glycyrrhiza uralensis (Gancao) 10 g, Rice (Jingmi) 30 g, Watermelon rind (Xiguacuiyi) 12 g.
Preparation: Decoct the above herbs in water twice, mix the decoctions, and drink as a tea. One dose daily.
Benefits: supports the clearing and regulating function of the Yangming channel, and aids in nourishing Qi and generating fluids. helps maintain well-being when seasonal heat affects the Yangming and leads to disruption of Qi and fluid balance.
2.Jiawei Gouteng Cha (Modified Uncaria Tea)
Ingredients: Uncaria rhynchophylla (Gouteng) 30g, Scolopendra subspinipes (Wugong) 2 pieces, Buthus martensii (Quanxie) 6g.
Preparation: Decoct the above herbs in water twice, mix the decoctions, and take as a tea substitute. One dose daily, divided into two servings in the morning and evening.
Efficacy: supports a balanced internal environment and helps maintain comfortable muscle function. Intended for patterns of summer heat exuberance with stirring of Liver wind.
3.Lingjiao Gouteng Cha (Antelope Horn and Uncaria Tea)
Ingredients: Antelope horn powder (Cornu Saigae Tataricae, Lingyangjiao) 0.6-1 g, Frosted mulberry leaf (Morus alba, Sangye) 6 g, Fresh rehmannia root (Rehmannia glutinosa, Xian Shengdi) 15 g, Double-hook uncaria stem (Uncaria rhynchophylla, Gouteng) 30 g, Red Poria (Poria cocos, Zhu Fushen) 10 g, Chuzhou chrysanthemum (Chrysanthemum morifolium, Chuju) 10 g, Raw white peony root (Paeonia lactiflora, Sheng Baishao) 15 g, Raw licorice root (Glycyrrhiza uralensis, Sheng Gancao) 2.5 g, Bamboo shavings (Caulis Bambusae in Taeniam, Danzhuru) 10 g.
Preparation method: Grind the latter eight ingredients into a coarse powder, then place together with antelope horn powder into a thermos flask. Pour in boiling water, cover, and steep for 30 minutes. Consume as a tea. One dose daily.
Benefits: helps maintain a balanced internal environment and supports comfort during hot weather. Promotes calmness and helps with occasional muscle tension. supports the body in maintaining normal function when experiencing signs of excessive summer-heat and Liver wind stirring.
4.Renshen Fuzi Cha (Ginseng and Aconite Tea)
Ingredients: Panax ginseng (Ren Shen) 10g, Aconitum carmichaelii (processed Fu Zi) 5g.
Preparation: Grind the two ingredients into a coarse powder. Place in a thermos, pour in boiling water, cover and steep for 30 minutes. Drink as tea. One dose daily.
Function: supports Yin nourishment and Yang warmth, and helps maintain Qi and normal energy stability. Helps the body maintain balance in patterns of Yin impairment affecting Yang and Qi deficiency with impending collapse, supporting overall vitality during seasonal heat stress.
5.Lophatherum and Gardenia Tea (Zhuye Zhizi Cha)
Ingredients: Phyllostachys nigra (Bamboo Leaf) 15g, Gardenia jasminoides (Zhizi) 10g, Ziziphus jujuba (Dazao) 10g.
Preparation method: Decoct the above three ingredients in water twice, combine the decoctions, and mix well. Drink as tea. One dose daily.
Actions: helps maintain a balanced internal environment, supports blood cooling and a calm mind, and promotes Qi and healthy Spleen function. supports the body during heat-related discomfort, such as occasional thirst, feeling of heat, mental cloudiness, phlegm-heat cough, and occasional sleeplessness.
6.Jiawei Maidong Cha (Augmented Ophiopogon Tea)
Ingredients: 30g Ophiopogon japonicus (Maidong), 10g honey-fried Glycyrrhiza uralensis (Zhigancao), 15g Lophatherum gracile (Danzhuye), 6 pieces of Ziziphus jujuba (Dazao).
Preparation method: Decoct the above herbs in water twice, mix the decoctions evenly, and drink as tea. One dose daily.
Efficacy: supports Yin nourishment and internal cooling, promotes fluid generation and moisture, and aids Qi vitality and relaxation. helps with occasional restlessness and thirst during hot weather.
7.Sanxin Peilan Cha (Three-Heart Perrin Tea)
Ingredients: fresh Lophatherum gracile (bamboo leaf Heart), fresh Ophiopogon japonicus (dwarf lilyturf root Heart), fresh Nelumbo nucifera (lotus seed Heart), and fresh Eupatorium fortunei (fragrant eupatorium), 6 grams each.
Preparation: Grind the above four ingredients into coarse powder, put into a cup, pour in boiling water, wait until cool, and drink as tea. 1-2 doses per day.
Benefits: supports the body’s natural cooling process and helps maintain comfort during warm weather. Promotes a calm mind and emotional helps with occasional. helps maintain comfort during summer heat, such as occasional chest fullness, sweating, irritability, dry mouth, fatigue, and poor appetite.
8.Winter Melon Tea (Benincasa hispida)
Ingredients: 500-1000 grams fresh winter melon (white gourd), 60 grams white sugar.
Preparation: Wash the wax gourd, cut it into pieces, mash and squeeze out the juice. Mix in white sugar and drink frequently as a tea. One dose daily.
Efficacy: helps maintain a balanced internal environment and supports calmness. supports the body’s adaptation to hot weather. For individuals experiencing restlessness, thirst, and dark urine during hot weather, it helps promote comfort and normal fluid balance.
9.Lugen Erye Cha (Reed Rhizome and Two-leaf Tea)
Ingredients: 20g each of Fresh Phragmites communis (Lugen), Fresh Eriobotrya japonica (Pipaye), and Fresh Lophatherum gracile (Zhuye).
Preparation: Decoct the above three ingredients in water, strain the decoction, allow it to cool, and drink as a tea. One dose daily.
Functions: helps maintain a balanced internal environment and supports normal fluid production. It assists with occasional discomfort and supports normal downward flow. supports comfort during temporary thirst, hiccups, and nausea associated with heat exposure.
10.Crataegus pinnatifida (Hawthorn) and Nelumbo nucifera (Lotus Leaf) Tea
Ingredients: 40g Hawthorn (Crataegus pinnatifida, Shanzha), 12g Lotus leaf (Nelumbo nucifera, Heye), 20g White sugar.
Preparation: Place the first two ingredients in an earthenware pot, decoct with water and strain the liquid. Add white sugar, allow to cool, and drink as tea. Take 1–2 doses daily.
Efficacy: Helps clear internal heat and helps with occasional summer-heat discomfort, supports Liver calming and helps maintain normal blood pressure levels. Assists with occasional thirst and desire for drinks, as well as nausea during hot weather; also supports healthy blood pressure already within the normal range and helps helps with occasional occasional headache associated with Liver heat.
11.Agastache rugosa (Huoxiang) and Eupatorium fortunei (Peilan) Tea
Ingredients: Agastache rugosa (Huoxiang) 9g, Eupatorium fortunei (Peilan) 9g, Camellia sinensis (tea) 6g.
Preparation: Combine the above three ingredients and grind into a coarse powder. Place in a cup, steep with boiling water, and drink as tea. Take 1–2 doses daily.
Benefits: helps maintain a balanced internal environment during summer heat and supports normal digestive function. Promotes general well-being in hot conditions.
TCM Terminology Disclaimer:All traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) terms, descriptions, and wellness expressions including but not limited to nourishing lungs, soothing throat discomfort, supporting respiratory comfort, clearing mild internal heat, balancing qi and blood, harmonizing bodily functions, and regulating general wellness featured on this website are traditional TCM cultural descriptions and historical wellness theories only. These phrases are used solely for traditional TCM knowledge sharing and cultural interpretation. They do not constitute medical efficacy claims, have not been evaluated by the FDA, and are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. All TCM wording describes traditional auxiliary wellness conditioning effects only and should never be interpreted as clinical medical treatment results. Individuals with confirmed illnesses must seek professional medical diagnosis and follow standard Western medical treatment.
FDA Mandatory Disclaimer：These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA. Chinese herbal dietary supplements and traditional wellness practices are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease and serve only as daily auxiliary health support. If you have been diagnosed with any illness, please seek professional medical care and follow standard Western medical treatment regimens.
Great read! I’ve always been curious about TCM approaches to heatstroke. My grandma used to make me chrysanthemum tea on scorching days—never knew there were so many other herbal options. Definitely bookmarking this for the next heatwave. Thanks for breaking it down by pattern!
Great tips! I’ve been looking for natural ways to beat the summer heat. Will definitely try some of these herbal teas—especially for my elderly parents who struggle in hot weather. Thanks for sharing the TCM patterns too, that makes it much easier to choose the right remedy.
Love this! Been looking for natural ways to beat the summer heat. Definitely trying the mung bean and honeysuckle tea this weekend. Thanks for breaking down by body type too—makes it so much easier to choose what actually works for me! ☀️🍵
This is so helpful! I’ve been looking for natural ways to beat the summer heat, and TCM teas sound like a much better option than sugary drinks. Do you have a go-to recipe for someone with a weaker constitution?
Great tips! I always struggle with the heat in summer, so I’ll definitely try some of these herbal teas. Love that TCM focuses on different patterns rather than a one-size-fits-all approach. Thanks for sharing! 🌿☀️