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
Summer Heat (Xiajire) is a febrile condition specific to infants and young children, resulting from the inability to adapt to the hot summer climate. It commonly occurs in infants and young children between 6 months and 3 years of age. The pathogenesis of this condition has not yet been determined; it is generally believed that it may be related to poor thermoregulation and impaired sweat gland function. However, newborns under 6 months also have poor thermoregulation, yet they rarely develop this condition, which is difficult to explain.
The clinical manifestations of this pediatric condition include: prolonged fever that does not subside, generally ranging between 38-40°C, accompanied by thirst, polyuria, scanty sweating or anhidrosis. There may also be a mild cough, a slightly red pharynx, loose stools, listlessness or restlessness, and poor appetite. Over a prolonged course, emaciation, pallor, and fatigue may appear. The typical wellness duration is 1-2 months, with a few cases extending to 3-4 months.
1.Wengcai Biqi Cha (Water Spinach and Water Chestnut Tea)
Ingredients: 500g each of water spinach (Ipomoea aquatica, also known as Kongxincai) and water chestnuts (Eleocharis dulcis, also known as Biqi).
Preparation: Wash and chop the water spinach (Ipomoea aquatica); wash, peel, and chop the water chestnuts (Eleocharis dulcis). Place both ingredients into a pot, decoct in water to obtain the juice, and drink as tea. One dose daily.
Function: supports the body’s natural cooling and fluid regulation processes, helping to maintain normal urination and proper hydration. Traditionally used to support children who may experience thirst, dry mouth, and occasional urinary discomfort during warm weather.
2.Ophiopogon japonicus (Maidong) Tea
Ingredients: Ophiopogon japonicus (Maidong) 10g, Rock Sugar 20g.
Preparation: Crush the rock sugar and place it together with Ophiopogon japonicus (Maidong) in a cup. Steep with boiling water and drink as tea. One dose daily.
Functions: supports Lung moisture and Heart calmness, nourishes the Stomach, and helps maintain normal fluid production. supports children’s comfort during warm weather by helping with occasional thirst, irritability, dry throat discomfort, and occasional constipation.
3.Crataegus pinnatifida (Hawthorn Berry) and Codonopsis pilosula (Dangshen) Tea
Ingredients: Crataegus pinnatifida (Shanzha) 50g, Codonopsis pilosula (Dangshen) 10g, stir-fried Setaria italica (stir-fried Guyai) 10g, stir-fried Hordeum vulgare (stir-fried Maiya) 10g, Ziziphus jujuba (Dazao) 7 pieces, white sugar 30g.
Preparation method: Decoction (boil in water) the first five ingredients to extract the liquid, then add white sugar. Take as a tea substitute. One dose per day.
Efficacy: supports a healthy Spleen and harmonizes the Stomach, helps maintain normal fluid production and hydration. Helps support children’s comfort during seasonal summer warmth.
4.Nelumbo nucifera (Lotus Leaf) and Rock Sugar Tea
Ingredients: Fresh Nelumbo nucifera (Lotus Leaf, Heye) 30-50 g, rock sugar 20 g.
Preparation method: Combine the above two ingredients and grind into a coarse powder. Place into a thermos cup, pour in boiling water, cover and steep for 30 minutes. Drink as tea. Use one dose daily.
Helps clear heat and helps with occasional summer heat, moistens the Lungs and promotes fluid production. supports children’s normal body temperature regulation during warm seasons.
5.Maidong Wumei Cha (Ophiopogon and Smoked Plum Tea)
Ingredients: Ophiopogon japonicus (Maidong, core removed) and Prunus mume (Wu Mei) flesh, 50 g each.
Preparation: Boil the two ingredients in water for 10 minutes, strain the decoction, and drink as tea. One dose per day.
Efficacy: helps maintain a balanced internal environment, supports Lung moisture, and nourishes the stomach to promote healthy fluid production. This supports children during warm summer months who may experience occasional thirst, temporary irritability, dry throat, mild digestive discomfort, reduced appetite, increased perspiration, shortness of breath, and general fatigue.
6.Sanye Cha (Three-Leaf Tea)
Ingredients: Fresh lotus leaf, bitter gourd leaf, and loofah leaf, 10 grams each.
Preparation: Wash and cut the above three ingredients into pieces, place them in a cup, and steep in boiling water. Drink as tea. Use one dose daily.
Efficacy: supports the body’s natural cooling mechanisms and helps maintain a balanced internal environment during warm weather. supports children’s comfort and adaptability 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.
Interesting! I’ve used some of these teas for my little one during hot summers. The herbal blends really help calm her down and keep her hydrated. Glad to see traditional remedies getting attention—
This is such a helpful post! My little one struggled with summer heat last year, and I wish I’d known about these herbal teas sooner. Do you have any tips on how to make them more appealing for picky toddlers? Thanks for sharing!
Great tips! My little one struggled with summer heat last year, and I ended up making a simple barley tea that helped a lot. I’ll have to try the honeysuckle and mint blend next time. Thanks for sharing these gentle remedies!
This is so helpful! My little one struggles with the heat every summer, and I’ve been looking for natural ways to keep her cool. I love that these teas are rooted in traditional wisdom. Definitely going to try the honeysuckle one first—thanks for sharing!