What is the best food to eat for nourishment during the Da Shu (Great Heat) period?

　　The weather during "Da Shu" (Major Heat) is hot and humid, making the human body susceptible to invasion by summer heat and dampness. Health tonics should focus on clearing heat, eliminating dampness, strengthening the spleen, and boosting vital energy. Recommended foods include mung beans, lotus seeds, winter melon, Chinese yam, and coix seed. Commonly used medications include Huoxiang Zhengqi Oral Liquid, Shenling Baizhu Powder, Liuyi Powder, Jianpi Pills, and Xiangsha Yangwei Pills. Detailed analysis is as follows:

　　I. Foods

　　1. Mung beans: Rich in protein and B vitamins, mung beans have effects of clearing heat, relieving summer-heat, promoting diuresis, and reducing edema. They help alleviate thirst caused by summer heat and replenish fluids, making them ideal for preparing mung bean soup.

　　2. Lotus seeds: Containing starch and dietary fiber, lotus seeds can strengthen the spleen and stop diarrhea, while nourishing the heart and calming the mind. They are effective in improving spleen deficiency and symptoms such as irritability and insomnia caused by summer dampness, and are best consumed in porridge or soups.

　　3. Winter melon: High in water content and vitamin C, winter melon clears heat, promotes urination, reduces swelling, and detoxifies the body. It helps eliminate internal dampness and relieve edema due to summer heat, suitable for stir-frying or stewing.

　　4. Chinese yam: Contains mucilaginous protein and minerals, it strengthens the spleen and stomach, generates fluids, and benefits the lungs. It enhances digestive function and improves poor appetite caused by summer dampness, and can be steamed or used in various dishes.

　　5. Coix seed (Job's tears): Rich in dietary fiber and B vitamins, coix seed strengthens the spleen, drains dampness, clears heat, and expels pus. It helps regulate dampness balance and relieve bodily heaviness and fatigue, best prepared as congee or cooked with red beans.

　　II. Medications

　　1. Huoxiang Zhengqi Oral Liquid: Composed of herbs such as Agastache (Huoxiang) and Perilla leaf, it dispels exterior pathogens, resolves dampness, and regulates qi to harmonize the middle jiao. Suitable for headaches, dizziness, abdominal distension, and pain caused by summer-damp colds. Should be taken according to the instructions.

　　2. Shenling Baizhu Powder: Contains ginseng, white atractylodes (Baizhu), and other ingredients. It strengthens the spleen and stomach and benefits lung qi. Indicated for reduced appetite, loose stools, shortness of breath, and cough due to spleen damage from summer dampness. Must be used according to medical advice and prescribed course.

　　3. Liuyi Powder: Main ingredients are talc and licorice. It clears summer-heat and eliminates dampness. Used for fever, fatigue, thirst, and diarrhea caused by summer dampness. Dosage should be adjusted under medical supervision.

　　4. Jianpi Pills: Composed of Codonopsis (Dangshen), fried white atractylodes, and others, these pills strengthen the spleen and stimulate appetite. Suitable for spleen deficiency and abdominal fullness caused by summer heat, improving digestive function. Take as directed on the label.

　　5. Xiangsha Yangwei Pills: Contain Saussurea (Mu Xiang), Amomum (Sha Ren), and other components. They warm the middle burner and harmonize the stomach. Used for stomach pain and loss of appetite due to summer dampness affecting the spleen and stomach. Strictly follow medical guidance when using.

　　Before taking any medication, clearly identify your symptoms. Avoid combining Huoxiang Zhengqi Oral Liquid with cephalosporin antibiotics. Always follow medical advice. Seek prompt medical attention if severe symptoms such as high fever or intense vomiting occur.