Xiaoman is, sitting between Lixia and Mangzhong, the 8th of the 24 solar terms. It falls on May 21 this year.

The unique climate in Xiaoman

During Xiaoman, summer harvest crops already bear fruits, and their seeds are though they are not ripe yet, thus it is named Xiaoman(Grain Buds). Xiaoman is the second solar term of summer, and the weather becomes hot, and rainfall and humidity increase gradually, making it feel sweltering summer.

Effects of humidity on the body

At the day of  Xiaoman, high humidity in hot weather not only makes you discomfort, but also has a adverse impact on the body, especially for those with heavy humidity, and those who are obese. Humidity can hinder the movement of air, making us prone to fatigue, shortness of breath, and even difficulty breathing. We should keep indoor air flow, and avoid doing strenuous exercise.

In addition, humid air can easily cause various skin problems, such as eczema, urticaria, athlete’s foot. To reduce skin problems, it is recommended to eat light and avoid too strong, spicy and greasy foods, and eat less sweets and dairy products, and eat more melons, such as: wax gourd, zucchini, and red beans, barley and other ingredients, which are helpful clear away heat and dampness.

Cold drinks easily damage the spleen and stomach

In the hot weather, many people like iced drinks to quench their thirst. However, it should be noted that cold drinks can easily damage the spleen and stomach. Furthermore, the heavy humidity in Xiaoman even worsen the damage of the spleen, making it possible to cause gastrointestinal problems like abdominal pain and diarrhea. Therefore, excessive drinking of cold drinks is not recommended.

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