Your Summer Pharmacy

That's not a failure. That's summer.

It is the season of fire. Of expansion. Of peak yang energy. Everything blooms, everything grows, everything gives.

But giving without receiving leads to emptiness.

The old masters knew this. They didn't live in defiance of summer—they lived in harmony with it. They knew what the body needs during this time. And they found it where it had always been:

In the garden. In the meadow. Out in nature.

Your summer medicine cabinet is ready. You just need to know what to pick.

🔥 What summer demands of the body

In TCM, summer is the season of the Fire element. The heart reigns supreme. The Shen—your spirit, your consciousness—is at its most active.

It brings gifts: joy, creativity, connection, and self-expression.

But it also comes at a cost.

Summer demands five things from the body:

1. Regulate body temperature

The heat from outside seeps in. It rises upward—to the head, to the heart. It makes you restless, irritable, and dazed.

The body needs to cool down. But not with cold—because cold doesn't actually cool you down. It needs thermal cooling—from the inside, gently, and sustainably.

The plants for this: Peppermint, chrysanthemum, hibiscus

2. Storing liquids

You sweat. You lose fluids. Not just water—but also minerals, and what TCM calls „substance.“.

The body fluids—Jin Ye—cool, moisturize, and nourish. When they are gone, everything becomes dry: the skin, the throat, the eyes, and the mind.

The body doesn't just need nourishment—it needs something that keeps it going.

The plants for this: Sage, schisandra, goji berries

3. Nourish Yin

Yang is above. Yang is outside. Yang is summer itself—hot, bright, active.

But Yang without Yin burns out. Yin is the cooling force, the substance, the depth. The quiet partner that keeps the fire in balance.

Summer depletes the Yin. It must be nourished—gently, steadily, every day

The plants for this: White tea, lily bulb, American ginseng

4. Protecting the Heart

The heart is the body's most vital organ. In the summer, it is particularly active—and particularly vulnerable.

Heat upsets the heart. Overwork exhausts it. Too much stimulation overwhelms it. And when the heart suffers, everything suffers.

The heart needs protection. Rest. Nourishment that strengthens it without weighing it down.

The plants for this: Hibiscus, hawthorn, lotus seeds

5. Calm the Shen

Shen is your spirit. It resides in the heart. In summer, it is most alert—but also most restless.

When the nights are short, when everything is pushing outward, Shen can’t settle down. He flutters. You sleep poorly, you’re restless, you feel „out of sorts.“.

Shen needs an anchor. Something to bring him home.

The plants for this: Lavender, lemon balm, linden blossom, lotus seeds

🌿 The Garden Pharmacy

These herbs grow on the balcony, in the garden, and on the windowsill. You can plant them today. They’re easy to grow, readily available—and surprisingly powerful.

Peppermint — the refresher

Peppermint is the quintessential summer herb.

Thermal effect: Cool
Taste: Sharp
Works on: Lungs, liver

What she does:

Peppermint cools—but it does more than that. It opens up, it clears the mind, it liberates.

In TCM, we say it „dispels wind-heat.“ That sounds technical, but you know the feeling. When heat builds up in your head. When your thoughts go round and round. When everything feels tight and you can’t think clearly anymore.

Peppermint creates space. It loosens what has become stuck. It gets stagnant energy moving again.

And—this is important—it opens the pores. It helps the body sweat instead of trapping heat. Unlike ice-cold drinks, which close the pores and trap heat inside.

What time of day:

• Morning: For a fresh start—instead of coffee or as a complement to it
• Afternoon: When that 3 p.m. slump hits and your head feels heavy
• After the meal: If you feel a heaviness in your stomach

Warning:

• Late at night, peppermint can be too stimulating
• If you have a severe Yin deficiency (dryness, night sweats), don’t overdo it—it can cause further dehydration
• Use with caution if you have heartburn—it may relax the lower esophageal sphincter

Pair with:

• Chrysanthemum — enhances the cooling effect on the head and eyes
• Green Tea — Clarity Squared
• Lemon balm — when you want both: refreshment and relaxation

Peppermint is the first thing to reach for when summer gets too much. It grows like crazy and forgives every beginner’s mistake. Plant some today.

Lavender — the Shen Calmer

It smells like summer. But it’s about much more than just being beautiful.

Thermal effect: Cool
Taste: Spicy, slightly bitter
Works on: Heart, liver, lungs

What he does:

Lavender cools in a different way than peppermint. It cools by soothing.

The heat that arises from stress, from agitation, from a mind that cannot find peace—lavender soothes it. It calms what is rising. It slows what is spinning too fast.

In TCM, we say: It calms the Shen. The spirit that dwells in the heart becomes still. Inner restlessness subsides. The heat caused by tension can dissipate.

At the same time, it regulates liver qi. If you feel constricted, irritable, or under pressure—lavender opens up what the liver constricts.

What time of day:

• Afternoons starting at 5 p.m.: As the day draws to a close, but the tension hasn't yet
• Before going to sleep: The classic way to enjoy it — a cup to calm the mind
• In the event of an acute stress reaction: Even during the day, when you realize you can't calm down

Warning:

• Use with caution if you have low blood pressure—lavender can lower it further
• If you feel very tired during the day, don't overdo it—it can make you drowsy
• Never apply essential oil undiluted to the skin

Pair with:

• Lemon balm — the gentle choice for sensitive individuals
• Linden Blossom — when you need extra room in the chest area
• Chamomile — a classic bedtime combination

Lavender doesn't offer quick relief. It offers deep comfort. For those nights when your heart won't settle.

Lemon Balm — The Gentle One

It smells like lemon, but it's much more than just a scent.

Thermal effect: Cool
Taste: Spicy-sweet, slightly bitter
Works on: Heart, liver, stomach

What she does:

Lemon balm is like peppermint’s gentler sister. It has a cooling effect, but a more delicate one. It soothes without causing drowsiness. It’s perfect for people who are sensitive—to herbs, to stimuli, to everything.

It calms the heart, soothes the stomach, and relieves mild liver qi stagnation. It also lifts the spirits—traditionally, it was used to treat „melancholy and heaviness of the heart.“.

That's what makes it unique: It soothes without weighing you down. It cools without drying you out. It restores balance.

What time of day:

• Morning: If you want to start off gently, without getting too worked up
• After lunch: To combat the afternoon slump
• Evening: On its own or with lavender
• For stomach-related nervousness: Anytime — lemon balm soothes an upset stomach like no other herb

Warning:

• Use with caution if you have hypothyroidism—lemon balm can slightly suppress thyroid function
• Otherwise: One of the safest herbs there is

Pair with:

• Lavender — the perfect combination for relaxing evenings
• Peppermint — Refreshing with a gentle touch
• Linden Blossom — when you need both relaxation and openness

Lemon balm grows like a weed if you let it. It takes over everything. Just let it. In the summer, it’s worth its weight in gold.

Basil — the harmonizer

An essential ingredient in Italian cuisine. In Traditional Chinese Medicine: a true medicinal herb that is often underestimated.

Thermal effect: Mildly warm to neutral (depending on the variety)
Taste: Spicy, sweet
Works on: Stomach, spleen, lungs

What it does:

Basil isn't traditionally considered a cooling herb. But it brings balance—and that's just as important in the summer.

It helps the spleen manage the dampness that becomes so oppressive on muggy days—that heavy, bloated, „everything sticks together“ feeling. Basil transforms dampness, relieves stagnation in the abdomen, and brings a sense of lightness.

And it lifts your spirits. It’s no coincidence that its scientific name is „basilicum“—meaning “royal.” In medieval Europe, it was said that basil dispelled melancholy and brought joy.

What time of day:

• About the meal: The classic way to enjoy it—on a tomato, in a salad, or on pizza
• In the morning: As a tea (less well-known but effective) for a light, clear day
• On humid days: When everything is sticky and heavy

Warning:

• Use with caution if you have a bleeding disorder or are taking blood-thinning medication—basil can affect blood clotting
• Do not use basil essential oil during pregnancy

Pair with:

• Tomato — perfect not only in the kitchen, but also energetically (cooling and harmonizing)
• Peppermint — in a salad or as a blended tea
• Ginger (a small amount) — if you also want to boost your digestion

Basil is the mediator. It doesn't cool you down directly, but it helps your body cope with the summer heat. Keep a pot on the windowsill. Use a few leaves every day.

Sage — the Guardian

A herb that most people only know from gargling. But in the summer, it can do so much more.

Thermal effect: Warming (but with an astringent effect)
Taste: Spicy, bitter
Works on: Lungs, stomach, kidneys

What he does:

Sage has a warming quality—and yet it’s a summer herb. Why? Because it preserves what summer seeks to take away.

It regulates sweating. It doesn’t suppress it—it regulates it. For people who sweat excessively, who wake up soaked at night, who break out in a sweat at the slightest exertion—sage helps keep it under control.

That’s what makes it so special: it keeps what sweat takes away. In the summer, when we’re constantly losing, that’s worth its weight in gold.

It also strengthens qi and dispels excess dampness—without causing dryness. A delicate balance that sage manages to strike.

What time of day:

• Morning: If you know you have a sweaty day ahead of you
• Before exercising: To control excessive sweating
• Evening: For night sweats — one cup before bed

Warning:

• Do not use during pregnancy or while breastfeeding
• Do not use if you have epilepsy (thujone may trigger seizures)
• Don't use large amounts over a long period of time—sage is potent
• Use with caution if you have a dry constitution—it can cause further dehydration

Pair with:

• Peppermint — if you want to cool down AND stay cool
• Goji Berries — Nourish and maintain Yin, the perfect summer combination
• Honey — softens the intense flavor

Sage is for those who lose too much. It preserves what summer takes away. Not in large quantities every day—but just when you need it.

Rosemary — the Qi-stimulator

Warm, aromatic, invigorating. Not the first herb that comes to mind in summer—but it’s underrated.

Thermal effect: Warm
Taste: Spicy, bitter
Works on: Lungs, spleen, liver

What he does:

Rosemary warms you up—but it also gets you moving. And sometimes that’s exactly what you need.

On muggy days, when the humidity brings everything to a standstill. When you can’t seem to get yourself going. When your circulation just won’t kick in. When everything feels sticky and nothing flows.

Rosemary gets things moving. It stimulates the flow of qi, clears the mind, and boosts energy. It’s like a breath of fresh air on a stuffy day.

Not for the hottest, driest days—but for the muggy, sluggish, leaden ones.

What time of day:

• Morning: The perfect tea to start your day and clear your mind
• Before engaging in intellectual work: Rosemary improves concentration — proven in studies
• On muggy mornings: When the air stands still and you're with it

Warning:

• Use with caution if you have high blood pressure—rosemary can raise blood pressure
• Not during pregnancy (stimulates the uterus)
• Avoid if you have epilepsy
• Not in the late afternoon or evening—it's too stimulating

Pair with:

• Peppermint — Energizing + Cooling, perfect for muggy mornings
• Green tea — double the clarity
• Lemon — adds a refreshing touch

Rosemary is for those sweltering days when nothing seems to be moving. It gets things moving when everything has come to a standstill. In the morning, not in the evening. For energy, not for calm.

🍵 Summer Teas

These teas go beyond common garden herbs. You can find them at Asian grocery stores, on the tea aisle, in TCM pharmacies, and at specialty online shops.

They are the next level of summer first-aid kits.

The Chrysanthemum (Jú Huā) — the flower that cools the head and eyes

In China, chrysanthemum tea is as common as chamomile tea is here. Every office, every home, and every kitchen has dried chrysanthemums.

Thermal effect: Cool
Taste: Bitter, sweet
Works on: Lungs, liver

What she does:

The chrysanthemum specifically cools the upper part of the body. The head, eyes, forehead—all the heat that rises and accumulates there.

That’s its specialty: it clears liver fire that rises upward. In TCM, the liver is the organ that „overheats“ under stress. And when liver heat rises, you notice it first in your head. Red eyes. Throbbing headaches. Dizziness. Irritability.

The chrysanthemum soothes this heat. It cools what rises. It clears what is cloudy. And it tastes wonderful—light, floral, golden.

An interesting detail: In TCM, there are two varieties. The yellow one (Hang Ju) has a stronger cooling effect. The white one (Bai Ju) also has a nourishing effect. Both are suitable for everyday use.

What time of day:

• Afternoon: When your head feels heavy and your eyes are tired
• After working at a computer: Chrysanthemum is THE office tea
• After heat exposure: If you've been out in the sun and your head is throbbing
• If you're feeling irritable:When you realize the fuse is getting shorter

Warning:

• For those with a cold constitution (always feeling cold, pale complexion, loose stools) – use in moderation
• Do not consume large amounts if you have diarrhea
• Not while you have a cold and are feeling chilly

Pair with:

• Goji berries — THE classic. Chrysanthemum cools, goji nourishes the yin. Pure balance.
• Peppermint — enhances the cooling, clarifying effect
• Honey — when the bitterness is too strong

Chrysanthemums are a must-have for any summer pantry. A jar of dried flowers will last a year. And when you have a headache, your eyes are burning, and the heat is rising—you know what to do.

Green Tea — The Gentle Guardian

Not all teas are the same. Green tea is special—and especially perfect for summer.

Thermal effect: Cool
Taste: Bitter, sweet
Works on: Heart, stomach, lungs

What he does:

Green tea is refreshing, but it also perks you up. That’s the beauty of it: clarity without overheating.

Unlike coffee, which warms you up and gives you a boost, green tea clears the mind and calms you down at the same time. It cools the stomach—which is great after spicy or greasy meals. It helps with the excess moisture that tends to build up in the summer. It protects the heart with its antioxidants.

And then there’s L-theanine—a compound produced exclusively by the tea plant. It makes you feel alert and relaxed at the same time. Concentrated, but not nervous. Focused, but not tense.

That's something coffee can't do.

What time of day:

• Morning: As an alternative to coffee or as a complement
• In the morning: For focused work
• After lunch: To combat afternoon fatigue
• Not after 3 p.m.: Caffeine stays in your system for a long time

Warning:

• It can upset your stomach on an empty stomach—it’s better to take it after breakfast
• If you have an iron deficiency: Do not drink this with meals, as it inhibits iron absorption
• If you have trouble sleeping: Have your last cup of green tea before 3 p.m.

Quality feature:

When it comes to green tea, quality is especially important. High-quality green tea doesn't taste bitter, but rather sweet and umami. If your green tea tastes only bitter, the water was too hot (maximum 80°C) or the quality was too low.

Pair with:

• Jasmine blossoms — a classic, cooling and soothing
• Mint — extra freshness
• Ginger (a small amount) — if you want to balance out the cooling effect a bit

Green tea is all about balance. Alert, but not jittery. Refreshing, but not cold. Try this experiment every summer: drink green tea instead of coffee in the morning for a week. Notice the difference.

Hibiscus — the heart-cooler

The bright red flowers aren't just beautiful. They're medicine—and an underrated one at that.

Thermal effect: Cold
Taste: Acid
Works on: Heart, liver

What he does:

Hibiscus has a strong cooling effect. Stronger than chrysanthemum, stronger than mint. It’s for those really hot days—when nothing else will do.

It cools the blood. It lowers what rises too high—heat, but also blood pressure (as shown in studies). It refreshes the heart. In TCM, the heart is the fire organ, and it is particularly vulnerable in the summer. Hibiscus protects it.

The sour taste is more than just a flavor—it’s an effect. Sour tightens. Sour preserves fluids. Exactly what summer needs when everything is pushing outward and getting lost.

And what about the color red? Red nourishes the heart—in TCM, but also symbolically.

What time of day:

• Afternoon: When the heat is at its peak
• After exercising: Refreshing and rich in electrolytes
• During heat waves:Hibiscus is for those extreme days

Warning:

• Use with caution if you have low blood pressure—it can lower it further
• If you have a cold constitution, do not consume large quantities
• Use with caution during pregnancy (may stimulate the uterus)
• May interact with blood pressure medications — if in doubt, consult your doctor

Pair with:

• Rosehip — boosts the effects of vitamin C
• Mint — even more refreshing
• Honey — reduces acidity

Hibiscus is perfect for the hottest days. Bright red, intensely tart and fruity, refreshing. When nothing else works—hibiscus really cools you down.

Linden Blossom — The Relaxant

A European classic that’s perfect for your summer medicine cabinet. Our grandmothers knew more than we realize.

Thermal effect: Cool to neutral
Taste: Sweet
Works on: Heart, Lungs

What she does:

Linden blossoms have a relaxing effect. They open up, they expand, and they help your breath flow freely.

When the heat makes you feel suffocated. When you notice your breathing has become shallow. When it all becomes too much and you’re just going through the motions—the linden blossom opens up what has closed in.

It also promotes light sweating—which is good in the summer. Sweating is the body’s natural way of cooling itself. Ice-cold temperatures suppress sweating and trap heat. Linden blossom helps the body do what it’s supposed to do.

At the same time, it calms the nervous system. Mild, gentle, soothing. It’s like a warm (but not hot) hug.

What time of day:

• Late afternoon: When you've had a busy day and the evening hasn't even started yet
• Before going to sleep: For a smooth transition into the night
• In case of restlessness: Anytime you realize you're not yourself anymore

Warning:

• One of the safest medicinal plants there is
• For very low blood pressure, in moderation

Pair with:

• Lavender — the ultimate combination for relaxation
• Chamomile — classic, time-tested, gentle
• Honey — makes it even milder

Linden blossom tea is comfort in a cup. For those evenings when the day was too hot and the night hasn't cooled down yet.

White Tea — The Yin-Bringer

The mildest of all teas. And perhaps the most underrated.

Thermal effect: Cool
Taste: Sweet, mild
Works on: Heart, lungs, kidneys

What he does:

White tea undergoes minimal processing—the leaves are simply dried, not fermented. This makes it milder than green tea, with a fresher, more nourishing flavor.

It cools, but gently. It nourishes the yin—precisely what summer depletes. It protects without being demanding.

Less caffeine than green tea, more antioxidants. Perfect for people who are exhausted and need to cool down without further stimulation. For people who are sensitive to caffeine. For those who need something gentle.

What time of day:

• All day long: Because of its low caffeine content, it can also be enjoyed in the afternoon or evening
• In case of exhaustion:If you need cooling but not stimulation
• During recovery: After an illness, after overwork, after too much summer

Warning:

• Hardly any warnings — one of the mildest teas
• For those who feel the cold easily—in moderation

Quality feature:

High-quality white tea (e.g., Bai Mu Dan, Yin Zhen) has silky, silvery leaves and tastes floral and sweet, never bitter. If it tastes bitter, something is wrong.

Pair with:

• Goji Berries — Nourishing Yin in Two Ways
• Chrysanthemum — Gentle Cooling and Nourishment
• Solo — white tea is so delicate that it’s best enjoyed on its own

White tea is the gentlest of teas. It nourishes without demanding anything in return. For everyone who has already given so much.

🧊 Foods that help you cool down

In addition to herbs and teas, there are foods that support your health from the inside. They round out your summer medicine cabinet on your plate.

🍉 Watermelon — the queen

It provides intense cooling, deeply hydrates, and quenches thirst in a way that water alone cannot. Ancient texts refer to it as the „Natural White Tiger Decoction“—named after one of the most potent heat-clearing formulas in TCM.

• Works on: Heart, stomach, bladder
• Best time: In the afternoon, during the hottest part of the day
• Warning: Do not consume in large quantities if you have poor digestion, loose stools, or feel cold
• Insider tip: The white layer beneath the peel cools even more effectively—in China, it is used as medicine

🥒 The Cucumber — The Gentle One

Milder than watermelon, but more versatile. Gently cools, hydrates, and soothes. Suitable for everyday use, even for sensitive digestive systems.

• Works on: Stomach, small intestine, bladder
• Best time: All day long, especially as cucumber water
• Warning: Reduce the flow if the system is very cold
• Tip: Let it steep in water overnight — naturally flavored water

🍅 The tomato — the heart's nourisher

It cools and nourishes at the same time. Red nourishes the heart—that’s TCM, but it’s also backed by modern science (lycopene protects the heart).

• Works on: Stomach, liver, heart
• Best time: For lunch
• Warning: Use with caution if you have heartburn—acidic foods can make it worse; if you have a weak spleen, it’s better to cook them rather than eat them raw
• Tip: Briefly heating it with a little oil makes the lycopene more bioavailable

🥒 Zucchini — the mild one

Gently cooling, easy to digest. Perfect for anyone who can't tolerate raw foods but still needs a cooling effect.

• Works on: Stomach, spleen, colon
• Best time: For lunch or dinner
• Warning: Barely — one of the most easily digestible vegetables
• Tip: Steamed or as zucchini noodles

🥬 Green leafy vegetables — the detoxifiers

Spinach, Swiss chard, lettuce—all of these cool and nourish the blood. Green is the color of the liver, and green vegetables help the liver relax.

• Works on: Liver, stomach
• Best time: With every meal
• Warning: Reduce spinach intake if you have kidney stones (oxalic acid)
• Tip: Lightly steamed is easier to digest than raw

🫛 The mung bean — the heat-quencher

The ultimate summer food in China. It has a strong cooling effect, detoxifies, and clears heat toxins. A classic soup for hot days.

• Works on: Heart, stomach
• Best time: On very hot days, in the afternoon
• Warning: Combine with ginger if you have a weak spleen or poor digestion
• Tip: The green peel contains the most cooling properties—don't peel it

🌸 Classic TCM Texts for Further Study

If you want to explore this further, there are herbs and substances that have been used in TCM for thousands of years to help with summer health.

You can find these at TCM pharmacies, specialty online stores, or well-stocked Asian supermarkets. Quality is especially important here (more on this in the next section).

Lotus seeds (Lián Zǐ) — the Shen anchors

Nourish the heart, calm the shen, and strengthen the spleen at the same time. Perfect for when heat disturbs your sleep, when you feel restless, or when you’re exhausted.

• Thermal: Neutral
• Special feature: The green seed inside (Lián Zǐ Xīn) has a particularly cooling and soothing effect
• Application: In congee, as tea, in soups

Goji berries (Gǒu Qǐ Zǐ) — the Yin-nourishing berries

Nourish the yin—exactly what summer depletes. Nourish the blood. Strengthen the eyes. Pairs wonderfully with chrysanthemum: the chrysanthemum cools, the goji nourishes.

• Thermal: Neutral
• Special feature: Also as a dry snack, a handful a day
• Application: In tea, in oatmeal, on its own

Schisandra (Wǔ Wèi Zǐ) — the Preserver

The berry of the five flavors. Retains fluids lost through sweating. Strengthens without causing overheating. Calms the heart.

• Thermal: Warming (but astringent)
• Special feature: Great for anyone who sweats a lot and feels exhausted
• Application: As a tea (the taste takes some getting used to), combined with goji berries

American ginseng (Xī Yáng Shēn) — the refreshing energy booster

Unlike regular ginseng (Ren Shen), which warms the body, American ginseng cools AND strengthens. It’s perfect for summer fatigue, when you need energy but not extra heat.

• Thermal: Cool
• Special feature: Nourishes both Qi and Yin — a rare combination in a single herb
• Application: As tea (reuse the slices by adding hot water several times), in soups

The Lily Bulb (Bǎi Hé) — the Moisturizer

Nourishes Lung and Heart Yin. Calms, moistens, and clears. Perfect for dryness, cough, and inner restlessness accompanied by exhaustion.

• Thermal: Slightly cool
• Special feature: Also used in cooking—frequently in stir-fries in China
• Application: As tea, in soups, fried

🔍 Quality — Where to buy, what to look for

Not all herbs are created equal. Quality is what makes the difference between „effective“ and „ineffective.“ And sometimes between „safe“ and „unsafe.“.

Where can I buy it?

TCM Pharmacy The best choice for TCM herbs (chrysanthemum, goji, lotus seeds, etc.). Here you’ll find quality-tested products, often organic or certified free of harmful substances. The prices are higher, but it’s worth it. Plus, you’ll get expert advice.

Specialized online TCM stores A good alternative to a TCM pharmacy. Look for certifications (organic, TCM quality seal, testing for harmful substances). Reputable shops provide information on the origin of their products and test reports.

Asian Supermarket Affordable and convenient for beginners. However, quality varies widely. Origin is often unclear. May contain harmful substances. Fine for trying chrysanthemum tea or goji berries—but for therapeutic use, it’s better to buy from a pharmacy.

Grow your own The best option for garden herbs (mint, lemon balm, lavender, basil, sage, rosemary). You know exactly what you have. No effort required—these herbs practically grow on their own.

Organic grocery store, specialty tea shop A good choice for green tea, white tea, hibiscus, and linden blossom. Look for the origin and the organic certification label.

What should you look out for?

For TCM herbs:

• Is the origin specified? (Ideally, traditional growing regions)
• Tested for contaminants? (Pesticides, heavy metals)
• Appearance: Rich color, aromatic smell, no signs of mold
• Organic certification is a plus, but it's not everything—some traditional farmers practice sustainable farming without a certification label

For teas:

• Loose is better than bagged (more potent, more flavorful)
• The first flush of green and white tea is of higher quality 
• Whole leaves are better than broken ones

Regarding goji berries:

• Not bright red (often dyed), but rather dark red-orange
• Dry, but not rock-hard
• Sweet and tart in flavor, not just sweet

For chrysanthemums:

• Whole flowers, not crumbled
• Golden yellow (yellow variety) or creamy white (white variety)
• A rich yet pleasant fragrance

How should I store it?

• Dark, dry, cool
• In airtight containers
• Dried herbs last 1–2 years, but gradually lose their potency
• It's best to store TCM herbs in paper bags in a cupboard (not plastic—it can get moldy)

☀️ Your Summer Schedule

So much information. Where do I start?

Here’s a simple plan—it’s not a requirement, just an invitation.

Week 1: Creating a Garden Pharmacy

Buy or plant three herbs:

• Peppermint — for refreshment and clarity
• Lemon balm — for gentle cooling and a good mood
• basil — for harmony and lightness

A pot on the balcony, on the windowsill, in the garden. A few leaves every day—in water, in a salad, or as tea.

Week 2: Stocking up on tea

Get:

• Chrysanthemum flowers — one can lasts all summer
• Good green tea — for the early morning hours
• Hibiscus — for the hottest days

Try each tea at least three times before making up your mind. The taste changes as you get used to it.

Week 3: Establishing a daily routine

• Morning: Green tea or peppermint
• Afternoon: Chrysanthemum (especially after working at a computer)
• Evening:Lavender or linden blossom

Don't try to do everything at once. One new routine a week is enough.

Week 4: Incorporating cooling foods

More of this on your plate:

• Cucumber, tomato, zucchini
• Green leafy vegetables
• Watermelon as an afternoon snack

Less of this:

• Spicy, greasy, grilled
• Alcohol
• Freezing cold

Week 5 and beyond: Going deeper

If you'd like, try a classic TCM recipe:

• Goji Berries in Chrysanthemum Tea
• Lotus seeds in porridge
• American ginseng, when you need energy without the heat

Or don't bother. The garden pharmacy and the teas are more than enough.

💫 The West Bridge

What TCM has observed for thousands of years has been confirmed by modern research:

Essential oils. Mint, lavender, lemon balm—their active ingredients have pharmacological effects. Menthol stimulates cold receptors on the skin and in the mucous membranes. Linalool (found in lavender) binds to GABA receptors and has a calming effect—like a mild sedative, but natural.

Polyphenols. Green tea, hibiscus, chrysanthemum — rich in antioxidants that reduce oxidative stress. Heat generates free radicals. These plants neutralize them.

Lowering blood pressure. Studies show that hibiscus measurably lowers blood pressure. Traditional Chinese Medicine has known this for centuries, without the use of a blood pressure monitor.

L-theanine. The amino acid in green tea promotes alpha waves in the brain—the state between being awake and meditative. Focused, yet relaxed. No other drink can do that.

Adaptogens. Schisandra, American ginseng—they help the body adapt to stress. They don’t overstimulate or sedate, but rather restore balance. They lower what is too high and raise what is too low. Modern research confirms what TCM has been utilizing for thousands of years.

The language is different. The wisdom is the same.

🔮 The deeper message

Nature is not a matter of chance.

It is a system.
A balance. An offer.

In summer, when the heat arrives, the herbs that cool the body are in bloom. The plants that nourish the body are growing. The fruits that hydrate the body are ripening.

This is no coincidence.
That's intelligence. Millions of years of it.

The old masters didn't invent it.
They watched. They tried.
They have passed it down—from generation to generation, from teacher to student, from mother to child.

Now you have that knowledge.

You don't have to use everything.
You don't have to understand everything.
A herb, a tea, a fruit—that's enough to get started.

A bunch of mint from the balcony.
A cup of chrysanthemum tea in the afternoon.
A slice of watermelon when the heat is on.

These are no small matters.
These are the things that make for a different kind of summer.

Don't fight the heat. Dance with it.

The Summer Pharmacy is waiting.
It grows in the garden, on the balcony, and along the side of the road.
You can find it at the TCM pharmacy, the tea shop, and the Asian supermarket.

You just need to know what you're picking.

And then: pick them.

📌 Even more for you

🌿 TCM analysis: How's your yin?
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🌿 BS Plus — When the center falters
👉 www.meine-tcm.com/produkt/bs-ballaststoffe-plus

🍫 XOCOLÁ — Energy without a blood sugar crash
👉 www.meine-tcm.com/produkt/xocola/

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