Welcome to the 13th episode of 24 Solar Terms & Health!

Pure Brightness, the 5th Chinese solar term, is also a traditional Chinese Festival —Qīng míng Jié, or Tomb Sweeping Day. Around this date, the weather turns cozily warmer in Hangzhou, people pay tribute to their ancestors by visiting their graves, with lasting reminiscence of the departed that bridges the past and present.

Health tips from our Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) physician:

Spring detoxification with medicinal herbs: According to Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), Qingming ("Pure Brightness" in Chinese) marks an ideal time to eliminate accumulated dampness and blood stagnation from winter. The warming herb mugwort is traditionally consumed in glutinous rice cakes during the festival to stimulate blood circulation and warm the body's meridians.

Avoid "provocative foods"(发物): This period coincides with a higher risk of flare-ups in chronic conditions (e.g., arthritis, allergies). TCM advises minimizing "provocative foods" such as seafood, fermented items, lamb, and bamboo shoots, which are believed to generate excess “phlegm”, “heat”, or "wind" imbalances in the body.

Revitalize through nature immersion: Take time to connect with nature during spring outings. Walking among blossoms and greenery, flying kites (symbolizing upward energy flow), and basking in sunlight can help uplift your mood.