The Ancient Chinese Secret For Boundless Energy This Summer
The surprising way to stay cool and energised in warmer weather, according to traditional Chinese medicine
Dr Sarah Brewer, GP and Nutritionist
Have you ever wondered how other countries survive the heat?
In the UK, a single summer afternoon is enough to get most of us feeling hot, flustered and exhausted. But all over the world, millions of people make it through the hot, sweaty season without even batting an eyelid!
And out of everywhere I’ve researched, one place stands out. Where people stay cool, calm and energetic every day during the summer – at every age:
China.
In Chinese cities like Shanghai and Beijing, the temperature often reaches 38°c. But the extreme humidity makes this heat seem even more unbearable – with locals saying it “feels at least 40°c outside”!
But in every park, you’ll see thousands of men and women in their 60s, 70s and 80s – dancing, practicing Tai-Chi, and even running. Despite the sweltering temperature.
Thousands of retired Chinese people go to the park every morning to exercise – no matter the weather.
Now, when I heard about this, I was desperate to know what these people were doing, to have such remarkable energy and vitality in later life…
So I asked a friend of mine – a fellow doctor, who’d moved to Beijing from the Chinese countryside. And what he said explained everything:
“Sarah, we don’t try to fight the heat in China. We work with it.”
You see, it all comes down to one crucial principle in ancient Chinese medicine. It’s called:
“Yi Re Zhi Re” – or “fight heat with heat”.
Rather than downing ice-cold drinks, many Chinese people carry a flask of hot water – so they can make warm drinks, whatever the weather.
And while that might sound like the opposite of what you want when it's boiling outside… there are several ways this ancient habit can actually keep you cooler in the summer.
Warm drinks help signal to your body that it's time to regulate itself – bringing your temperature back to a comfortable level, faster.
Research also suggests a warm drink is soothing for your digestion, which naturally slows down in the hot weather. So instead of feeling heavy and bloated, you finish your meals feeling light, comfortable – and ready to enjoy the rest of the day.
So today, I want to share my top 3 warm drinks from China, for staying cool and energised every day this summer.
🥉 3rd Place: Chrysanthemum Tea
You might recognise these flowers from your garden… but chrysanthemums are one of the most popular ingredients for a summer tea in China.
In traditional Chinese medicine, it's considered one of the great "cooling" drinks – sipped warm to help the body settle in the heat.
Ancient tradition even says it helps shield your eyes from the summer sun! This might be a slightly extreme claim, but we do know this tea is rich in antioxidants, the natural molecules that help your body defend itself from the inside out.
🥈 2nd Place: Green Tea
According to traditional Chinese medicine, green tea is one of the most "cooling" drinks there is.
But that’s not all: green tea is one of the richest sources of polyphenols – natural plant molecules linked to healthy ageing – so you’re nourishing lasting energy and longevity with every single cup.
With a mug of green tea, you can feel fresh and energised, whatever the weather.
But I've saved the best until last…
Because here's the thing. As nourishing as those two teas are, they’re missing something essential for keeping cool once the weather gets hot:
Electrolytes.
These natural molecules help your body absorb water properly. When you have them with a drink, they help you hydrate quicker – and stay fully hydrated for longer. Supporting lasting energy, smooth digestion and a clearer head.
Elite athletes often add a sachet of these molecules to their water after a workout. But if you often feel tired and sluggish during summer, it could be your body telling you that water isn’t enough by itself – after all, we all lose it when we sweat! You could simply need some electrolytes, to help your body use that water more effectively, and stay hydrated.
Which leads me to the ultimate summer drink – something people all over South-East Asia have drunk every day for thousands of years…
🏆 1st Place: Bone Broth
This savoury, comforting drink brings together exactly what your body is crying out for in the heat.
Naturally rich in electrolytes, including magnesium and potassium, to help you stay properly hydrated.
A good source of protein, to help support your strength through long summer days.
Packed with collagen, to nourish your skin, hair and joints.
Slowly simmered, for a drink that sits gently on your stomach.
If you want to live every day of this summer to the fullest – and maybe even dance for hours without getting tired, like the people I saw in China – this nourishing broth could be what you’re missing.
The problem is, proper bone broth is almost impossible to find in the UK.
To make it the authentic way, you have to spend days standing over the hob – which isn't convenient for us, or for commercial food companies.
In fact, most of the "bone broth" on our supermarket shelves is packed with preservatives and artificial ingredients: a far cry from the nourishing broth you'll find simmering in Chinese homes.
So when I came back from China, I made myself a promise. I had to find a way to bring traditional bone broth back to the UK – without anyone having to slave over a saucepan for hours.
And that's exactly what I did with Nature's Gift.
It's crafted by my specialist team here in the UK, in small batches, from all-natural ingredients.
As well as authentic broth, made from premium-quality chicken bones, I’ve added a few extra ingredients. To help your body absorb every one of the essential nutrients:
Himalayan salt and Magnesium – for extra, hydrating electrolytes.
Easily digestible collagen peptides – for glowing skin and a more youthful appearance.
Chromium – to help maintain stable blood sugar levels, and curb unhealthy cravings.
Dandelion, Rosemary, Artichoke and White Mulberry – to support regular digestion, and give a delicious, herby flavour.
And the best part? It's ready with a flick of the kettle.
When I first brought Nature’s Gift to the UK 6 years ago, it helped me lose 6 stone. One friend said I “knocked ten years off my appearance”…
Now, I take it to the beach every day. It makes me feel soothed, refreshed and full of energy – whatever I’m doing that day.
And it’s not just me… Every day, I get thousands of messages from people around the UK. Telling me this bone broth has helped them feel “years younger” – even in the summer heat.
Like Gerry, who’s enjoying feeling like her old self…
“My daily hot mug of chicken bone broth over the past eight months has added to me feeling 10 years younger. My skin is much softer and spot free, my joints are ache free and my daily energy levels are much better.”
And Jane, who’s finally finding relief from digestion troubles…
“I’ve been enjoying the bone broth every morning for a month. Slowly I seem to be getting some very positive responses. Far less bloating and I feel more energised and also I have a far more positive attitude towards food. The broth is very satisfying and totally safe for me to enjoy and also I feel satisfied for longer enabling me to support the diet changes with protein and fewer sugary snacks.”
And Christine, who’s starting to see what can happen when you drink bone broth consistently…
“I have been using this bone broth for quite a number of months. It’s quite expensive and I wondered if it was really helping me. Just recently I have begun to feel more energetic, less tired and feel more invigorated. I will keep using bone broth as I can only put my better health down to it.”
So even though it’s hot outside, that’s all the more reason to keep taking Nature’s Gift throughout the summer.
But whatever drink you reach for this summer, I hope it’s something that makes you feel cool, refreshed and energised.