Seasonal Nodes : Bearded Grain

Friday, June 5th, was the beginning of the Bearded Grain or Mang Zhong, seasonal node, the ninth of the year. Bearded Grain is the last node just before Summer Solstice, the most expansive and Yang time of the year. The name, ‘Bearded Grain,’ is a reference to the crops. The word Mang, refers to the maturing crops, especially the winter wheat, which is harvested about this time of year. The word Zhong, is a reference to the new rice crops that are planted at this time. This gives us the image of one thing coming to maturity (as in the growing Yang of the season) so that it can eventually die and be harvested, allowing a new crop to be started. The image of death, transition and renewal is characteristic of the period of the solstice that soon approaches. 

The three smaller 5-day material manifestations of this node are Praying Mantises Are Born, and we have many here at the farm being born - seeing them now they are about the size of my thumbnail!  Shrikes Begin to Sing, and Mocking Birds Cease to Vocalize. The first two are dramatic examples of the current node. Praying mantises are notorious for females killing males just after mating. And shrikes have a very unusual way of killing. These birds are known for catching their prey, usually large insects or small mammals such as rodents, and then impaling them on some natural spike-like plant for them to come back later and consume after the creature has died. Both images are images of the death bringers. Eventually solstice is the time of Yin’s rebirth – days will get shorter again. It is the reminder that all life cycles back towards quiet, towards winter, towards death, towards Yin. 

 This time of year there are several things traditionally recommended for healthy living. The first is taking a siesta – in other words an afternoon nap or resting in nature or ham mocking.  During this time of year damp and heat in the environment start to predominate. In Chinese medicine the Spleen is susceptible to dampness and is associated with the Soil-Earth phase. The Spleen governs the flesh and the four limbs. Dampness can burden the flesh of the four limbs making them feel heavy and weary, leading our body feeling fatigued and without strength. Napping is a way to recuperate vitality, especially when done during the most Yang/hot time of day. Napping traditionally allowed people a rest from the summer heat and dampness, and offered a way to support what is known as the Latter Heaven of the Spleen.

The second recommendation is to regularly clear toxins. Toxins in this case refers to both heat toxins and water toxins, since, again, this is a time of increasing dampness and heat in the environment. This is the rainy season, and here is southeastern Pennsylvania we are surely experiencing rain!  During this time period it’s important we stay cool and dry inside. Be cautious of overexposure to the heat, especially during the middle part of the day. 

It is the time of the year to really keep our environment clean to avoid molds, as warm, humid, and rainy weather is the perfect combination for toxic molds to start growing. Keep houses clean and dry, and quickly patch up any areas of water leaks that may lead to mold growth. Natural products such as Tea Tree Oil and even plain white vinegar, and lemon essential oil are effective anti-mold cleaning agents - i use them every week during damp season.   

 In general, this time of year one should avoid eating too many sour foods, instead focusing on bitter flavors. For example, in China there is one type of famous tea called – “Clear Mountain Green Water.” This wonderful tea from the Sichuan region is not an actual tea plant and has no caffeine.  Rather, it is the first flush of an herb called Ku Ding Cha, “bitter spike tea.” The taste of the young plant is very mildly bitter at the beginning with a faint sweet aftertaste. It is the perfect damp draining and mildly cooling herb for summer that replenishes Qi as well with a mildly sweet nature. The other side of this is that mild sour flavors are good for people who are dehydrated or who live in climates that are too dry this time of year. A simple refreshing and rehydrating drink is water with just a little lemon juice added.

 Also eat foods that expel summer heat and nourish fluids to stop thirst. These foods include melons and fruits, leafy greens, rice, beans, and bean products.  Minimize greasy foods and meats. This is the time to eat more vegetarian, and chewing thoroughly and slowly.  A licorice and mung bean congee is an excellent meal to have this time of year.  This congee automatically opens the Stomach, strengthens the Spleen and transforms damp and clears heat. 

 Best wishes during the Bearded Grain Seasonal Node!!