夏时属火，主于长养。夏心气旺，心主火，味属苦，火能克金。金属肺，肺主辛。当夏之时，宜减苦、增辛，以养
肺气。心气盛者，调呵气以疏之。顺之，则安。逆之，则太阳不长，心气内洞。
盛夏之月，最难治摄。阴气内伏，暑毒外蒸，纵意当风，任性食冷，故人多暴泄之患。
惟是老人，尤宜保护∶若檐下过道，穿隙破窗，皆不可纳凉。此为贼风，中人暴毒。宜
居虚堂净室，水次木阴，洁净之处，自有清凉。
每日凌晨，进温平顺气汤散一服。饮食温软，不令太饱，畏日长永，但时复进之。渴宜
饮粟米温饮、豆蔻熟水。生冷肥腻，尤宜减之。缘老人气弱，当夏之时，纳阴在内，以阴弱
之腹，当冷肥之物，则多成滑泄，一伤正气，卒难补复，切宜慎之。若须要食瓜果之类，量
虚实少为进之。缘老人思食之物，若有违阻，意便不乐，但随意与之。才食之际，以方便之言解之，往
往知味便休，不逆其意，自无所损。
若是气弱老人，夏至以后，宜服不燥热、平补肾气暖药三二十服，以助元气，若苁蓉丸
、八味丸之类。
宜往洁雅寺院中，择虚敞处，以其所好之物悦之。若要寝息，但任其意，不可令久眠。
但时时令歇，久则神昏，直召年高相协之人，日陪闲话，论往昔之事，自然喜悦，忘其暑毒
。细汤名茶，时为进之。晚凉方归。
谨选夏时汤药如后。
Summer corresponds to Fire in the Five Elements and governs the growth and nourishment of all things. During this season, Heart Qi (Heart Energy) is prosperous; the Heart corresponds to Fire, and its flavor is Bitter (Ku). Fire can overcome Metal. Metal corresponds to the Lung, and the Lung corresponds to the Pungent (Xin) flavor. Therefore, during summer, one should reduce the intake of Bitter flavors and increase Pungent flavors to nourish Lung Qi. If Heart Qi becomes excessive, it can be dispersed by regulating breathing with the sound "He" (Ha). Following this principle leads to peace and health; violating it results in the failure of Yang Qi to grow properly and internal emptiness of Heart Qi.
The months of mid-summer are the most difficult for regimen and preservation. Yin Qi lurks internally while Summer Heat Toxicity steams externally. If one casually exposes themselves to wind or indulges in cold foods, people often suffer from sudden diarrhea. Especially for the elderly, extra protection is necessary: places such as under eaves, passageways, gaps, or broken windows should not be used for cooling. These are referred to as "Thief Wind" (Zei Feng), which strikes humans with sudden toxicity. It is advisable to reside in spacious, clean rooms, or in pure places near water and tree shade, where natural coolness prevails.
Every morning at dawn, take one dose of Wenping Shunqi Tang San (Warm and Leveling Qi-Calming Powder/Decoction). Food should be warm and soft, avoiding overeating. Since summer days are long, meals should be taken frequently in small amounts. When thirsty, it is suitable to drink warm millet soup or prepared Cardamom tea (Doukou Shu Shui). Cold, raw, fatty, and greasy foods should especially be reduced. This is because the elderly have weak Qi; during summer, Yin Qi remains internal. If a weak spleen and stomach encounter cold and fatty substances, it often leads to slippery diarrhea. Once Zheng Qi (Upright Qi/Vital Energy) is damaged, it is difficult to replenish quickly, so utmost caution is required. If fruits and melons are desired, they should be consumed in small quantities according to the body's deficiency or excess. Since the elderly may become unhappy if their cravings are denied, it is better to comply with their wishes. However, when feeding them, use gentle words to guide them; usually, once they taste the food, they will stop eating. By not opposing their will, no harm will naturally occur.
For elderly individuals with weak Qi, after the Summer Solstice, it is appropriate to take non-drying, mildly warming kidney-tonifying medicines for 30 to 20 doses to assist Yuan Qi (Original Qi), such as Congrong Wan (Cistanche Pill) or Bawei Wan (Eight-Ingredient Pill).
It is beneficial to visit clean and elegant temples, choosing spacious and airy spots, and pleasing them with their favorite items. If they wish to rest or sleep, allow them to do so according to their inclination, but avoid letting them sleep for too long. Ensure they rest periodically; sleeping too long causes mental confusion. Invite respected elders to accompany them daily for casual conversation, discussing past events. This will naturally bring joy and help them forget the summer heat toxicity. Offer fine teas occasionally. Return home only when the evening becomes cool.
Selected herbal decoctions for summer are listed below.