sleeping with a winter melon. This practice, which has gained popularity online, involves holding a winter melon while sleeping to help cool down.
The trend is inspired by an ancient poem that describes the cooling effect of a winter melon during hot nights. Many people have started using winter melons as "pillows" for themselves, their children, and even their pets. One user shared that their child sleeps with a winter melon every day, finding it very effective.
According to Zeng Wenying, a chief physician at Xiyuan Hospital of China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, hugging a winter melon can indeed help alleviate summer heat and improve sleep. Winter melons have a high water content and specific heat capacity, allowing them to absorb heat and maintain a lower surface temperature. When held against the skin, they can draw away body heat, providing a gentle cooling effect.
From a Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) perspective, the rind of the winter melon is considered a medicinal herb with cooling properties. It can help reduce swelling, dispel dampness, and relieve summer heat. However, Zeng cautions that this method is not suitable for everyone. Individuals with cold-deficient constitutions, such as those with spleen-stomach weakness or cold intolerance, should avoid it.
5 Comments
Matzomaster
Wouldn't a cold compress or a cool washcloth be easier and more effective?
Karamba
My allergies are already bad enough. I don't need to add melon to the mix.
Rotfront
I'm all for finding natural remedies, but this feels like a bit much.
Habibi
Seems like a good way to attract fruit flies and other pests.
Africa
As a parent, the thought of my kids sleeping with a heavy, potentially rolling object is terrifying.