Winter Melons Used to Keep Babies Cool in China
A traditional practice combines a fruit's cooling properties with a practical approach to managing summer heat for infants.
Parents in China are utilizing giant winter melons to help keep their babies cool during hot summer months. Social media has showcased images of infants cuddling with the oversized gourds, some as large as the babies themselves, as a method to regulate their body temperature.
This practice draws on both traditional Chinese medicine and the natural properties of the winter melon, also known as wax gourd. The gourd is composed of approximately 95% water, a characteristic that makes it effective at absorbing body heat. According to traditional Chinese medicine, the rind of the winter melon can also be used in remedies for cooling the body.
The winter melon is a species native to South and Southeast Asia. While its flesh is edible and used in dishes like soups and curries, its cooling properties have led to its use as a traditional remedy. The gourd can grow significantly in size, reaching up to 24 inches in length and width and weighing over 20 pounds. It is harvested in the fall and its long shelf life, which can extend up to a year, makes it a readily available resource for the warmer seasons.
Images circulating online have also shown pets benefiting from the cooling effect of the winter melons. The trend highlights an eco-friendly and charming approach to managing heat for young children and animals during high temperatures.