Watermelon is a one of the best fruits for summer.  Just imagine when you finish your workout in such a humid and hot summer day, a huge bowl of icy watermelon in front you, I am pretty sure you will dive in and enjoy it in no time. Watermelon is called “Natural White Tiger Decoction” in Chinese Medicine. White Tiger Decoction is a formula to treat the condition of “heat” with major symptoms of high fever, extremely thirst and sweat, and flooding pulse.   Watermelon has the effect of releasing inner heat, generating fluid and moistening dryness. So it is used to treat “summerheat” patterns, especially those with significant thirst and dark, scanty urine in the practice of Chinese Medicine. After eating watermelon, people will probably go to the restroom within a very brief time and the symptom of thirst and heat will be released. The major known ingredients of watermelon are citrulline, arginine, betaine, lycopene, phytofluence, vitamin C, et al. The above diuretic effect of watermelon is probably secondary to increased synthesis of urea in the liver from the actions of citrulline and artinine.

If eating too much watermelon, someone may experience excess urination, dry throat and even nosebleed. This could be the “side effect” of watermelon if overeating. This is because too much urination could consume more fluid (Yin essence) of the body, then the condition of fluid depletion will result Yin deficiency finally.

Another caution should be taken is not to eat the icy watermelon right after it is taken out of the refrigerator. The nature of watermelon is cold and it is turning freezing after staying in the refrigerator for several hours. This could be harmful to the Yang of the body and give big burden to the digestion system. Someone may have the symptoms of catching a cold or even diarrhea after eating ice cold watermelon. The suggestion is let the watermelon stay in the room temperature for a while before taking.