Autumn Foods for Autumn Health
In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) seasonal eating is not merely a nutritional philosophy but a way to live in harmony with the rhythms of nature. Fall is a time for reflection and change. It’s associated with the Metal element, the Lungs & Large Intestine, and wind & dryness. It’s also a time when allergies, asthma, and eczemas may flare up.
To counter the dry & cooling weather, it is important for your diet to trend towards foods that warm and generate fluids. Its also a good time to boost your Qi and immune system. So, let’s take a look at some of the foods that can support us through the autumn season.
Eat Seasonal foods
Every season it is important to eat seasonal vegetables. Generally speaking, eating seasonal vegetables naturally harmonizes your body to the time of the year. Of course your acupuncturist might prescribe a different approach depending on any internal disharmonies you might be facing. In the fall you’ll see more squashes including turnip, horseradish, butternut squash, which are warming, along with leafy greens such as kale, and brussels sprouts that are cooler.
Soups, Stews & the Importance of Cooked Food
Fall is the time to transition away from the cooling foods that counteracted the summer heat - fresh berries and garden greens - to more warming slow cooked whole foods. Eating cooling and raw foods can damage your digestive Qi because it requires a lot of energy to warm up cooling foods and break down raw foods. Instead try bone broths, hearty soups with fall vegetables, grains, legumes, quality sourced meats, and fermented veggies.
Honey is a Yin food
Honey has special functions in Traditional Chinese Medicine. In particular, honey can dispel pathogenic heat, boost the Qi, relieve pain, and nourish the Yin energy. It is also a neutral food, making it a good choice for a number of conditions, including dryness. Honey is a common ingredient to combine in herbal preparations.
Honey is a wonderful nourishing and moistening food for the fall. It has a host of benefits, including being an antioxidant and anti-inflammatory, aiding digestion, and relieving coughs. This fall food is an excellent choice for those who suffer from coughs and bronchitis.
Honey has been shown to be the more effective than medications at easing cough and cold symptoms. I always recommend steamed honey and pears to nourish the lung during this season.
Pears, Apples & Persimmons
Pears are one of the most versatile Yin foods in Traditional Chinese Medicine. Whether raw or cooked, these sweet and sour fruits nourish and moisten the lungs. This makes them a great supplement to a fall or winter diet.
Apples also come out in the fall. The mix of sweet and sour of apple is calming and centring to the spirit.
The Chinese harvest festival is coming up soon, and persimmons are one of the most popular fruits around this time of year. This autumnal fruit has many health benefits, making it ideal for the festive season. Persimmons, or Shi Di in Chinese, are bitter and neutral. It moves the Qi of the Stomach downwards. The cool autumn temperatures are also perfect for maturing the fruit.
Mushrooms
Shiitake mushrooms are used in TCM to support immune health, lower blood cholesterol levels, and combat viruses and bacteria. They are rich in compounds like lentinan, which studies suggest can help fight cancer and bolster the immune system.
Oyster mushrooms have a plethora of benefits as well. They help to strengthen Spleen Qi (digestive energy), strengthen blood vessels, drain excess dampness, improve peristalsis in our bowls, and expel parasites.
Chanterelles combat night blindness, eye inflammation, and dry skin, as well as to protect the mucous membranes, and treat respiratory tract infections.
Button mushrooms are known for their ability to regulate Qi circulation. They also help to clear heat, eliminate toxins, and resolve phlegm.
Be sure to check out my post The Healing Power of Mushrooms: Through a TCM lens for a deeper TCM themed dive on their incredible effects.
Keeping your lungs healthy
The lungs are influenced by a variety of factors, including diet, emotional stress, lifestyle, and the environment around us, including weather and environmental pollution. The lungs are particularly sensitive during the autumn months, and extra care is needed to protect them. By following the seasonal recommendations, doing deep belly breathing, and taking regular acupuncture sessions, you can keep your lungs in the best shape possible.
It’s also important to eat according to your body constitution and current health conditions, which are aspects that you and your acupuncturist can explore more. Book a session today!