After the beginning of autumn, there is a hint of coolness in the morning and evening. With the change in weather, the human body also undergoes subtle changes. Many friends have recently experienced symptoms such as dry cough and dry throat, which are manifestations of lung Qi deficiency and dryness injuring the lungs. As we enter autumn, we officially welcome the “golden period for lung nurturing.”
Why is it advisable to nurture the lungs after the beginning of autumn?
In traditional Chinese medicine and the five elements theory, autumn is associated with metal, which corresponds to the lungs in the human body’s five organs. Therefore, autumn is the golden period for lung nurturing.
After the scorching summer, the human body inherently has some Yin deficiency, and with the onset of autumn and drier weather, it is easier to lead to lung Qi deficiency and dryness injuring the lungs, presenting as dry cough, dry throat, and dry skin. Additionally, as temperatures drop in autumn, metabolism begins to slow down, making it suitable, from a climatic perspective, to moisten dryness, nourish Yin, and benefit the lungs.
Nurturing the lungs after the beginning of autumn starts with diet.
As the saying goes, “Eat white in autumn, and illness won’t come.” Here, ‘white’ refers to white foods. Traditional Chinese medicine states that food and medicine share the same source; white foods enter the lung meridian and have the effect of nourishing the lungs. Thus, nurturing the lungs after the beginning of autumn can begin with the consumption of more white foods.
Cauliflower, belonging to the cruciferous vegetable family, is rich in vitamin C, folic acid, and dietary fiber, which significantly enhances immunity and helps prevent respiratory diseases like the common cold.
Chinese yam has the effects of tonifying the spleen and stomach, generating fluids, and benefiting the lungs. It is rich in mucoprotein, vitamins, and trace elements, which can nourish the lungs and enhance lung function.
Snow fungus, also known as “common man’s bird’s nest,” contains natural gum, nourishes without causing heat, and has the effect of moistening the lungs and nourishing Yin. Additionally, it contains snow fungus polysaccharides — water-soluble dietary fiber that promotes gastrointestinal motility and aids digestion.
Lotus root is often referred to as “a treasure in the lotus; autumn lotus root nourishes the body.” Eating lotus root in late summer and autumn can cool heat when eaten raw and strengthen the spleen when cooked. After the beginning of autumn, it is better to eat it cooked to maximize its benefits of strengthening the spleen and moistening the lungs.
Snow pear is the star fruit for moistening the lungs in autumn. Snow pears are rich in moisture, vitamins, and minerals, which can generate fluids, relieve thirst, and moisten the lungs to transform phlegm, significantly alleviating symptoms like cough and dry throat caused by autumn dryness.
Furthermore, one can also eat more water chestnuts, white radishes, and lilies to clear heat, generate fluids, benefit the throat, and nourish the lungs.
Small tips for nurturing the lungs in autumn:
Besides diet, after the change in weather, we should pay attention to the following aspects to maintain our health:
1. It is advisable to sleep early and rise early in autumn.
The “Huangdi Neijing” states that in autumn, one should “go to bed early and rise early, rising with the rooster.” As autumn begins, nights grow longer and days shorter. Aligning with the seasons, one should increase nighttime sleep duration to nourish Yin and consolidate Yang, and rise early to adjust lung Qi, achieving the purpose of nurturing the lungs and maintaining health.
2. It is advisable to stay cheerful in autumn.
Autumn is associated with the lungs, and the lung’s emotion is sadness. It is easy to feel emotional sadness in autumn, which can harm the lungs. Therefore, during self-care practices, one should maintain inner tranquility and a pleasant mood while avoiding feelings of sadness and sorrow. When facing unpleasant events, do not bottle it up; talk to friends and family, exercise to relieve stress, or watch some comedies to keep the mind and body joyful.
3. It is advisable to drink more hot water in autumn.
As temperatures slowly begin to cool in autumn, it is best to replace cold drinks with hot water. Additionally, inhaling warm air through the nose can help relieve autumn dryness and prevent nasal inflammation.
