Introduction: The refreshing autumn breeze also brings a dry atmosphere. Walking on the streets, you can occasionally hear a few dry coughs, which is nature reminding us to nourish our lungs. The older generation often says, “Nourish the liver in spring, the heart in summer, the lungs in autumn, and the kidneys in winter.” Autumn is the golden season for moistening the lungs and supplementing qi. When it comes to nourishing the lungs, many people’s first reaction is lotus root and Chinese yam. However, in this bountiful season, there are three more low-key yet remarkably effective “golden vegetables” hidden, which not only nourish the lungs and supplement qi but are also affordable for everyone. Today, let’s talk about these three secret weapons for lung nourishment in autumn.
【1. Snow Pear: The Lung-Nourishing King, Sweet and Clear】
1. Autumn Affection for Snow Pears
With the autumn wind, the pears turn yellow. Snow pears, as the seasonal fruit of autumn, have long been a good product for moistening the lungs and relieving coughs. “Compendium of Materia Medica” records: “The pear is beneficial; its nature is gentle and flows downward.” This phrase reveals the magical effects of snow pears in clearing heat, resolving phlegm, moistening the lungs, and relieving coughs. Whenever the throat is dry and itchy, and the cough persists, a bowl of steaming rock sugar snow pear soup can bring a cool sensation and alleviate discomfort.
2. Health Wisdom of Snow Pears
Snow pears are not only sweet and juicy but also rich in various vitamins and minerals. Especially with natural fruit sugar and moisture, they can effectively alleviate dry throat and pain caused by autumn dryness. According to traditional Chinese medicine, snow pears have a cool nature with a sweet taste. Entering the lung and stomach meridians, they can generate fluid, moisten dryness, clear heat, and transform phlegm. They have a good therapeutic effect on common autumn symptoms like lung heat cough and phlegm-heat agitation.
3. Creative Ways to Enjoy Snow Pears
In addition to direct consumption or stewing, snow pears can be paired with ingredients like Tremella and lily to create lung-nourishing and beautifying desserts. For example, peel and cut snow pears into chunks, stew them together with soaked Tremella and lily, add an appropriate amount of rock sugar for seasoning. This delicious and health-promoting dessert is an excellent choice for moistening the lungs in autumn.
【2. White Radish: Commoner’s Ginseng, Nourishing the Lungs and Supplementing Qi】
1. The Low-Key Luxury of White Radishes
Although white radishes may not be eye-catching in the vegetable world, they are known as the “commoner’s ginseng.” They are not only a regular on the dining table but also a helpful assistant in nourishing the lungs in autumn. “Sui Xi Ju Diet Recipes” mentions: “Raw radish nourishes the lungs and transforms phlegm; cooked radish nourishes the spleen and aids digestion.” This statement succinctly summarizes the dietary value of white radishes.
2. The Lung-Nourishing Secret of White Radishes
White radishes have a cool nature with a sweet, pungent taste. They are associated with the lung and spleen meridians, having effects of moving qi downwards, resolving phlegm, promoting diuresis, and facilitating bowel movements. In the dry autumn, which is prone to lung dryness, the mustard oil and crude fiber in white radishes can promote gastrointestinal motility, aid digestion, reduce food accumulation, heat transformation, and protect the lungs. Additionally, the vitamin C and trace element zinc in white radishes help enhance immune function and improve lung resistance.
3. Diverse Cooking Methods for White Radishes
White radishes can be prepared in various ways, including cold salad, stir-fry, or stew, to bring out their lung-nourishing effects. For instance, shredding white radishes, adding a small amount of salt for a moment of pickling, squeezing out excess moisture, then mixing in garlic, vinegar, sesame oil, and other seasonings to create a refreshing and appetizing cold dish of shredded white radish. They can also be stewed with pork ribs, providing nourishment and lung moistening, making them a common dish on the autumn family dinner table.
【3. Honey Pomelo Tea: Natural Gift, Nourishing the Lungs and Beautifying Simultaneously】
1. The Sweet Temptation of Honey Pomelo Tea
If snow pears and white radishes are the “power faction” for lung nourishment in autumn, then honey pomelo tea is the “idol faction” that combines taste and health benefits. With its unique taste and rich nutritional value, it has won the favor of many health-conscious individuals.
2. Dual Effects of Lung Nourishment and Beauty Enhancement
Pomelos have a cool nature, a sweet and sour taste, are associated with lung and spleen meridians, and have the functions of clearing heat, transforming phlegm, aiding digestion, relieving drunkenness, and reducing irritability. Honey, as a natural nourishing product, can moisten the lungs, relieve coughs, promote bowel movements, and nourish beauty. By combining pomelos and honey to make honey pomelo tea, it retains the fresh aroma and nutritional content of pomelos while adding the sweetness and moisturizing properties of honey, becoming an excellent drink for lung nourishment and beauty enhancement in autumn.
3. The Joy of Making Honey Pomelo Tea at Home
Making honey pomelo tea at home is simple and enjoyable. Just wash the pomelo peel, cut it into shreds, put it in a pot with the pomelo flesh, add an appropriate amount of water and rock sugar, simmer over low heat until thickened, then add honey and stir well. After cooling, bottle and seal it for storage. Enjoy a spoonful of this tea every day, hot or cold, to warm the body and nourish the lungs, making it an indispensable health product for autumn.
【Seasonal Health, Starting with “Golden Vegetables”】
In this season of harvest, let us temporarily set aside the usual choices of lotus root and Chinese yam and embrace the “golden vegetables” of autumn—snow pears, white radishes, and honey pomelo tea—which are not only affordable but also contain rich health wisdom, helping us moisten the lungs, supplement qi, alleviate autumn dryness, and strengthen the body. Remember, the way to health lies in daily life. Starting from every meal, absorbing the natural gifts in every bite, let health become our most valuable treasure. This autumn, let us, in the simplest way, protect our lungs and embrace every fresh and pleasant morning.
