04/03/2015
Living With The Seasons
Signs and symptoms of Autumn dryness
In Chinese medicine the lung and it’s partner organ the large intestine are the organs associated with Autumn. Dryness has the greatest impact on these two organs. This can mean that health complaints involving these two become more prominent in this season. A good example of this is a dry harsh cough which is accompanied by constipation. To relieve the cough eat cooling foods such as cooked apples and pears, persimmon or celery. If the cough is hanging around then add lung yin supporting foods such as tangerines, pine nuts, chicken broth, yams or eggs. If there is no sputum with the cough then try some honey in hot water to sooth the throat. These cool moistening foods will also help move the large intestine to relieve constipation.
During Autumn we take particular care of these two organs for they are also in charge of adapting the body to the new season and the season to come. We in particular look after the lung. It’s purpose is very important for it extracts qi (energy) from the air via breathing and using it to nourish the tissue and internal processes.
Try treating your dryness by eating moistening foods such as tofu, tempeh, soy milk, dairy, eggs, crab, and some nuts.
Foods to eat during autumn are ones that will moisten and clear the lungs, rid our bodies of wind and support the digestive system. Try to eat yin rich foods and stay well hydrated. To prevent your lungs from getting too dry focus on eating seasonal vegetables and fruits including sweet potatoes, turnips, carrots, squash, pears, pumpkin, red date, pear and apple. Try to eat less salads but more soups. Foods should start to be cooked for longer, so do away with the quick stir fries. Salt helps against dryness as well as sending foods down, so start adding a little bit to your food. Steaming your foods helps support the yin by preserving the moisture content, so include that in some of your cooking processes. A warning though, don’t over do the cooling foods as you may end up with diarrhea and gas. If you do, change to a diet of cooked vegetables until symptoms pass. The most important aspect of food – enjoy it!
