In between late September to January, when temperature and humidity begin to drop, one is susceptible to an overall feeling of dryness in the nasal passages, throat, and skin. For some people, drinking that extra glass of water doesn’t seem to do much in getting rid of the dryness. In Traditional Chinese medicine, this is explained by the Five Element theory. As autumn arrives, mother earth is ready to harvest all of its crops by lowering the temperature and the humidity in the air. With this overall drying effect, the respiratory system is the most sensitive to this change. Thus, dry throat, dry cough, and dryness in the nasal passage are common complaints during this season.
Loquat (found in products like Fei Yi Chin Pai Yi Kaw), Lo Han Guo, and pear are fruits commonly consumed in this time of the year to lubricate one’s respiratory system. These fruits are in season, and according to its herbal properties, they all correspond with the “lung channel” in the acupuncture meridian theory.
With the meridian theory and autumn in mind, herbs like American ginseng and Frittillariae (Chuan Bei Mu) are also great choices for this time of the year. For these two herbs, we recommend they be made into an herbal tea (by simply mixing it with hot water) and can be drunk through out the whole day.
Since this overall dryness is what we are trying to avoid (especially in this season), foods that are barbecued, fried, and seasoned with hot spices are not recommended. For those who cannot live without these types of food, instant herbal teas like Xia Sang Ju Natural Herbal Beverage and Ban Lan Gen instant herbal tea are used to “put out the heat” in these potentially drying foods.
Living in accordance with the seasons is one of the main principles in Traditional Chinese medicine. It is how we achieve harmony and wisdom from nature. Often times we are so caught up in this fast paced world that we forget we are still a part of nature. Listen to your body, and open up to what mother nature offers.
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