As the saying goes, “autumn is a season of many ailments.” Autumn is indeed a season when various illnesses tend to occur more frequently. However, it is also a great time for health maintenance. By practicing good daily health habits, you can avoid many health issues. How can you maintain your health in the autumn? Proper dietary adjustments are an excellent choice. Below are some dietary health tips for the autumn season.
Dry Stool: Eat Sesame
Sesame can moisten the intestines and help prevent dry stools. Additionally, due to its rich protein and unsaturated fatty acids content, it can stabilize blood sugar, promote bone density, enhance joint flexibility, and beautify the skin.
Weakness: Consume American Ginseng
American ginseng, also known as Panax quinquefolius, contains ginsenosides that have significant anti-fatigue, diuretic, and anti-hypoxic properties. It’s especially beneficial for individuals experiencing symptoms of Yin deficiency, dry mouth, and fatigue. Adding some American ginseng to congee or stewed meat can calm autumn dryness and provide gentle nourishment.
Fatigued Appearance: Include Tremella Mushroom
Tremella mushrooms contain essential nutrients for the body, such as protein, fat, carbohydrates, dietary fiber, calcium, phosphorus, iron, vitamin B2, carotene, and collagen protein. They can moisten the lungs, relieve coughing, and nourish Yin. Tremella mushrooms also help eliminate muscle fatigue, support brain function, and have an anti-aging effect.
Mild Dry Cough: Consume Lily Bulbs
“Lilies bloom in the warm spring, forever with mandarin ducks in the ponds.” This describes the beauty of blooming lilies. “Even at seventy, one still has the heart of a child.” This highlights the health benefits of lilies. In Traditional Chinese Medicine, lilies are considered sweet, slightly bitter, and slightly cool. They enter the heart and lung meridians, making them a suitable choice for clearing heat, nourishing Yin, calming the mind, eliminating heat, promoting urination, relieving coughs, and harmonizing the stomach and spleen.
Dry Mouth and Tongue: Drink Oolong Tea
A cup of moderately fermented, neither too cold nor too hot, and neutral in nature oolong tea can effectively remove the accumulated heat in the body from the summer, restore body fluids, and leave the mouth feeling moist and the body nourished. It can also promote urination, effectively eliminating the heat and dampness of summer.
Restlessness: Consume Lotus Seeds
Lotus seeds are known for their longevity, and many ancient herbal texts believed that they could prolong life. Lotus seeds can tonify the kidneys, invigorate the spleen, nourish the heart, calm the mind, and have anti-aging properties. Preparing a dish with lotus seeds, along with white Poria, Chinese yam, glutinous rice, Chenpi (aged tangerine peel), and white sugar, and steaming it into a cake, can help extend one’s life when consumed regularly.
Dull Skin: Consume Honey
Nutrition experts believe that honey is a natural food that contains all the nutrients needed for life. It is rich in vital substances and moisture required for biological activities. In Traditional Chinese Medicine, honey is considered a harmonizer of all other medicines. This means it can deliver nutrients to various parts of the body. Regular consumption of honey can not only nourish the skin externally but also support internal organs.
Phlegm: Consume Autumn Pear Syrup
Autumn pear syrup is known for its effectiveness in clearing phlegm, reducing heat, calming the mind, lowering blood pressure, and reducing inflammation and pain. It’s often recommended for individuals with phlegm-related conditions.
Please note that the above recommendations are general guidelines. If you have specific medical conditions or dietary restrictions, it is advisable to consult a traditional Chinese medicine practitioner before making any significant dietary changes.