The autumn climate has a contracting nature, and due to the lack of moisture in the air, it becomes a dry and severe climate, leading to chapped lips, sore throats, and in severe cases, constipation. Drinking a lot of water doesn't seem to alleviate these symptoms. In fact, besides drinking more water, one should also eat more "white" foods during the dry autumn season. Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) believes that white corresponds to the lung, and most white foods are cool in nature, helping to nourish the lungs and are effective in relieving autumn dryness.
1. Pear
Pears are sweet and slightly sour, and cool in nature, affecting the lung and stomach meridians. They have the effects of promoting the production of body fluids, moistening dryness, clearing heat, resolving phlegm, and counteracting alcohol intoxication. They are used for symptoms such as dry cough, thirst, and constipation caused by injury to yin by febrile diseases or yin deficiency, as well as vexing thirst, coughing, and yellow phlegm caused by internal heat. It has always been an excellent remedy for autumn dryness, capable of promoting fluid production to moisten the lungs and clearing heat to resolve phlegm. Different varieties of pears are currently on the market; eating two consistently every day can effectively reduce the symptoms of autumn dryness.
Sweet Corn and Pear Soup
2. Lotus Root
Lotus root is highly nutritious, rich in trace elements such as iron and calcium, as well as plant protein, vitamins, and starch. It has a significant effect in nourishing qi and blood, and enhancing the body's immunity. Therefore, TCM calls it: "It mainly nourishes the middle energizer, nourishes the spirit, and replenishes qi and strength." Lotus root is suitable for both raw and cooked consumption. Raw lotus root is sweet and cool, and can eliminate stasis, clear heat, and resolve phlegm to stop coughing; cooked lotus root is sweet and warm, and can nourish the stomach, nourish yin, enrich blood, and stop diarrhea. People who are dry-prone and prone to nosebleeds can eat more lotus root soup. The powder made from lotus root can aid digestion and stop diarrhea, whet the appetite and clear heat, nourish the nature, and prevent internal bleeding. It is an excellent liquid food and nourishing treasure for women, children, the elderly, and the weak or frequently ill.
3. Tremella Mushroom
Tremella mushroom is sweet, bland, neutral, and non-toxic. It has the effects of tonifying the spleen and whetting the appetite, as well as replenishing qi, clearing the intestines, and nourishing yin to moisten the lungs. It can not only enhance the body's immunity but also increase the tolerance of cancer patients to radiotherapy and chemotherapy. Tremella mushroom is rich in natural plant-based gelatin, and with its nourishing yin effect, it is an excellent moisturizing food that can be taken long-term. When cooked into a congee with other white foods like lotus seeds and lily, it can have a moisturizing and calming effect on the mind.
Euryale Ferox Seed, Coix Seed, and Tremella Mushroom Soup
4. Almond
Almonds are rich in nutrients such as protein, fat, carbohydrates, carotene, B vitamins, vitamin C, vitamin P, and calcium, phosphorus, iron, etc. The content of carotene is second only to mango among fruits, and people call almonds the "cancer-fighting fruit." The *Compendium of Materia Medica* records that almonds "moisten the lungs, eliminate indigestion, and disperse stagnant qi." Because of its cough-relieving, lung-moistening, and asthma-relieving effects, it can effectively counteract autumn cough symptoms. Almonds can be made into almond milk for drinking, or into almond tofu.
5. Chinese Yam
Chinese yam has the effects of replenishing qi and nourishing yin, tonifying the spleen, lungs, and kidneys, and securing essence and stopping leukorrhea. It is suitable for people of all ages and genders. In addition to relieving autumn dryness, Chinese yam can also prevent "restlessness" during a woman's menopause and maintain estrogen levels. However, people allergic to the mucus of Chinese yam should pay special attention when preparing it. Moreover, Chinese yam is almost fat-free, and the mucoprotein it contains can prevent fat deposition in the cardiovascular system and prevent premature hardening of the arteries. The saponins in Chinese yam can lower cholesterol and triglycerides and have a beneficial effect on conditions like high blood pressure and high blood lipids.
Jade Tai Chi Chinese Yam
Strawberry Dafu
The evaporation ribs
The celery celery casserole