Early Autumn Tonics Can Harm the Body, TCM Doctor Advises White Foods for Lung Health

As summer gradually recedes, the 24 solar terms mark the beginning of autumn with 'Liqiu' (start of autumn) on August 7. However, traditional Chinese medicine practitioner Tao Bai-ying from Zhonghe Xinsheng Hall cautions that the weather in Taiwan often remains hot and humid, a period known as 'Autumn Tiger.' While daytime heat persists, evenings may bring a slight chill.

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Liqiu does not mean the weather will immediately turn cool. Especially in Taiwan, after Liqiu, it is often still hot and humid, the 'Autumn Tiger' period. The daytime heat has not yet receded, but the mornings and evenings are already slightly cool.

Tao emphasizes the importance of 'following the season for health,' with Liqiu being a crucial transition from summer to autumn. The key principles for this period are 'nourishing the lungs, moistening dryness, strengthening the spleen, and cultivating yin.' This approach helps the body adapt to seasonal changes, boosts immunity, and prepares for the colder months. She warns that premature 'tonifying' or improper eating habits can burden the digestive system, leading to inflammation and internal heat.

To counter dryness and support lung health, Tao recommends consuming white-colored foods, which are believed to benefit the lungs in TCM. Suitable ingredients include yams, lilies, white fungus (tremella), lotus seeds, pears, lotus root, and Job's tears. Simple preparations like "Lily and White Fungus Lotus Seed Soup" or "Chuanbei Stewed Pear" are ideal.

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Autumn Qi corresponds to the lungs. White foods mostly belong to the lung meridian, which can nourish yin and moisten dryness, repairing the respiratory tract and skin mucous membranes.

The dietary principle for this transitional period is to "reduce pungent flavors and increase sourness." Given the lingering heat, excessive consumption of spicy foods like hot pot, ginger duck, garlic, and grilled items can deplete vital fluids and qi, exacerbating dryness and internal heat. Conversely, sour foods such as smoked plums, lemons, hawthorn, grapes, and passion fruit can help "astringe lung qi and quench thirst."

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Sourness can 'astringe lung qi and quench thirst.' It is recommended to consume sour foods in moderation.

Staying hydrated is also crucial. Tao suggests drinking warm water, possibly with a little honey, or opting for gentle teas like goji berry and chrysanthemum tea to soothe a dry throat. She advises against the traditional practice of excessive 'autumn fat-gaining' with rich, heavy foods, as modern diets are often nutrient-rich. Overindulgence can strain the spleen and stomach, leading to weight gain and high cholesterol. A light, balanced diet is recommended to ease the digestive burden. She also highlights the need to care for spleen and stomach function during this transition, as prolonged reliance on cold foods can impair their function. The focus should gradually shift to mild, light, and balanced meals, avoiding immediate consumption of warming tonics like sesame oil chicken or lamb stew, which can overload the body.

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Do not rush to 'paste autumn fat' (tonifying with big fish and meat) just because it is Liqiu. Modern people are mostly well-nourished, and blind tonifying is not recommended, lest it increase the burden on the spleen and stomach or lead to obesity and hyperlipidemia.