24 Solar Terms -" Cold Dew "

"Cold dew" is the 17th of the 24 solar terms in the Chinese calendar, occurring around October 8th to 9th each year. It's the earliest solar term among the 24 that includes the character "cold" signifying the arrival of cold weather. Traditional Chinese medicine emphasizes "nourishing Yang in spring and summer and nourishing Yin in autumn and winter." When the weather turns cooler, it's the time when the body's Yang energy contracts, and Yin essence hides within. Therefore, after "Cold dew" health maintenance should focus on nourishing Yin essence.

1. Temperature Fluctuations: Beware of Colds and the Flu In October, as we transition into autumn, there are significant temperature differences between morning and evening, with warm noons. One should be cautious not to catch a cold, especially for the elderly and children, who have weaker immune systems. Besides wearing appropriate clothing, it's essential to keep the spine warm to invigorate Yang energy. The spine, located in the middle of the back, is where the Governing Vessel Du or "yang meridian of the governor" runs through, regulating the body's Yang energy.

2. Don't Oversleep in the Autumn Slump Autumn is a transitional period when Yang energy gradually declines, and Yin energy rises. During this time of Yin-Yang transformation, unique phenomena may occur, such as the autumn fatigue, characterized by lethargy and low energy. The best way to prevent autumn fatigue is through exercise, such as hiking, walking, or playing sports, as it helps alleviate these symptoms.

3. Proper Nourishment during Dry Weather At the beginning of autumn, the weather tends to be dry. In your diet, choose foods that nourish Yin and moisturize, like tremella mushrooms, Ophiopogon japonicus , dendrobium , snow pears, and especially seasonal fruits like persimmons. Persimmons are considered sweet and astringent, with a cold nature, making them useful for clearing heat, moistening the lungs, resolving phlegm, relieving thirst, and strengthening the spleen. They can help alleviate symptoms like constipation, hemorrhoids, dry cough, sore throat, and high blood pressure. Additionally, during "Cold dew " it's suitable for some nutritional supplementation. Proper nourishment in autumn can effectively strengthen the body, boost immunity, and prepare for the arrival of winter.

Below, Chinaturel introduces several "cold dew" health-nourishing soups:

A. Red Date, Peanut, and Solomon's Seal Congee Ingredients: 15 red dates, 15g Solomon's Seal , 1 ounce peanuts, 1 Chinese yam, rice (as needed). Instructions: Wash all ingredients, put them in a pot with water, and cook congee.

B. Pork Tendon, Astragalus, Chinese Yam, and Arrowroot Soup Ingredients: 1 pork tendon, 15g Astragalus , 20g Rehmannia , 1 Chinese yam, 0.5 pound arrowroot. Instructions: Wash all ingredients, blanch the pork tendon, then put them in a pot with water to make soup.

C. Coconut, Chinese Yam, Goji Berry, Jujube, and Chicken Soup Ingredients: 1 coconut, 1 Chinese yam, 30g goji berries, 10 red dates, 1 chicken. Instructions: Wash all ingredients, put them in a pot with water to make soup.

D. Lily, Red Dates, Lotus Seeds, and Ginkgo Congee Ingredients: 30g lily bulbs, 20 red dates, 20g lotus seeds, 15 ginkgo nuts, rice, and rock sugar (as needed). Instructions: Wash all ingredients, put them in a pot with water to make congee. Add rock sugar for taste when nearly cooked.

These soups are designed to nourish specific aspects of your health during the " cold dew " period, such as nourishing blood, moistening dryness, and boosting immunity. Enjoy them as part of your autumn health routine!

Rhizoma Polygonati 

https://www.chinaturel.nl/en/huang-jing-sheng-rhizoma-polygonati-500-gr/a9529?search=%E9%BB%84%E7%B2%BE&m=9534

Spleen Form   

https://www.chinaturel.nl/cn/jian-pi-wan-jianpiwan-spleen-form/a9801?search=%E5%81%A5%E8%84%BE

Radix Dioscoreae oppositae

https://www.chinaturel.nl/cn/shan-yao-sheng-shanyao-sheng-radix-dioscoreae-oppositae-500-gr/a8409?search=%E5%B1%B1%E8%8D%AF&m=8414

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